Chris Banyas
Staff Writer
Retired law enforcement officers and students with enhanced concealed carry permits will be able to legally possess firearms on Idaho State University’s campus if Senate Bill 1254 is passed.
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the bill was approved by the Senate by a vote of 25 to 10, and now goes to the State House of Representatives.
Concealed permits are available only to those 21 and over who meet all of the required criteria.
Under Senate Bill 1254, universities have the option of restricting firearms within dormitories and residence halls, as well as within any public entertainment facility seating more than 1,000 people.
The Idaho State Board of Education has been opposed to Senate Bill 1254, and ISU President Arthur Vailas agrees with its stance on the issue.
“We already have our challenges with behavior. Adding guns to the pot makes it much more difficult,” said Vailas.
Vailas mentioned several issues the bill presents, including the difficulty law enforcement would have in telling the difference between a shooter whose intendions are harmful and one acting in defense in an emergency.
The fiscal impact of the bill is another area of concern for Vailas and ISU.
“We don’t have a clue as to how much extra security, or the kinds of security or detection we’re going to have to provide. We believe the fiscal impact is going to be significant,” said Vailas.
The responsibilities of those choosing to carry concealed weapons on campus are another issue.
“People who have concealed weapons permits have a very great responsibility, and that is when to use your weapon and when not to use your weapon,” said Vailas.
Certain situations could arise in which someone possessing a firearm would potentially face liability issues if they do not take action.
“Then that puts you in a decision making situation of enforcement, rather than safety,” said Vailas. “No matter how much training you get or what gun training you get, you surely don’t get the training of a police officer that knows how to diffuse an angry situation, or make a critical decision that could be life threatening.”
Public Safety Director Stephen Chatterton would not speculate on possible changes resulting from the bill but explained that whatever measures taken will be handled by Vailas and his senior staff.
“The president is cognizant of the issues; he is concerned over the issues, he wants to do his very best to keep faculty, staff and students safe on this campus,” said Chatterton. “He’ll do his very best to make it safe, and he’ll do his best to make it safe for our officers on campus as well.”
Chatterton discussed ISU Public Safety’s outlook, regardless of Senate Bill 1254.
“If the bill does not pass, we’ll all be looking at how we can do business a little bit better and make the campus safer anyway,” said Chatterton. “That’s always a primary issue among security professionals at the universities and the police departments and the administrations of the various campuses. What are the things that we can do to make the place safer?”
The ISU student body is diverse, so each individual student likely holds a different opinion on the issue of concealed firearms on campus.
Kyle Knouf, a junior in the biology department, served in the United States Marine Corps from 2008 to 2012 and is opposed to the idea.
“I just don’t see the justification or the dire need for it, especially not at ISU where we’re right there in the city. I can’t imagine the cops’ response would be that slow,” said Knouf.
While opposed to the bill, Knouf explained the difference between himself and someone without a military background and how that impacts a person’s view of firearms.
“I think there are some people that are just scared of guns and it just doesn’t bother me that much,” said Knouf. “I was around people with guns for years, so maybe that’s just me.”
