Southern West Virginia students, faculty share opposition to campus carry

On Tuesday, New River Community and Technical College joined a number of higher education institutions publicly opposing the "campus carry" bill under consideration by the West Virginia Legislature.

House Bill 2519, the "Campus Self Defense Act," would prohibit colleges from blocking people, including students, who have a permit to conceal carry a gun on campus. A few exceptions have been written into the bill, which would prevent concealed firearms from being carried in campus daycares, disciplinary hearings, dorm rooms and organized events with the capacity for more than 1,000 attendees.

The bill advanced Tuesday with amendments pending. The amendment and passage debate will be held Wednesday in the state House of Delegates.

"Campus safety is of utmost importance to New River Community and Technical College," the official statement read. "We respect the rights of gun owners and understand the training needed for one to obtain a concealed carry permit, but maintaining campus safety extends beyond HB-2519, the Campus Self Defense Act."

Read more: https://www.register-herald.com/news/state_region/southern-west-virginia-students-faculty-share-opposition-to-campus-carry/article_abb519da-9d9d-5bfe-86aa-4040172b700e.html