Emporia State General Counsel, Kevin Johnson, and Emergency Manager, Carrie Boettcher, held a training session for the new weapons policy Tuesday. The policy, approved and added to the University Policy Manual in August, follows the July 1 Kansas law that allows individuals older than 21 to conceal carry in most buildings.

“The law specifically states that we must allow concealed carry for those who are legally able to,” Johnson said.

According to the statue, ESU does not have the right to restrict or interfere with any individuals who may conceal carry a handgun. The university is also unable to inquire if a student is carrying a handgun, nor can they take any action that would help determine whether or not a student is carrying.

“We don’t ask students ‘do you have a handgun in your room,’ we don’t ask ‘do you have a gun safe,’” Johnson said. “It’s one of those things that, that if they do, they had better be following all of these rules.”

Although faculty and administrators cannot ask if students are carrying a handgun, if they, or other students, see a violation, they can report it to Police and Safety.

The university weapons policy exists to reinforce the right of an individual to conceal carry, as allowed by the Kansas law. However, the ESU policy clarifies how weapons can be carried on campus, as well as how they must be stored.

According to the weapons policy, an individual who conceal carries must keep the weapon on their person and hidden at all times.

“Concealed means completely hidden from view and does not reveal the weapon in any way, shape or form, except when using the handgun in self defense or when transferring the handgun to safe storage,” the policy states.

Those who are carrying a handgun must also remain in control of the weapon at all times, according to the policy.

“If you carry the handgun in your bag…it has to be in your immediate control,” Johnson said. “Typically, immediate control means it’s right around you.”

The policy also clarifies the storage of handguns and ammunition on campus, stating that they can be kept only in a personal vehicle or in a dorm room.

If kept in a dorm, they must be locked in a gun safe that is constructed of nonflammable material with a “a combination, digital, or other secure locking device,” according to the policy.

Currently, there is no provision in place for students who do not wish to room with another student who conceal carries.

“The bottom line is whether you like it or not, the law says it’s going to happen,” Johnson said.

All policy violations should be reported to ESU Police and Safety at 620-341-5337.