Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University is big mad at potential Kansas Constitutional Amendment

The Topeka Capital-Journal published an opinion piece by Alexandra Middlewood, PhD, the department chair of political science at Wichita State University (WSU) regarding a potential new constitutional amendment to the Kansas Constitution. As Middlewood explains in her opinion piece, the amendment would make it so that Section 4 of the Kansas Bill of Rights would include possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories and firearm components as constitutionally protected rights.

The following words would also be added:

“The right to keep and bear arms is a natural and fundamental right. This shall not be infringed. Any restriction of such right shall be subject to the strict scrutiny standard.”

Middlewood goes into a little history surrounding Section 4, before stating that “this proposed amendment contradicts Kansans’ public opinion on gun regulation.”

She provides statistics from one study from Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University to support her stance, and while this is fine to feel this way, Rep. Rebecca Schmoe (R), who introduced the legislation, had a brief response that made Middlewood’s whole opinion piece seem silly.

“One would think, if the author of the article really believed the numbers quoted, they would welcome this amendment going to public vote in the November ballot.

“It seems disingenuous, at best, to offer statistics such as those quoted and still be scared of the public having an official vote.

“Maybe, they aren’t as confident in their statistics as they try to lead you to believe.”

Should the chambers pass the legislation, Kansans will be able to vote on this year’s ballot, deciding for themselves as to whether or not they would like this amendment change to the Kansas Constitution.