WVU President Gordon Gee
WVU President Gordon Gee / Photo courtesy WVU

WVU outlines next steps as campus carry bill is signed into law

West Virginia University President Gordon Gee sent a letter to University faculty, staff, students and parents on Wednesday (March 1) after Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 10, the West Virginia Self-Defense Act, into law.

Read the letter below and at presidentgee.wvu.edu.

Dear West Virginia University Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

Earlier today (March 1), Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 10, the West Virginia Self-Defense Act, which will allow those with a valid license to carry a concealed weapon in certain areas on our campuses starting July 1, 2024.

I know this legislation leaves many feeling uncomfortable and brings forward many questions. Some may be unsure of their safety and well-being. Others may feel relief. We all have several questions as to how this will be implemented on our campuses.

First, let me be clear. Safety has always been a top priority for our campuses, and going forward, it will remain a priority for our campuses.

We have opposed this type of legislation many times in recent years, firmly believing that local control is the best path forward. We reiterated this to lawmakers on multiple occasions again this year. However, now that this bill has been signed into law, we must come together as a community and work through the implications as it relates to the overall safety of our campuses.

There are a number of safeguards included in the law. Firearms will be prohibited at organized events taking place at an arena or stadium with a capacity of more than 1,000 spectators, residence hall rooms (except for lounges, dining areas and study areas), daycare facilities, formal disciplinary/grievance hearings, individual office spaces, and mental health/patient care counseling spaces.

I also want to be clear about what this does mean. An individual with a concealed weapons permit is generally authorized to carry a concealed weapon on our campuses and in our buildings. However, they are not authorized to openly carry or intentionally show a weapon, unless needed for self-defense.

This law will not take effect on our campuses until July 1, 2024. We will use the time wisely. It is important to note that as we have shared our concerns about this legislation, we have also talked with our colleagues across the country where similar acts have passed. We have researched best practices at other campuses where they have navigated this issue successfully, including those in Texas, Colorado, Kansas and Georgia. The insights we have gleaned will help inform our work in the weeks and months ahead.

To assist in those efforts, we will create a new Campus Safety Group which will make recommendations relating to our overall campus safety prior to the implementation date. Information from this group will be shared via emails, MOUNTAINEER E-News, Unews and through Campus Conversations. In the meantime, I would encourage you to visit safety.wvu.edu for current safety protocols and information.

Today we must come together to focus clearly on what is most important to all of us – keeping our students, faculty, staff, visitors and community members safe while on our campuses. That has always been, and will remain, our utmost priority.

Sincerely,

E. Gordon Gee
President, West Virginia University

Featured

SHOPS & SERVICES

Really Really Free Market to return to Jawbone Park April 16

BUCKHANNON – The Consolidated Public Works Board approved event requests for the Really Really Free Market and Narcan Day. Heather Schneider and Missy Daugherty spoke during the March 23 CPWB to highlight the details of

Upshur Schools officials say instances of noncompliance found in WVDE review of special education services have been corrected

TENNERTON – The state Department of Education’s multi-part monitoring of Upshur County Schools’ Special Education services that unearthed some instances of noncompliance could soon be coming to an end. Upshur County Schools underwent an initial monitoring period in March 2022, […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Enjoy a taste of spring with Fish Hawk Acres this April

BUCKHANNON – Mark your calendar: Fish Hawk Acres will offer several exciting events this month. Experience the fun and fine dining of Fish Hawk Acres through their Wine Clubs, Cooking Classes and the Market Dinner

SHOPS & SERVICES

Tennis Lady Bucs drop outings to University and Philip Barbour

BUCKHANNON – The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc tennis team suffered a pair of setbacks on Monday and Tuesday to the University Hawks and the Philip Barbour Colts. The Lady Bucs dropped both outings by identical 7-0 scores. “I am proud of […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Tennis Bucs tumble to University, 7-0

BUCKHANNON– The young Buckhannon-Upshur tennis Buccaneers had the daunting task of meeting up with regional foe University again for the second time in a six-day span. The Bucs just were not able to keep up with the Hawks falling by […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

SHOPS & SERVICES

Ghana representatives visit Buckhannon ahead of WAMSB 2023

BUCKHANNON — With less than four months remaining until Buckhannon becomes a world stage, representatives with the National Cadet Corps, Ghana visited the area ahead of the World Association of Marching Show Bands (WAMSB) 2023