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LAWMAKERS might be tempted to let University of Oklahoma President David Boren beg. He's offered to do just that to keep the Legislature from allowing concealed weapons on college campuses.

"If it would help for me to get down on my knees to plead with the Legislature for the safety of our students, I would do so,” Boren said last week.

Boren and the vast majority of the state's other college and university presidents are united in opposition to a bill that originally would have allowed concealed weapons permit holders age 21 and older to carry guns on college campuses. The proposal has since been scaled back, limiting authorization to permit holders who are veterans, active-duty military and National Guard and reserve personnel and those with law enforcement certification.

The revision makes a bad idea better — but not by much. School officials and students have rightfully pointed out that in the case of a shooting, law enforcement would have a tough time figuring out the bad guys from the good guys. Boren contends the bill also would hurt student and faculty recruitment.

We understand lawmakers want to protect students from high-profile shootings like the recent one in Illinois. But this bill is a knee-jerk reaction.

Roger Webb, president of the University of Central Oklahoma and a former state public safety director, said proponents are well-meaning "but I fear an unintended consequence. If it passes, Oklahoma colleges could become the most dangerous in the nation.”

It's worth noting that concealed weapons would continue to be banned at other government buildings, including the state Capitol and city, county, state and federal offices. Lawmakers would be better served to let higher education officials determine how to best keep students safe and help identify the resources to make that happen.