Liberty to allow guns on campus

Liberty University’s Board of Trustees announced on Friday, Nov. 11, that students would now be able to carry a concealed gun on campus.

Students were informed of the new policy Wednesday, Nov. 16. The policy, found on the Liberty University Police Department’s (LUPD) website, now allows firearms on campus grounds should approval be given to students on an individual basis.

Colonel Richard D. Hinkley, LUPD’s chief of police, said that handguns will be the only concealed weapon approved for students to carry on campus.

“Anyone who wishes to carry must complete an application and obtain approval from the Police Department,” Hinkley said.

According to Liberty’s new policy, students wishing to seek permission to carry a hand gun must first contact LUPD for an application. Students must also provide the department with a copy of their concealed weapons permit, identification documentation and the make, model and caliber of the weapon they wish to carry.

Some faculty and staff, according to the LUPD website, are now permitted to carry concealed weapons inside academic buildings. However, students are not allowed to bring their weapons inside any university facility. Weapons are also allowed to be stored within the LUPD building once approval is granted.

LUPD will not release the current number of students, faculty or staff who have sought permission to carry a concealed weapon on campus or who have already been given permission.

According to Hinkley, there is not a concern over the possibility of an increased chance of a shooting with the new policy. The new policy, according to both Hinkley and LUPD’s website, is the trend on numerous college campuses today.

“It is a person’s right to carry concealed once they have training and obtain a license,” Hinkley said.