U of U Pins Gun Ban Hopes on State Lawmakers

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) University of Utah officials hope the Utah legislature will soften its stance on guns to create a limited ban of firearms on campus. Senator Michael Waddoups heads the legislative commission assigned to consider the University's request for limited ban in athletic venues and dorms:

"It isn't a matter of what's good for the U of U or for the legislature," says Waddoups. "This is an issue of are we doing what's right for the people."

In September, the Utah Supreme Court ruled the U of U's ban on students and faculty carrying guns on campus violates state law which prohibits state agencies from restricting gun possession and use. Waddoups championed that law, but says he will consider the U's request with an open-mind:

"The question is, are there areas that maybe should be modified?" says Waddoups. "We did that for Weber State, for example. We allowed them to set up some areas that were secure areas for confrontational issues. So, that doesn't mean that you can't modify things to make it better."

The University has temporarily suspended the ban, but hopes it can convince legislators to compromise in January.

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