According to Campus Police, Taser guns have been legal in North Carolina for about a year. However, they are not allowed on campus because they are considered weapons.

Tasers are deadly – they can kill if not used properly. As it stands now, anyone can purchase a Taser, most without a background check – which means they are available to criminals.

A Taser shoots out two 15- to 20-foot wires attached to two darts that penetrate the skin. The user then pulls a trigger, which sends a charge of electricity into the body of the victim.

Police departments all over the world use the guns to subdue criminals.

Tasers are now available to the public as a means for personal protection – they even come in personalized colors with laser sight.

The last thing we need is people, including students, carrying around potentially deadly weapons on campus, let alone surrounding areas.

First of all, Tasers would be a popular choice for practical jokes. The perception is that Tasers simply supply a shock – their potential deadliness is overlooked. Try “tasering” someone in the heart and see how many years you spend in jail.

Guardian Self Defense claims one of its new Taser guns incapacitate victims quicker than a 9 mm handgun, although that same gun requires a background check to purchase.

It is understandable that students feel unsafe on any college campus including ours, which is nestled up to downtown Raleigh, but there are other means of protection.

Mace, for instance, is a perfect way to scare off would-be attackers. The blue-light system throughout campus is also helpful, coupled with the University’s late-night escort service.

Campus Police also offers safety classes to teach you how to utilize weapons that can’t be taken and used against you, such as your hands and legs.

People should be allowed to carry around personal protection, but when the weapon is potentially deadly, they should be subjected to the same training police officers go through – currently buying and using most Taser guns is as simple as buying milk from the grocery store.

The fact remains, they shouldn’t be allowed on campus under any circumstance.

We commend the University and Campus Police for not conforming to North Carolina law and allowing these types of weapons on campus – they have no place here.

There is just as much likelihood that someone would use a Taser for self-defense as they would to commit a crime such as robbery.

All Tasers purchased should require a background check and proper training.

Our campus should stay Taser-free, regardless of the foolish laws North Carolina representatives pass.