Concealed carry forbidden on BYU-I campus

By Elise Sakievich, Scroll

New legislation went into effect allowing people with Idahos enhanced concealed carry permit
to bring guns on public college and university campuses July 1. This law, however, does not
apply to BYU-Idaho.
Ric Page, associate academic vice president of BYU-I, said the university has made the decision
to be weapon-free. The law is for public universities and has no effect on private institutions.
The BYU-I campus is dedicated by the prophets of the Lord to be a peaceful environment
for inspired learning and teaching. The presence of personal carry firearms and weapons on any
university property is inconsistent with that purpose, according to a university-wide email
addressing the policy.
Leah Hasler, a senior studying recreational management, said shes not against the policy
because the decisions about the Churchs universities are divinely inspired.
Hasler said most of the recent shootings have occurred in schools and on campuses, and if
professors or students had been armed, there could have been less damage.
Haakan Bohman, a junior studying exercise physiology, said, I think we should be able to carry
concealed guns, but I respect that BYU-I is a private school and should be allowed to do what
they want. Being a church school sets us apart because were guided by our beliefs.
According to the National Conference of State Legislature, many states are considering
legislation about whether or not to permit guns on campuses because of the campus shootings in
recent years.
For some, these events point to a need to ease existing firearm regulations and allow concealed
weapons on campuses, according to the NCSL. Others see the solution in tightening
restrictions to keep guns off campuses.
Since 2013, more than 19 states have introduced laws allowing some form of concealed carry,
according to the NCSL. Five states tried, without success, to pass bills prohibiting concealed
carry weapons.
It is the intent of this Legislature to provide for the safety of students, faculty and staff of state
colleges and universities to allow for the possession or carrying of firearms by certain licensed
persons on state college and university campuses, according to the bill passed by the Legislature
of Idaho.

Those who carry a concealed-carry permit can carry guns on campus but not in public places
capable of holding 1,000 people, like residence halls and football stadiums, according to the
legislation.
This permit can only be acquired through an eight-hour training course provided by a National
Rifle Association instructor.
I think the gun control fanatics who think owning a gun makes you more of a threat are
seriously misguided, Hasler said. To get a permit you need training. You need to pass written
and shooting tests. They take it seriously. People who go through the effort of getting a license
are less likely to abuse it.
The Idaho Sheriffs Association said that the new bill will boost safety and protect gun rights
stated in the Bill of Rights.
Senator Curtis McKenzie said the bill restores the basic right in the Second Amendment, but
according to Boise State Universitys Web page, their president, Bob Kustra, fought against the
bill and said it would endanger students and visitors.
I should note that every public college and university president in our state and every member
of the State Board of Education with responsibility for K-20 schools in Idaho also oppose the
bill, McKenzie said.
Hundreds of Idaho residents gathered at the Capitol to protest the bill, according to Idaho
Statesman.
According to Idaho Statesman, Police Chief Mike Masterson is preparing for complaints.
From reading the polls, it looks like overwhelmingly people are against guns on campus, but the
governor and his Legislature want to see it a law, he said.
Idaho State University has hired armed safety officers to patrol campus and protect the students,
according to the Huffington Post.
Bohman said there are several students from Idaho who go hunting and shooting, and guns arent
such a problem.
If in the future they allow students to carry guns on campus, Id be all for it, Hasler said. Id
be one of them. But if not, theres a good reason for it.