Arkansas chancellor faults campus carry bill

Gun control to continue at University of Arkansas.
Gun control to continue at University of Arkansas. | Courtesy of Pixabay.com
University of Arkansas Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz is challenging a recently filed bill that would allow campus staff to carry concealed weapons, arguing that such a move would decrease safety rather than assure it.

Steinmetz said he agreed with Gov. Asa Hutchinson's position that the current law allowing local boards of trustees to disallow guns on campus works perfectly.

"We have serious concerns about increasing the number of armed individuals posing a significant threat, particularly in an active situation when officers must make immediate determinations about who is a threat," Steinmetz said.

Steinmetz added that, while safety is the main concern, allowing staff to carry guns could also negatively affect recruitment and retention of students, faculty and staff.