Clarifying questions

University of Idaho Faculty Senate Chair Marty Ytreberg wasted no time Tuesday addressing faculty member concerns about the university’s updated firearm policy.

One area of concern was faculty members’ ability to have meaningful dialogue about the subject.

“We are, in fact, free to engage in classroom discussion and express opinions about any policy,” he said. “Including the weapons policy.”

It was one of many clarifying answers presented to the senate regarding the new concealed carry policy that has created a buzz of discussion on campus.

Kent Nelson, UI general counsel, and Matt Dorschel, executive director of public safety and security, answered many of the body’s pre-planned questions concerning the policy.

The policy allows retired law enforcement officers and holders of an Idaho-issued enhanced concealed carry permit to carry concealed firearms on campus. The policy, however, does not allow weapons in large entertainment and sporting venues that exceed a seating capacity of 1,000 people — the Kibbie Dome, Memorial Gym and the Student Union Building. The policy went into effect on July 1.

Although professors may express their personal opinion in the classroom, Nelson said faculty should not request that students not bring firearms to class in course syllabi or by stating so in class.

He said such a request could influence a student’s decision to bring a gun to class, which could be an infringement on their 2nd amendment rights.

In response to objections raised by a faculty member, UI Interim Provost Katherine Aiken said students should not be forced into the difficult situation of choosing between respecting their professor, and exercising their 2nd amendment rights. She said the request could pressure a student to waive their rights, which would violate the intent of the law.

“I’m not in favor of ever jeopardizing that student situation,” Aiken said.   

Nelson and Dorschel also answered clarifying questions on what faculty should do if a gun is seen in class.

Dorschel said his office would begin to advise faculty on how to handle the situation if an event of that nature occurs.

He said his office does not know how many people are registered to have firearms on campus, but said the Idaho State Police has a database of all license owners, and his office would be able to access the database in an emergency by working with the local police department.

Nelson said faculty should contact police even if they see a firearm for a brief moment.

“We will not question a decision to call 911,” he said.

Nelson also answered faculty questions on whether or not the firearm policy would extend to locations holding university-sponsored field trips. He said license holders would not be able to carry weapons on a field trip if the location bans firearms, such as most hospitals and schools.

“The law of the place will certainly carry,” Nelson said.

Other faculty raised concerns on how the firearm policy may affect the safety of high-profile guest speakers on campus.

UI Professor of Law Liz Brandt said the College of Law attracts many speakers who require extra security and safety requirements.

Nelson said the law school could secure the safety of such guest speakers by holding the event in a facility that bans weapons, such as the SUB.

Lingering questions may have been answered, but that doesn’t mean members of the senate are content with the new firearm policy.

“I don’t think anybody is pleased,” Brandt said. “I think the university is between a rock and a hard place.”

Brandt said allowing firearms into the university atmosphere is a bad decision, and hopes UI will lobby against the law again if given the opportunity.

Despite her personal view on the legislation, Brant said she appreciates the UI administration’s effort to clarify questions on the policy. She said the implementation of a concealed carry policy at UI is a difficult task, given the nature of the classroom environment.

Dorschel said his office will continue to update and expand the website to answer incoming questions about the firearm policy, including updates to the Question and Answer section of the website, and providing links to the UI policy and legislative bill.

Ryan Tarinelli can be reached at [email protected]

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