Boulder Students Can Pack Pistols This Term

Students arriving for classes at the University of Colorado in Boulder this term could be packing more than pencils and books. Due to a state Supreme Court decision, students can now bring their guns to school. The court ruled that the university's ban on guns was unconstitutional. Weapons must still be concealed, can only be carried by a permit holder (who must be at least 21 years old), and cannot be brought to undergraduate dorms or sporting events—but university officials are, nevertheless, worried about weapons on campus. "We're actually more concerned about someone who's not experienced or trained in the use of a handgun getting access to one by accident or on purpose—and possibly causing injury to themselves or others," said an official.

Still, the campus must abide by the court ruling. The university chancellor notified the faculty earlier this week that professors "do not have the right to shut down a class or refuse to teach" if they learn that one of their students is lawfully carrying a gun, reports the Colorado Daily. The attorney who challenged the gun ban on behalf of a student says it's important that young people have the right to protect themselves on campus in the event of a mass shooting. Most universities still do not allow guns on campuses under any circumstances. (More gun rights stories.)