The issue of concealed firearms on campus has been a recent source of controversy at UW, and ASUW recently entered deliberations regarding the issue.
ASUW began initial readings of Senate Resolution No. 2441 two weeks ago, which seeks to voice the student opinion regarding concealed weapons. The resolution still has two proceedings left of discussion in the senate.
ASUW Vice President Ricardo Lind-Gonzalez said that the resolution began out of concern that Wyoming’s state legislature would make a decision on the issue before UW students could voice their opinion.
“Our senate’s concern for the resolution was brought forward in the case a state regulation comes into effect,” Lind-Gonzalez said. “UWPD offers safety precautions and exceptions to the university’s policy if a person feels victimized or threatened.”
Currently, UWPD and the senate support the current UW policy of no weapons or ammunition on campus, excluding mace or pepper spray that does not exceed one ounce.
“As part of the executive branch, we are in favor of the current regulation, but this is not about a pass or fail legislation,” ASUW President Ahmed Balogun said.
ASUW’s Student Outreach and Policy Committee is seeking student opinion on the matter and bringing those opinions to the senate.
“I have only heard of comments from students about the issue, and initially it is a majority of people on campus that can cause a change in the current regulation,” Balogun said.
ASUW Director of Governmental Affairs Chris Ryan is focusing on what students’ opinions are concerning the issue and has offered them a voice through several online threads. Ryan also set up a booth within the union.
“My personal opinion on the issue is not what matters, it is all about what the students want.” – ASUW Director of Governmental Affairs Chris Ryan
“My personal opinion on the issue is not what matters, it is all about what the students want,” Ryan said. Ryan also said that the amount of votes from students on the matter is currently in favor of not changing the regulation.
ASUW will be assessing the legislation again in the Senate Chambers on Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. More information can be found on the ASUW website at www.uwyo.edu/asuw/
