Who Feels Safe? Students’ Perceptions of Campus Safety and Handgun Carry Through an Intersectional Lens

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 1:45 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Transforming inclusive enviroments in higher education

Abstract

This study examines how gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation influence college students’ perceptions of campus safety and concealed handgun policies. Using a quantitative, causal-comparative design, survey data were collected from 275 students at a public university in Texas. Results indicate that female, LGBTQ, and Black students reported significantly greater fear of crime and stronger opposition to campus handgun carry compared to their male, heterosexual, and White peers. Factorial ANOVA revealed interaction effects, particularly among gender and sexual orientation groups. These findings highlight identity-based disparities in safety perceptions and policy attitudes. The study contributes to ongoing policy discussions by emphasizing the need for inclusive, data-informed campus safety strategies that address the concerns of marginalized student populations.

Authors

• Lee H. DeBoer, Collin College

• JoHyun Kim, Texas A&M University

• Katie K. Koo, University of Georgia