Security is one of humanity’s most basic needs. U administrators understood this and implemented measures such as additional lighting, emergency contact posts, campus police and restricted access to residential halls. They also prohibited bringing concealed weapons to campus.

According to the legal opinion of Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, however, the U’s policy toward guns is illegal. After reviewing governmental policies, Shurtleff said that faculty, staff and students should have the legal right to bring concealed weapons into classrooms and student should be able to keep guns in their dorm room.

While state law is in direct conflict with the U’s policy, there remains only one course of action: Change the law.

The first option is to start a ballot initiative. This has been done in the past with Safe-to Learn, Safe-to-Worship that tried to ban all concealed weapons from churches and schools, but not enough signatures were garnered to put it on the ballot. Renewed efforts may make it a reality in 2002.

The second option is to go to the legislators themselves and lobby to change the guns laws regarding the U.

Most importantly, there has to be a recognition that the U’s policy has been effective and widely supported. For instance, Dan Adams, assistant vice president for residential living, has never heard a complaint about the policy in his 30 years at the U.

And why should students complain? There is no reason to be putting others at risk by keeping guns in dorms or bringing them into classrooms.

There may be those who argue that the Second Amendment ensures all U.S. citizens?including college students and faculty?the right to bear arms. But the U’s policy does not violate that.

Those who need guns, such as officers and stalking victims, can apply for permission from the university. Those who don’t need them are prohibited for the safety of others.

Public schools, religious institutions and private residences can restrict gun rights. It’s time for lawmakers to allow universities to do the same.