(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.
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