There are plenty of “safe spaces” on campuses across the nation, but Liberty University is redefining the term. In March, Liberty opened its own on-campus gun range.

For many, this brings excitement, but I’m sure for some, this seems unnecessary or even dangerous.

Here’s the thing: If students want to shoot, having a safe place for them to practice, learn, and enjoy their hobby is a great idea. Before going to the range, students are required to take a gun safety course by the Liberty University Police Department.

Liberty is making sure that students interested in firearms are well-trained and are taking the opportunity to teach and train students seriously. Instead of taking an extreme stance about guns or ignoring them altogether, Liberty is providing a safe place with precautions for students to exercise their Second Amendment rights. For Liberty, a safe space isn’t a designated spot on campus for students to speak their mind. That type of safe space is not needed at Liberty because students are free to speak openly without fear. A Liberty University safe space is the gun range.

I believe more schools need gun ranges and classes. The way to reduce gun violence is through education and practice. Citizens need to be informed and know how to safely handle a gun. When people aren’t educated, they make judgments about things they don’t understand and impact issues for the worse. Additionally, the uninformed are more likely to misuse privileges.

On Liberty’s campus, students are also allowed to concealed carry. Of course, there are policies and regulations that carriers have to follow to ensure safety. The students who choose to carry have been trained — they know what to do and what not to do.

As for the gun range, there are many protocols in place to ensure safety. In addition to the mandatory gun class taught by the LUPD, there is always a supervisor on site, and only five students are allowed in the shooting line at once.

Liberty takes education and safety seriously. The gun range is meant to give students another opportunity to try something new and hone their skills. I think it is an excellent decision to open the gun range, and it makes me proud and excited to know that I go to a school that supports the Second Amendment and gives students the tools necessary to exercise their rights.

Liberty opening a gun range shows that they are serious about their students and their interests. Personally, I look forward to being trained and practicing my aim. I look forward to being a Flame with a firearm.