Weapons Policy

Cody Schuman
The Paw Print

With the spike of violence occurring throughout schools across the
country, the ASCPD is working hard to maintain a safe and friendly
environment for students and faculty.

To help do so, the Adams State Administration, along with the campus police,
have put into place a weapons policy. The policy currently in place as
stated in the Standards of Residence and Judicial Handbook states that any
firearm, explosive, or dangerous weapon shall not be permitted within or
near the residence halls. This may include ammunition of any kind,
fireworks, or paintball/ pellet guns. Violators are suspect to
disciplinary actions and the confiscation of the weapon should be
expected.

This isn’t to say, however, that weapons are banned entirely here on
campus. Students and faculty may still carry a weapon without violation to
any rule. However, some weapons, such as firearms, require permits.

It was nearly three years ago when a Virginia Tech student committed one
of the most violent and hateful crimes in recent history. Seung-Hui Cho
shot and killed 32 people while wounding a handful of others before
finally committing suicide back in April of 2007. The killing-spree raised
both questions and doubts concerning the safety of college campuses all
across the country.

The Virginia Tech Massacre, as it is called today, along with various
other school shootings, have forced colleges and universities alike to
take a much stricter stance on weapons on campus. Since the 2007 incident
in Virginia, there have been three additional reported shootings that have
since occurred on college campuses. This, to some, is alarming.

“The Virginia Tech incident and other school shootings have cast a long
shadow on our policies and decisions,” Dr. Joel Shults, police chief here at Adams State,
said.

The campus police and administration are currently looking into ways to
handle a situation similar to that of Virginia Tech. Shults says that they
have put together a training seminar to help faculty and staff handle a
situation where a shooter is on campus.

Students are asked to always be aware of their surroundings and to report
suspicious activity to the proper authorities. This will go a long way in
helping the police keep the campus safe.