The letter urged lawmakers to reject the legislation, saying that after replaying the events, they believe adding more people and guns to the event would have made it more dangerous.

The College of Southern Idaho also opposes the legislation, which still needs to pass the Senate.

Tim Yenne, 33, a criminal justice and pre-law CSI student from Hazelton, has a concealed weapon permit and said he can see both sides of the issue. While he understands the concerns of those opposed to guns on campus, Yenne said that those with permits have to go through background checks and be responsible.

“They know the dos and don’ts, and if it’s concealed and nobody is flaunting it, to be honest I don’t see the issue with it,” he said.

CSI President Jerry Beck told lawmakers in a letter that the change would only add to the confusion, with police unable to distinguish between the perpetrators and legally armed citizens.

Votes among south-central Idaho were mixed.

Rep. Maxine Bell, R-Jerome, said the decision should be up to colleges and universities, which already have the right to allow firearms on campus.