President Bernie Machen’s defense of the U’s no-gun policy has attracted the attention and support of the American Council on Education.
In late May, the council announced plans to file a friend of the court brief with the U.S. District Court, claiming the U has a right to ban guns under the constitution that defends freedom of speech and the right to maintain a safe environment.
“This case is critical in protecting academic freedom on campuses across the United States,” said Sheldon Steinbach, the council’s legal adviser.
“It is also an issue of safety. Would you want the student next to you to be carrying a gun?” Steinbach asked.
Including the U, the council represents 1,800 colleges and universities in policy and legal matters before the federal government.
“This is a significant statement of support from the nation’s pre-eminent education organization,” said John Morris, U general council.
“Their support provides evidence of the widespread belief that guns do not belong in the classroom,” he said.
The U’s policy prohibiting guns on campus came under fire when Attorney General Mark Shurtleff told lawmakers that the state Legislature alone had the right to create gun laws unless it gave that right to another entity.
Universities and colleges have not been given that right and are therefore breaking the law, Shurtleff said.
The two groups decided to settle the dispute in the courts with a friendly lawsuit.
Morris said he is unsure when the case will be resolved but hopes it can be wrapped up quickly.