They are wearing these to encourage you to consider what it means to carry a concealed handgun, specifically on campus. I know it might seem awkward to glance at someone's waistline, and certainly don't get your self into trouble, but please take note. Some people wear ribbons, T-shirts, or hats to voice certain things, and this is no different.

If you missed Friday's CT, I'll recap. The protest is organized by Students for Concealed Carry on Campus (SCCC), www.ConcealedCampus.org, and encourages participation by simply wearing an empty holster this week and going about your normal day. This passive protest approach is meant to show that advocates of this right are just like you and me, and are comfortable with carrying to protect themselves (and potentially others).

While I could take this opportunity to argue many of the points of this debate, I will instead encourage you to consider them and read up on your own, and then discuss them with others. For more information and to discuss this, check out the various Facebook groups, the SCCC Web site, and Friday's CT article — you can find that at collegiatetimes.com and search for "concealed carry." There is a great discussion going on there, too.

If you see a participant, please voice your opinion! I'll acknowledge "I support concealed carry" or "that's not going to work" in my general direction, as well as stopping to engage and discuss. I know many of us will be using our voices Thursday night, why not give it to this, too?

Ken Stanton

Ph.D. Student, Engineering Education