MSU allows people to carry concealed firearms on campus
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Although guns remain prohibited from MSU campus buildings, those with concealed weapons permits now can carry a firearm through campus, following a MSU Board of Trustees vote Friday.
MSU’s rules prior to the board meeting, which completely banned guns from campus, were changed to match those of the county and state, MSU spokesman Kent Cassella said.
“The policy we have and the rules we have are not changing, just that one narrow portion, to better align with county and state law,” he said.
The trustees voted 7-1 to make the exception, with Trustee Colleen McNamara voting against it because of a concern the state was interfering with MSU’s independence. The state Legislature contradicts a prior decision made by the Board of Trustees to create an ordinance banning guns from campus, she said.
McNamara said MSU police were torn between enforcing the state law and enforcing the campus ordinance. She said the Board of Trustees does not want to fight state law over the issue and her vote was intended to be symbolic.
“I want to hold the thought. We did have an ordinance that said no guns on campus and maybe someday we will have a similar ordinance,” she said.
Although some students said they were uncomfortable with the change, others, such as apparel and textile design junior Jessica Stevens, said they supported the right to self-defense.
“I don’t really feel too great about guns in general, but I feel like people have a right to defend themselves, especially women, so whatever makes them feel safe is OK,” she said.
But human nutrition senior Eric Gurzelo questioned whether the change would make a difference.
“Looking at the Virginia Tech massacre, the first person shot was a professor who had a concealed weapon in his car,” he said.
The issue came up for vote because under MSU’s former ordinance, a person with a concealed weapons permit, which legally allows them to carry a weapon, would be issued a citation, Cassella said.
“Even though I might only have done a traffic violation, the police will have to write me another citation, even though I have a permit and did nothing wrong,” he said. “It’s kind of a catch-22.”
At the University of Michigan, guns still are completely banned, with the county prosecutor enforcing the ban, McNamara said. She said the prosecutor who handles crime on MSU’s campus did not prosecute people who violated MSU’s ordinance, instead siding with state law and prompting the board’s vote to change policy.
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just
(06/22/09 8:46am)Report
What does the new ruling say? There is no precise description of the differences. What is allowed, driving through campus, walking through campus or walking around campus? What is the exact change? The quotes seem to be taken out of context and makes this story disjointed. This is a poorly written piece.
Mel S
(06/22/09 10:32am)Report
The article is not very clear on the state laws. It is against state law to carry a concealed weapon at a school. From the list of pistol free areas: http://michigan.gov/msp/1,1607,7-123-1591_3503_4654-10947—,00.html
You may not carry a concealed pistol at: “Schools or school property but may carry while in a vehicle on school property while dropping off or picking up if a parent or legal guardian”
CoonDog
(06/22/09 11:46am)Report
The above link given by Mel S for Pistol Free Areas via the MSP is incorrect. The correct link is here:
http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1591_3503_4654-10947—,00.html
The actual text of the MCL for pistol free areas for concealed carry can be found here:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(yvcvgd3phrjnvujs5vc0i455))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-28-425o
The definition of schools therein does not include universities, but refers to K-12 schools. The definition of “School” and “School property” can be found here:
“6(b) “School” means a public, private, denominational, or parochial school offering developmental kindergarten, kindergarten, or any grade from 1 through 12.”
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(o4f1v045f1q32pffe5s0dvqy))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-750-237a
Consider also that students at university are grown adults capable of owning their own firearms. Consider as well that the MI Constitution protects a person’s right to bear arms for self defense and the defense of the state. Article I, Section 6:
ARTICLE I
Declaration of Rights
§ 6 Bearing of arms.
Sec. 6. Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/publications/Constitution.pdf
This is the law. Restriction of firearms on public property is against the law. There are general restrictions on open carry of a firearm, but schools and universities are not included, see here for restricted areas:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(fm02wnnhby3viqqiinygdifk))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-750-234d
In summary, the law restricts concealed carry in K-12 schools and on K-12 school property. There is no legal restriction by the State of MI for carry on university property. Such ordinances are adopted separately by university themselves.
I commend Michigan State University, my alma mater (class of 1996), for aligning it’s firearm carry ordinances more closely with state law.
Maybe this will help
(06/22/09 11:47am)Report
http://www.freep.com/article/20090620/NEWS06/906200425/You%20can%20carry%20guns%20at%20MSU%20%20just%20not%20in%20buildings
Pete
(06/22/09 6:36pm)Report
This clears things up for CPL holders. MSU is not above state law, except in a few areas (which does not include firearm laws)
What’s really hilarious is that concealed carry is illegal in dorms and classrooms (from CoonDog’s post above), but if I have a CPL, I can wear my gun on my hip in plain view (like an old west cowboy or a modern police officer). This is because gun free zones do not apply to CPL holders who open carry. They are exempt if they simply change holsters.
Shirley Bolden
(06/24/09 9:59am)Report
A agree with “just.” The article is poorly written. I need more facts.
CLARENCE LEE CLINE
(06/25/09 10:18am)Report
this is a step forward. Like the watering holes in africa, a gun free zone is a prime hunting area!!!! for info about gun control, google it. GUN CONTROL AND PRESS ENTER. RECOMMEND GUN CONTROL 5.0 ON SECOND PAGE BUT 4.0 IS OKAY. 5.0 is just much later. well documented easy to verify. thank you. Your favorite Sheep Dog.