University of Utah’s President lists gun laws applicable to the University
and his position on new gun bans on February 1, 2007 in an email to all faculaty, staff and students.

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-------- Original Message --------

Date:    February 1, 2007
To:      All Faculty, Staff and Students
From:    Michael K. Young, President
Subject: Update on Firearms on Campus
 
 
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students:
 
I am writing to update you on developments regarding concealed weapons
on campus.  In my email of September 18, 2006, I told you that the
University was suspending enforcement of its firearms policy, as it
deals with concealed weapons, pending the outcome of discussions with
state leaders on a possible legislative accommodation to address our
commitment to maintain a safe environment on campus.  It is important
that we all be reminded of what the State Law regarding firearms on
campus actually states and it is summarized for you below.
 
Over the last few months, we, along with other higher education
presidents, have engaged in an extensive dialogue with legislative
leadership and a legislative group appointed to work with us on this
issue.  A Senate Bill dealing with concealed weapons on higher education
campuses was released today.  That Bill, sponsored by Senator Greg Bell,
is the result of our discussions.  The Bill is not all that we hoped
for, but it does largely prohibit concealed weapons in dormitories, and
it gives institutions of higher education the power to promulgate
policies restricting concealed weapons in faculty and staff offices.
These concessions reflect the current legal and political realities.  As
you know, the Utah Supreme Court ruled against the University on its
claim that state law permits the University to restrict concealed
weapons on campus.  Although the University can pursue its case in
Federal Court, a favorable outcome is not at all assured.  In the
Legislature, many members believe that any firearms restrictions make
people unsafe.  Many of us who work, teach, learn, or seek medical care
on the University Campus may feel differently.  However, coming to some
common ground on this issue is important if we are to move forward.
Faced with these realities, I have concluded that Senator Bell's bill is
the best option available to us.  I support it for that reason.
 
I know that this issue is very important to the University community and
it is to me as well.  A safe environment is essential to each of us
individually and to our joint academic enterprise which depends on
discussion free from threats of violence.  This compromise will permit
us to move forward on the many other issues that affect our ability to
maintain and improve the quality of this great University.  I remain
firmly committed to ensuring that the University of Utah is a safe place
to study and work.
 
 
Michael K. Young
President
 
 
Contact Person:  upresident@rdms.utah.edu
 
 
SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATE LAW
 
RESTRICTING FIREARMS ON CAMPUS[1]
 
1. Utah law prohibits weapons on school property, including college
campuses, except for firearms that are in the possession of a concealed
weapons permit holder.  Other narrow exceptions apply, such as guns
carried by law enforcement officials.
 
2. In Utah, a person must be 21 years old to obtain a concealed weapons
permit.
 
3. Firearms held by a concealed weapons permit holder may be used only
to prevent death or serious bodily injury to himself or a third person,
or to prevent a forcible felony, according to Utah law.  Utah Code
Annotated section 76-10-501(2)(a) provides that a concealed weapon is "a
dangerous weapon that is covered, hidden, or secreted in a manner that
the public would not be aware of its presence."
 
4. University policy prohibits physical or verbal threats, harassment,
intimidation or other disruptive behavior in the workplace and academic
environment.  [PPM 2-76 http://www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual/2/2-76.htm]
 
5. It is a crime to draw or exhibit a firearm in an angry or threatening
manner, or to discharge a firearm within 600 feet of a house, dwelling,
or building.
 
6. It is a crime to carry a firearm while under the influence of alcohol
or a controlled substance, even if the person has a valid concealed
weapons permit.
 
7. Utah law prohibits concealed weapons in "secure areas," including
secure hearing rooms at universities.  The University regularly holds
hearings in a secure hearing room where campus police provide security
and use a metal detector to ensure that no weapons are brought into the
hearing.
 
__________________________
 
[1] The full text of Utah Statutes may be found at utah.gov
 
 
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Distribution of this message was approved by the University
of Utah President's Office, 201 Presidents Circle, Room 203,
Salt Lake City UT 84112
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