Dante Desousa

Honorable Members of the Committee, My name is Dante DeSousa, and I am a former New Hampshire resident and the former State Chair of New Hampshire for Young Americans for Liberty. In my role, I worked across numerous college campuses in New Hampshire, helping students establish chapters, engage in activism, advocate for student rights, and even secure opportunities in grassroots political efforts. Through my experiences, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of empowering students to protect their rights—and among those rights is the fundamental right to self-defense. The right to carry on campus is not just a matter of constitutional principle—it is a matter of safety. Data shows that over 10% of students experience sexual assault during their time in college, and countless others become victims of robbery and violent crime. Women, in particular, face a heightened risk; nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the U.S. have experienced rape, physical violence, or stalking by a partner, with many reporting lasting impacts on their well-being. This bill is about saving lives. It ensures that students—especially women—have the ability to defend themselves against predators without fear of institutional punishment. No student should be forced to choose between their right to self-defense and their education. The fundamental right to bear arms does not disappear at the doors of a university, and New Hampshire residents attending college should not be stripped of their ability to protect themselves simply because they stepped onto campus property. I urge this committee to recognize that campus carry is not about politics—it’s about ensuring students have the means to defend themselves in the face of real and pressing dangers. I ask for your support on this bill to uphold the rights and safety of students across New Hampshire. Thank you for your time and consideration.