Here's a touchy campus subject

[DavidVS]

Top administrators frequently have the authority to waive such rules.

I'll second this.

At the college where I work, campus security has the authority to grant an exception to the general prohibition for weapons on campus without a CHL. They can grant this exemption in general (for example, to the entire fencing class each term) or very specifically (for example, a history teacher wanting to bring in an unloaded WWI rifle one time to accompany a relevant lecture).

I would be surprised if it was truly the sad case that someone whose life was demonstrably at risk could not find someone in authority who is sympathetic and has the ability to help. It might be a person whose job title begins with "officer" instead of "dean" (or vice versa), but I've never encountered a college or university without at least one such person.

 

[Correia]

It is interesting to see the number of "honest, law-abiding gun owners" that so quickly advocate breaking the law and the excuses they give for doing so.

Bull.

There is a huge difference between law and policy. At Virginia Tech, it was perfectly legal to CCW. You were not breaking any law. You were breaking a school policy that could get you expelled.

That varies from state to state. When I violated school policy, I was breaking no state law.

So, are you so afraid that it is worth becoming a known criminal?

See above.

 

[ar10]

To answer a couple of questions: Threats come internally and externally.
A state Land Grant University comes under federal and state laws. If a State univeristy violates the federal guideline they loose federal funding. Privately funded colleges can pretty much make their own rules.

 

[budney]

Bull. There is a huge difference between law and policy. At Virginia Tech, it was perfectly legal to CCW. You were not breaking any law. You were breaking a school policy that could get you expelled.

Exactly. What Correia said.

Violating policy may be bad manners, and it may get you kicked off the premises, expelled, fired, or lose you a friend, but it isn't a crime. Depending on the circumstances, I've obeyed policies and I've violated policies. Sometimes circumstances demand it.

--Len.

 

[Number 6]

I teach at a large public university and have had more than a few colleagues harassed by students, some even threatened. For anyone carrying a gun at many universities there is a risk. If you are caught, you stand a good chance of being expelled or fired from the university. Now for a grad student, who has put in 5-7 years of their life into their PhD, is it worth carrying a weapon against university policy? I really do not have an answer to that question, that is a determination that that individual has to make. I know for myself that I chose not to carry anything that is against the university regulations, but I have never been threatened by anyone. For me, it comes down to how insecure you feel and how tangible the threats really are. I am aware of cases of instructors being assaulted and at times murdered for their political views, but what I think is more common are students becoming threatening due to grade disputes. All that being said, I keep a can of pepper spray in my bag.

 

[swacje41]

Bull.

Bull yourself. If you will take a moment to read the initial post you might note that it clearly states this is a no carry LAW. Those who violate the law cannot claim to be law-abiding. As for your policy violation issue, that goes with the honesty concept. If one wishes to dishonest and/or break the law, please don't try to pretty it up.

 

[ar10]

Number 6
I think you are probably right. It seems it's a no win situation if any faculty/grad would want to loose all those yrs and money invested in a higher degree to waste it in one instant. At the same time any westerner with the knowledge of Middle Eastern language, politics, culture, and Middle Eastern individuals in high ranking positions would be a target. It's also interesting to know that the majority, if not all, Middle East countries have their own agenda just like the West does. The difference is the West is very transparent whereas the Middles East isn't, It's an extremely dangerous place.

 

[SolaScriptura139]

Unfortunately, it's part of the state code here in West Virginia that we cannot carry guns on campus, although it doesn't necessarily say universities in the code.

 

[Engel]

"I'd get an attack hogzilla." - Bogie


Best advice yet!!!

 

[Bones11b]

I agree with Oleg. My wife is studying to be a teacher and hopes to be an administrator some day. She will be safe regardless of policies or laws. I don't condone breaking laws but If we have to go so far as to relocate to an area where I can feel she is safe and not break the law so be it. As far as justifying the breaking of laws I do so from time to time. I am an adult and willing to take my punishment if the powers that be catch me breaking a law. When I speed I am breaking the law, when I download music I am breaking the law, If I carry in a place where carrying is prohibited by law in order to ensure my safety so be it; I'll break th law.

 

[mp510]

employed by a State University

You are not employed by any Government agency, you are a female and have had some threats against you.

State University ermployees, especially instructors, (sometimes food service, janitorial work, and small stuff is put out to private contractors so the state can save pension and benefit money) are nearly always state employees.

 

[HerrWolfe]

I would not carry concealed on school grounds, but I would:
1) Seek alternate employment
2) Proactively seek changes in laws to suit logic
3) Make sure the school knew my opnion why I was potentially leaving
4) Write an open letter to editor of local paper [i.e. world class educator leaves ]
The law is the law is the law; for me and for you and for them.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

If it is against the LAW to carry on university property, I would obey the law because I have to assume that a violation is a felony, or could easily become one at any date in the future, thus depriving me of any RKBA for the rest of my life.

If it is just a university rule or policy, I would keep quiet about my decision while investigating alternate venues to work and to complete my studies.

That's just me. I'm the guy who resigned from a new job on the third day of work when they asked me to sign a personnel policy manual that prohibited me from carrying a firearm on company property -- even if I left it in my locker during the day and only wanted to be armed after locking the store and returning to my vehicle at oh dark thirty on a winter night. I don't like people trampling my rights, and I also don't like lying.

 

[kentucky bucky]

As we say here in Kentucky....."I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6". If you think you are in need, pack some iron.

 

[roo_ster]

Concealed means concealed.

There are all sorts of threats to one's person. Some are common criminals. SOme are threats to livlihood, reputation & such.

One must weigh the risks of defending against any on of these threats and act accordingly.

 

[FTA84]

+1 on not breaking the law

There is no point in getting fired and having much legal trouble for something that is not going to change. I do not think this professor is in any extra ordinary danger because of relations to the Middle East.

At my old position (a large state university of 45,000+ students)

I had to teach (basic) mathematics courses in which many Middle Eastern students were enrolled. According to my course roster (and confirmed through conversation) more than a few of them were part of the aviation technology program. I don't feel in more danger having educated them on the basics of navigating a plane. If you do, contact the universities and the people who approved their student visas.

I feel that professors are more of a target because of issues with grades/cheating. Grades can make or break a persons entire future, even get them kicked out of school (academic probation). Even worse is when you have to expel people for cheating. It is a big problem. I am now at a private university where the students pay well over $50k/yr to attend. Imagine if I had to get a junior/senior kicked out of school and they already have $150k+ invested. They will have no degree and nothing to show. I am much more afraid of them then anyone trying to assassinate a professor for Middle East connections.

Depending on the school, the idea may or may not be a good one trying to get special permission. At my current university, I would never even tell someone I owned a gun (at home) much less that I intend to carry it to campus! It is a really a shame, I would like to carry one to protect the students but this school is way too liberal and politicians don't like the idea of someone carrying around their students.

An interesting story though about why we NEED CCW (for professors at a bare minimum!) on ALL college campuses:

When I taught my first class (at a large state school) a few years back, I was told at new employee orientation that if anything violent ever happens, not to get involved. I should call the campus police. They will call the head of my department to confirm it is a valid call (i.e. Professor X should be in Room Y at time T). Once it is validated, they will then proceed to handle the call. The police station is a good 15 to 20 minute drive. If it is near class change, it would take them at least 35 minutes.

I wonder how many people Cho could have killed if he knew it would take 40 to 45 minutes for them to arrive.

I've always wondered, would they even come if a student had called and not a professor?