Kansas is in the midst of implementing a policy that will open the state’s colleges and universities to concealed weapons in 2017, efforts which were energized in the aftermath of the shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon.
Bob Beatty, a political science professor at Washburn University, told The Wichita Eagle that the overwhelmingly pro-gun state legislature is unlikely to change the policy in the aftermath of the mass shooting. He said Kansas is part of a parallel universe where, “if it stops anyone from getting a gun, anytime anywhere, we don’t want to talk about it.”
Beatty said the majority of Kansans have the view “allow guns everywhere, and if somebody does start shooting the place up, hopefully someone will have a gun and shoot them.”
As of this year, Kansas is one of six states that allow “constitutional carry,” meaning residents 21 and older can carry their concealed weapons without a permit.
Kansas also has a state law called the Personal and Family Protection Act, which allows permit holders to carry concealed weapons in most public buildings — excluding buildings with “adequate security measures” to ensure that no weapons are brought inside.
The law defines “adequate security” as the use of metal detectors or similar equipment used to detect and restrict weapons.
The question is how these laws will apply to universities.
State universities were given a four-year exemption to figure out how to implement the Personal and Family Protection Act. The Kansas Board of Regents is currently studying how guns can be controlled at universities without violating the law.
Board Chairman Shane Bangerter said guns will most likely be banned from secured university buildings that require a key, card, or code to gain entry. However, questions still remain on whether guns will be banned from dormitories, as they typically require a key to enter but also serve as a public gathering space for the campus community.
Bangerter said the law will also impact sporting events at the state universities, requiring stadiums and arenas to tighten security and start using metal detectors to scan all attendees.
