September 27, 2004 == MEDIA ADVISORY
Calvin College has become one of a growing number of colleges and universities
across the country, and in west Michigan, to ban "toy guns" from its campus.
The guns are often called "AirSoft" guns after a leading manufacturer of the
toys. They closely resemble actual guns in look, weight and action, but employ
air propulsion to shoot plastic pellets.
Calvin dean of residence life John Witte broke the news to students at the
Christian college last week with a memo outlining his reasons for the
decision.
Simply put, says Witte, the guns haven't caused a problem yet, but it was just
a matter of time.
"AirSoft guns are intended to look extremely realistic," says Witte. "There
are documented cases of (these guns) fooling people, including law enforcement
officers. That's something we definitely do not want to take a chance with."
In addition, says Witte, the guns, while not as forceful as a BB or pellet
gun, can be hazardous, generating enough power to cause eye damage.
In his memo Witte asked all students who possess the guns to remove them from
campus or turn them in to their resident director for safe-keeping until a time
when they are able to bring the items home. Those not turned in will be
confiscated and Calvin will enforce a $25 fine.
Witte knows the decision may not be popular with students, but says it's the
right move nonetheless.
"There's a whole culture growing up around these," he says, "but we do not
believe they're compatible with a school environment."
Locally both Hope College and Grand Valley State University have also banned
the guns.
Although the guns are identifiable by the orange tips on their barrels, owners
commonly remove or paint over the telltale identifier says Witte.
The cost of the guns ranges from $30 to over $300.
Contact John Witte at 616-526-6546
-end-
Received on Mon Sep 27 14:45:52 2004
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