Representatives from the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action hoped to trigger student involvement in their campaign to promote gun rights when they visited UF Wednesday night.
Speaking before a crowd of about 60 people at the Florida Gym, two grassroots coordinators from the gun advocacy group came as part of the NRA University program, which attempts to educate college students about their rights to bear arms.
“We’re entering an era of very, very close elections,” said Seth Waugh, one of the coordinators. “Don’t just make a point, make a difference.”
The coordinators addressed misconceptions about the impact of guns on society by arguing against a correlation between gun ownership and crime.
Although the event was sponsored by the UF College Republicans, the coordinators stressed their message was nonpartisan.
“We don’t care if you’re Republican, Democrat, Green Party or Libertarian, as long as you’re with us, we support you,” said Kristiana Cupp, a coordinator.
Johnathan Lott, chairman of the UF College Republicans, considered the event a success.
“We want people to know their rights,” he said. “When people go to the ballot box in August, they’ll vote for the people who will protect their Second Amendment rights as opposed to those candidates who will take them away.”
