Policy Development and Implementation of Legislation Permitting the Carrying of Concealed Handguns on College and University Campuses: Promising Practices
Publication Date: 2017
Abstract: On November 15&16, 2016, the National Center for Campus Public Safety, funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, convened a forum of campus public safety executives, federal officials, and subject-matter experts to identify and explain critical components and considerations in developing and implementing a policy for carrying concealed handguns on campus. Developing a nationwide model policy was not feasible because of the differences in state legislation that authorized what has become known as campus carry and due to the wide variability in the characteristics of campuses across the country. It is imperative that while ensuring a safe environment on campus, colleges not inhibit the academic freedom of the institution by placing real or perceived restrictions on speech in the classroom or permitting real or perceived intimidation of the campus community as a result of the language of the policy. This report reflects the findings of the forum that provide informed guidance to institutions of higher education in the process of developing or anticipating the need to develop such a policy.