Per university regulations, no “dangerous weapons” are permitted on campus: in the midst of a directive made by Governor Mark Gordon, this may soon change.
The university recently issued a release detailing the desire for input on a potential change to the ability to concealed carry on campus. UW regulation 6-4 prevents “dangerous weapons” from being used or carried anywhere on campus, with some exceptions made by UWPD when necessary and under the condition that the individual is qualified to handle the weapon.
Governor Mark Gordon issued a directive to the State Construction Department regarding rules that would allow concealed carry in state facilities. The directive was relatively well received by most but was also met with scrutiny as the legislature attempted to pass a bill regarding the issue which was vetoed.
On campus the discussion around the topic of concealed carry has already heated up. 2023 saw a student-led initiative to try to push for the allowance of taser usage on campus as a form of self-defense. This initiative was relatively unsuccessful which hotly juxtaposes the idea of allowing concealed carry on campus.
The university is handling the discussion in a variety of ways, with the Staff Senate already drafting a preliminary resolution on the matter. This resolution strives to address the topic from the perspective of campus staff and the subsequent votes on the resolution will show the staff point of view on the important issue.
In terms of student input, there is a feedback form that students, in addition to community members and other members of the university, can use to give their input on the idea of allowing concealed carry on campus. This directive and the university response will fundamentally change the way guns are handled on campus and thus students are highly encouraged to weight in.
The Board of Trustees has also established a comment forum at 10:30am on September 26th in order to allow in-person comments on the matter. The release featuring this information stated that individuals who wish to address the board ought to arrive early so they may register.
The decisions made on this matter will affect not just students but all community members within Wyoming. This directive would affect facilities beyond just the UW campus and would be a landmark change in the state.
