FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - The chancellor of the University of Arkansas’ flagship campus in Fayetteville is opposing a bill that would require public universities to allow staff members to carry concealed handguns.
Now, colleges and universities in Arkansas can choose whether to allow staff members with concealed-carry permits to carry the weapons on campus, but all of the state’s public universities have opted not to.
A bill filed Monday by Rep. Charlie Collins of Fayetteville would eliminate the ability for public universities to opt out in most cases. Collins has said the measure is aimed at preventing mass shootings.
Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz said in a statement Tuesday that UA agrees with the current law that allows schools to opt out. He says university police do not believe that Collins’ measure would make campus safer.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.