All bets were off when the Utah Legislature decided it was OK to permit concealed-weapons permit holders to carry guns into public schools. It was only a matter of time until someone would challenge the University of Utah's long-standing policy prohibiting guns on campus.

Last week, the Utah Supreme Court ruled 4-1 that the university had to shelve its gun ban in effect since 1977; that it had to comply with state law, which bans guns only in courtrooms, prisons, jails, buses and airport terminals. "The attorney general maintains that the university has no power or autonomy under the constitution that would permit it to disregard state law. We agree with the attorney general," Justice Jill Parrish wrote for the majority.

However, U. President Michael K. Young says the university's gun ban will remain in place as a federal lawsuit winds its way through the courts. The U. contends that it has the authority to control its academic environment to preserve the safety and sanctity of academic freedom and intellectual dialogue, not to mention the safety of students.

Another option is to take the issue back to the Legislature, which seems the most logical (and inexpensive) course. If only emotions didn't get in the way.

As Senate Majority Leader Peter Knudson, quoted in Saturday's Deseret Morning News, explained, "We're open to dialogue with them (colleges and universities), but I think with this decision today, there aren't many who will find a soft spot in the Legislature."

If lawmakers aren't open to reconsidering the concealed weapons permit law because their noses are out of joint with the U., perhaps they should because of the recent controversy over academic research that supports the use of concealed weapons. Those familiar with the changes made to Utah's concealed weapons laws in the 1990s are surely familiar with John R. Lott, Jr., author of "More Gun, Less Crime" and several other pro-gun books.

When state lawmakers sought to liberalize Utah's concealed weapons permit laws — to permit them to be carried into public schools and churches — Lott was considered an expert in the field. He testified at the Legislature, met with lawmakers, editorial boards and anyone else who would give him an audience. His work carried the day.

Now, many questions have been raised about Lott's research, which maintains that crime is reduced by the passage of right-to-carry laws. A number of credible academic researchers question the validity of his research data and his conclusions.