U of U Drops Lawsuit Over Guns on Campus

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) University of Utah officials are dropping their lawsuit against the state over the issue of guns on campus. After months of negotiation, lawmakers gave in on online one issue allowing the University to limit guns in campus dorms. Still, U of U vice president Kim Wirthlin says it's enough:

"We determined that if we were able to get some accommodation - which we were able to do - we would dismiss the federal lawsuit, conclude all litigation on the issue of concealed weapons and move on," says Wirthlin.

Yesterday Governor Huntsman signed the compromise bill. University of Utah officials had hoped for permission to create gun-free zones in faculty offices. That didn't happen, and Wirthlin says it's disappointing:

"It isn't as much as we'd hoped for talking with legislators early in the session," says Wirthlin. "But it does address an issue that was of primary concern in maintaining a safe campus. It allows students in the dorms to choose not to live with someone that has a concealed weapons permit."

Wirthlin admits there are very few dorm residents over 21, which is the minimum age to hold a concealed weapons permit. Students, faculty and visitors can now carry concealed weapons at any location on campus. Unless the State Legislature attempts further restrictions, Wirthlin says the University of Utah has "no intention of continuing the discussion around concealed weapons on campus."

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