Hillsdale, NRA share regard for Second Amendment
Mark Hensch
Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: News
Hillsdale College's liberal arts education occasionally crosses paths with the National Rifle Association's campaign for firearm rights and safety.
Following the creation of the Hillsdale College Outdoor Firearms Education Facility, the two organizations are defending the Second Amendment of the American Constitution side-by-side despite lacking a formal relationship.
"The Second Amendment is an important part of the Constitution," President Larry Arnn said. "Responsible gun ownership is a tradition and right under the American Constitution."
The opening of the Firearms Education Facility during the 2009 spring semester marks the latest display of support for gun rights on campus. In addition to the new shooting range, Hillsdale also teaches firearms in its personal safety and basic shotgun courses. A campus Shotgun Club, meanwhile, gives students the chance to practice their marksmanship together.
Arnn said moves such as these strengthen the Constitution in general and the Second Amendment in particular. He said Hillsdale supports the right to keep and bear arms as it is part of the greater whole which is America's Constitutional foundation.
"It is important to look at the Constitution as a whole document," Arnn said. "The Second Amendment fits in with the Constitutional scheme. It is connected to defense of the country, per-sonal defense and personal sovereignty of the people as a body over the government."
David Raney, associate professor of history, said the NRA has promoted firearm ownership, safety and training better than any other organization in history. A member of the group since age 14, he said gun ownership is not just an American right but an American institution.
"My family has been a gun-owning family for generations," he said. "It is part of my cultural heritage. Whether people realize it or not, it is part of our common cultural heritage. Firearms ownership is a vital element of citizenship as it ensures the independence of individuals and our Republic."
Following the creation of the Hillsdale College Outdoor Firearms Education Facility, the two organizations are defending the Second Amendment of the American Constitution side-by-side despite lacking a formal relationship.
"The Second Amendment is an important part of the Constitution," President Larry Arnn said. "Responsible gun ownership is a tradition and right under the American Constitution."
The opening of the Firearms Education Facility during the 2009 spring semester marks the latest display of support for gun rights on campus. In addition to the new shooting range, Hillsdale also teaches firearms in its personal safety and basic shotgun courses. A campus Shotgun Club, meanwhile, gives students the chance to practice their marksmanship together.
Arnn said moves such as these strengthen the Constitution in general and the Second Amendment in particular. He said Hillsdale supports the right to keep and bear arms as it is part of the greater whole which is America's Constitutional foundation.
"It is important to look at the Constitution as a whole document," Arnn said. "The Second Amendment fits in with the Constitutional scheme. It is connected to defense of the country, per-sonal defense and personal sovereignty of the people as a body over the government."
David Raney, associate professor of history, said the NRA has promoted firearm ownership, safety and training better than any other organization in history. A member of the group since age 14, he said gun ownership is not just an American right but an American institution.
"My family has been a gun-owning family for generations," he said. "It is part of my cultural heritage. Whether people realize it or not, it is part of our common cultural heritage. Firearms ownership is a vital element of citizenship as it ensures the independence of individuals and our Republic."
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