West Texas A&M University students seem to favor a rule that would allow them to pack heat on campus.

The school’s student government association has been conducting an online “poll” to gauge students’ attitudes about concealed handgun carry and have learned that to date about 67 of respondents favor the idea.

http://www.connectamarillo.com/news/story.aspx?id=866687

But before the WT student group plows ahead, it’s good to remember something: They don’t run the place; administrators and faculty members do … and they all answer to a governing Texas A&M University System board of regents, which likely will have to sign off on any such notion.

Personally, I believe allowing students to carry guns under their jackets or in their purses is a nutty notion. But that’s just me.

At another level, though, I’m impressed that the WT Student Government Association is taking a keen interest in an issue that exploded on the national scene last December when a madman opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., killing 20 first-graders and six teachers before killing himself.

The WT student senate is expected to make a recommendation soon to the administration, the A&M regents and to the area’s legislative delegation on its findings. My hunch is that all the parties – with the possible exception of WT administrators – would be receptive to allowing students to carry guns on campus.

I’m hoping they all give this idea some careful thought and deliberation before moving forward on what well might be a knee-jerk reaction to a grievous national tragedy.