The battle over firearms on campus will hit a high point today as U President Bernie Machen will argue in favor of his no-gun policy in front of the decidedly pro-gun Legislature.

Who prevails may take years to sort out, as both lawmakers and Machen have mentioned the possibility of a court proceeding.

Because this issue affects everyone at the U, the debate on concealed weapons should not just take place in the state Capitol or the courtroom, but all across campus.

Machen said his no-gun stance reflects the opinions of the faculty and students he represents. But does it?

Yes, the Academic Senate members overwhelmingly passed a resolution showing their disgust for guns two years ago, but students have never made any unified statement.

The Daily Utah Chronicle is split on the issue. Some of the editorial board side with Machen, others with lawmakers. The question is, where do you stand?

Do you believe that guns on campus would intimidate people and impede the academic freedom that so many hold as the most important component in honest and real learning?

Do you believe that guns on campus would allow law-abiding students the rights that the Legislature has already given them, namely to protect themselves?

No one knows where the majority of students sit on the issue. So students have to tell us. Not only The Chronicle, but Machen and the legislators.

These decision-makers need to have a strong grasp on the opinions of students as they attempt to act on our behalf.

Let your voices be heard on this contentious issue, but please speak in respectful tones.

It won’t help anyone to stick to the rhetoric that has consumed the country’s gun debate. Come at this with thought as well as feeling. Emotion alone will only add heat to an already red-hot issue.

Honest discussion will lead to an understanding of the opinions on campus and will help our leaders as they debate whether a student should have the right to pack a concealed weapon to class or not.