CU protesters look to change concealed weapons laws
Protesters took to the CU campus to object to state laws that make concealed weapons illegal on college campuses.
Monday, protesters walked around campus with empty gun holsters to attract attention without causing a disturbance. The group worked with the CU police so that they would not frighten students on campus.
Students for Concealed Carry on Campus conceived the idea to walk around in protest with empty holsters last April. The plan was put on the back-burner until August when the SCCC began planning again, which culminated in Monday’s event.
The protest’s purpose is to get state laws changed so concealed weapons are allowed on campus.
“Why are licensees allowed to carry in crowded movie theaters, which bear a resemblance to a lecture hall, but not in a lecture hall itself?” Stephen Feltoon said.
The SCCC tried to educate students draw attention to the issue at the same time.
“We were more successful on both fronts than we could ever initially imagined,” Michael Flitcraft said.
Feltoon feels that people who have permits to carry weapons, will be responsible with it.
“The individuals that get their license show that they abide by the law when it comes to firearms,” Feltoon said.
The CU police laid down guidelines to protect the students while also allowing the protesters to convey their message.
“As long as they’re not doing anything illegal, there won’t be a problem,” said Tim McGraw, a commander at the CU Police Department.
John Rowley, a junior chemistry major, feels the laws prohibiting concealed weapons shouldn’t change.
“I’d feel safer if the law stayed intact,” Rowley said.
Flitcraft feels that if concealed weapons were allowed on campuses last year, they could have done something in school shootings.
“Campus policies left students shooting back with camera phones,” said Flitcraft. “Life’s worth more than pictures.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Aaron Musick at aaron.musick@colorado.edu.
