From Deseret News archives:
U. suspends ban on guns
Action is temporary while university works with Utah lawmakers
A request for a stay in its federal court case to maintain a weapons-free campus was granted by U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball on Monday. The joint motion, giving lawmakers and university officials time to discuss further options, will remain in effect until March 31.
"We have agreed, with the Attorney General's Office, to suspend temporarily enforcement of our policy regarding firearms on campus and modify our practices to comply with state law," U. President Michael K. Young said in an e-mail to faculty, staff and students Monday.
The e-mail also contained an outline of current provisions in state law and how they apply to the university, related to the possession and use of firearms on campus.
Young emphasized there are still limitations to having guns on campus, adding, "Utah law prohibits weapons on school property, including college campuses, except for firearms that are in the possession of a concealed-weapons permit holder."
He also noted school police officers are available to respond to any situation in which an individual feels threatened on campus.
Young assured students their "safety and well-being" is of the utmost importance.
He said that rather than pursuing further federal action, school leaders will meet with state leaders to reach a compromise on the state law that was upheld by the Utah Supreme Court last week.
The high court ruled the weapons ban runs counter to Utah law, which prevents state and local agencies from restricting possession or use of firearms on public or private property.
The university sued Attorney General Mark Shurtleff — first in U.S. District Court in 2002 and then in 3rd District Court in 2003 — after he said the law applied to the school. The federal court told the university to resolve the state issues in 3rd District Court before returning to federal court.
Contributing: The Associated Press
E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com
