HUNTINGTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Marshall University is continuing to prepare for Campus Carry implementation with town hall meetings scheduled.
In an email sent to Marshall University (MU) students, MU President Brad Smith says that work continues ahead of the official implementation of Campus Carry.
The West Virginia Self-Defense Act officially takes effect this summer on July 1.
It will allow those with a valid gun license to carry a concealed weapon in designated campus areas.
“As we head toward the spring and all the excitement that it brings – warmer weather, our spring commencement, and time with friends and family, we’re reaching out today to share some important updates with our campus community about the impending implementation of Senate Bill 10, the West Virginia Self-Defense Act – aka Campus Carry,” Smith said.
“We’ve been working hard preparing for the bill’s implementation, partnering with various campus constituents to identify potential hurdles and collaborate on needed safety measures.”
Smith says some examples of this ongoing work include:
- The creation of a Campus Carry Implementation Group. Meeting monthly, the group features classified and non-classified staff members across the Marshall Community – including representatives from Government Relations, Campus Safety, Communications, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Athletics, Government Relations, and the President’s Office.
- Input from the Campus & Community Safety Work Group. Also meeting monthly, this group collaborates with city and local officials to identify and strategize on general safety practices that could be implemented to benefit the university and surrounding community. Through this effort, they gain valuable insights from beyond the borders of our campus.
- The Action Learning Team conducted research by consulting various athletic and entertainment departments regarding campus carry policies for mass gatherings. The focus was on identifying similarities, differences, and effective practices. Police departments at schools, including Arkansas State University, Georgia Southern University, Georgia State University, University of South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, and the University of Texas, were consulted to understand standard practices.
- Campus Carry Website. An evolving source of information, this will serve as the go-to resource for timely information on this important issue. It will include frequently asked questions and contact information for the Marshall University Police Department and local safety officials and outline how they actively work to keep the campus safe.
“And much is still to come as we work diligently to support our campus community. Some of our upcoming efforts include various Town Hall Meeting opportunities this spring where members of our safety team will facilitate an open dialogue about the particulars of the law and answer questions,” Smith stated.
“This will be an invaluable exercise as we garner feedback and continually find ways to improve our practices.”
Below are the official town hall dates and times:
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 | Noon
In-person, MSC2E28 Shawkey Dining Room
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 | 4 p.m.
Virtual (TEAMS link coming soon)
“As we move forward together into this new era of campus safety, it’s essential to understand the basics of this new law. Licensed carriers must conceal handguns – all other firearms are prohibited on campus,” Smith explained.
“If someone chooses to bring a handgun onto the Marshall Campus, it is their responsibility to know in which spaces concealed carry is allowed and which areas are gun-free.”