University of Texas at Austin: #CocksNotGlocks

As Americans watch their nightly news, there is no denying that violence is incredibly abundant, especially gun violence. The question lies with what can be done about the issue.

Since 2013, there have been 149 school shootings in the United States. Of those, 48 have taken place on college campuses with an intent to harm the student body. In October 2015 alone, the number of university shootings has increased, prompting a response from both lawmakers and enforcers.

In response to recent shootings, Texas legislature has recently passed Senate Bill 11, allowing concealed carry on campus. This bill, however, is not scheduled to be in effect until August 1, 2016, in recognition of the 50^th anniversary of the University of Texas Tower shooting.

Though the legislature views the passing of this bill as incredibly positive, many students are outraged. University of Texas at Austin student Jessica Jin initiated a protest of the bill with the slogan #CocksNotGlocks. Jin is encouraging fellow students to carry sex toys to class next fall in lieu of handguns. Jin describes the sex toy she plans to carry as “Just about as effective at protecting us from sociopathic shooters, but much safer for recreational play.”

Less than two days after Jin created the protest, over 1,700 people pledged support, and many, in contrast, have threatened her. When asked about the feedback she has gotten about her protest, Jin responded, “People want me dead for a dildo. It’s the type of reaction that we could only hope to see from them when they hear of a child being gunned down in a classroom…”

Though it is positive that steps are being taken towards making students feel safer on campus, is allowing concealed carry the proper move? With the reactions Jin has received over her protest alone, it seems that students may not be ready for the responsibility of carrying a gun to their classes.