For Immediate Release
June 29, 2022

(Croton Falls, NY): Andy Pelosi, executive director of The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus released this statement in response to developments over the last few days that saw guns on campus legislation defeated in the Arizona Legislature and the Montana Supreme Court reject signed legislation that would have forced the University System to allow guns on campus.

“Given all that has happened on the gun issue in the last several days – modest federal legislation signed for the first time since 1996, juxtaposed with the Supreme Court overturning New York’s concealed carry licensing scheme, the news from the states that policies to force guns on campus will not stand in Arizona and Montana is most welcomed.

“In Arizona, HB 2447 and SB 1123 advanced to the floor of the House and Senate but the clock ran out on the legislative session this past Saturday, effectively stopping this wrongheaded legislation.  This is not first time, nor will it be the last for us to see legislation brought forward in Arizona that would force guns on campus, despite heavy opposition from higher education leaders, law enforcement, faculty and students.

“In Montana, HB 102 was forced through the legislature last year and signed by Governor Gianforte. A major backlash ensued, fueled by many Montana organizations, along with students, faculty and other advocates.  This pressure played a substantial role in convincing the Board of Regents (BOR) to pursue a lawsuit against HB 102 in hopes of a ruling that would find that the BOR has authority to prohibit guns on campus. That ruling was handed down today in the form of an unanimous decision upholding the constitutional authority of the BOR to regulate the possession and storage of firearms on public college campuses.

“The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus is pleased that we were able to assist advocates in both states to help achieve these important wins for campus safety.  We are very encouraged on the state level that so far in 2022, bills to force guns on college campus have all failed and more importantly, a state supreme court has recognized the authority of a university system to regulate its public safety.”

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About The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus

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. Since 2008, The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus has helped stop campus carry legislation in 18 states and is the only national organization of its kind tasked with protecting higher educational institutions and the communities they serve. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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