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K-State Today

August 24, 2016

A letter from V.P. Cindy Bontrager: University weapons policy revised draft available for review

Submitted by Cindy Bontrager

Dear faculty, staff and students,

On July 1, 2017 the current exemption in state law for concealed carry at Kansas universities expires and concealed carry will be allowed at Kansas State University and other public universities in the state for eligible individuals.

The Kansas Board of Regents approved an amended weapons policy for the system at its January 2016 meeting. During the past spring semester, the Weapons Advisory Work Group — using the amended policy — worked closely with faculty, staff and students to solicit input to determine how best to comply with the new law on the K-State campuses.

Over the summer, the work group developed a draft university weapons policy and President's Cabinet reviewed the draft policy. The revised draft weapons policy is available on the Vice President for Administration and Finance website. The work group appreciates your review of the draft policy and invites your input and suggestions no later than Sept. 16.

I would like to emphasize a few important additions to the new policy draft:

  • Open carry of firearms and possession of weapons other than concealed handguns will remain prohibited on campus.
  • Individuals who are 21 years or older and carry a handgun on campus must carry it concealed on or about their person at all times and the handgun must be secured in a holster that completely covers the trigger and the entire trigger guard area and that secures any external hammer in an uncocked position.
  • No university locations, including on-campus residential units, have been designated as prohibiting concealed carry with permanent adequate security measures. The university may designate a specific location as temporarily prohibiting concealed carry and use temporary adequate security measures as defined and required by law. Appropriate notice will be given when a temporary designation is made.
  • The university will not provide handgun storage devices under any circumstances. Handgun storage on campus is prohibited — except when stored in an individual's privately-owned or leased motor vehicle when the vehicle is locked and the handgun is secured in a location within the vehicle that is not visible from outside the vehicle, or when stored in an individual's on-campus residential unit when the handgun is secured in a holster and in an approved storage device. Storage of handguns is prohibited in university classrooms, labs, offices and facilities.
  • Some students living in campus residential units, who are 21 years and older, may be eligible to carry a concealed handgun. They must comply with all university, Board of Regents and state of Kansas rules, including safe storage and safe carrying rules. Housing will accommodate a room change for anyone who does not want a roommate with a concealed handgun.

The work group will host an open forum to discuss the draft weapons policy from 2-3:30 p.m. Sept. 15 in Forum Hall in the K-State Student Union. Considering the campus input and suggestions, the work group will submit the final policy draft for approval by the President’s Cabinet and Gen. Richard Myers, interim president. Once approved, the revised policy will be submitted to the Regents Governance Committee for review and acceptance during the October meeting.

The university is committed to providing a safe environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors. Thank you for your cooperation and input as we prepare to implement the Kansas law.

Sincerely,

Cindy Bontrager
Vice President for Administration and Finance