UW Community:
The Wyoming Legislature has approved House Bill 172, which will allow people with concealed firearm permits issued by the State of Wyoming to carry handguns on much of the University of Wyoming campus. Gov. Mark Gordon has allowed the bill to become law without his signature.
Before the new law goes into effect July 1, we will provide more details on how it applies to the university. But here are some key pieces of information:
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- Open carry of guns will not be allowed on campus.
- Concealed firearms will not be allowed in portions of buildings or premises where alcohol is served, including athletics events; in UW’s Early Care and Education Center; in health services settings; or in facilities where explosive or volatile materials are present, such as certain UW laboratories.
- As of now, you must be 21 years old to obtain a concealed firearm permit in Wyoming without special recommendation by the local sheriff.
- Handguns will be required to be stored in a concealed biometric container or a lock box when not secured on the person.
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While this issue evoked passionate debate when the university was considering a similar gun policy last year, we are confident that our campus will remain a safe setting for our students, employees and visitors. In large measure, that’s because we are in a state where firearms and gun safety are an ingrained part of the culture. Concealed carry has taken place for years in Laramie and across the state, which has relatively low levels of gun violence.
It’s also worth noting that concealed carry is permitted at many dozens of other universities across the country — including some of our close peers. Over many years of collective experience, there is no evidence that those institutions experience higher levels of gun violence.
Adjusting to this change may be difficult for some, but the university must continue to function at a high level for the benefit of our students and constituents. That means, for example, that the new concealed carry law will not justify remote-work requests for our employees.
To help with this adjustment, we are working on an FAQ and other means to answer questions and provide further information. Please know that our UW Police Department will enforce the law and continue to be a resource to maintain campus safety.
Legislation to allow concealed carry on Wyoming’s college campuses has been proposed for more than a decade. Now, it’s a state law, and Wyoming’s university follows the law. There’s every reason to believe that concealed firearm permit holders will do so as well.
Sincerely,
Ed Seidel, President