FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 22, 2024

(Croton Falls, NY): The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus’ executive director, Andy Pelosi issued the following statement in response to the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees’ vote rejecting a draft rule that would have allowed certain people to carry concealed handguns on campus:

“We applaud the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees, who voted 6-5 to reject a draft rule that would have allowed certain people aged 21 and over with a permit to carry concealed firearms in specific areas on campus.  The Trustees drafted the concealed carry rule in response to Governor Gordon’s veto of HB 125 earlier this year (which included a provision to force public higher education institutions to allow guns on campus and remove local control from school board regarding arming school personnel).

The rejection by the six Trustees came on the heels of strong opposition from campus stakeholders (students, staff, and faculty) as well as other community members and The Campaign.  We cannot stress enough how important it is for campus stakeholders to continue raising your voices for safe educational spaces.  When this happens, policies that force colleges to allow guns on campus can and are defeated.

It is also important to highlight a comment from Trustee David Fall in speaking with fellow board members when he said,  ‘A fundamental belief I’ve had ever since I got involved in education, is that guns do not belong in schools, period.’

The vote by the Trustees will undoubtedly set the stage for a confrontation with the Wyoming Legislature when it returns for the 2025 Session and we must be ready to fight this once again.  There is a longstanding tradition in this country, whether it be higher educational systems prohibiting firearms on campus dating back to pre-Constitution days or state statutes forbidding guns on campus. These regulations and laws recognize that no matter where else some may think guns should be allowed in our society, guns do not belong in an environment like college campuses.”

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About The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus
Founded in 2008, The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus works with K-12 schools, colleges and universities across the country to oppose legislative policies that would force loaded, concealed guns on campuses. Through education, outreach, and coalition-building, The Campaign works to foster a safe learning environment for all and is the only national organization of its kind tasked with protecting higher educational institutions and the communities they serve.

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Contact: Andy Pelosi, The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus (914-629-6726) [email protected]