by Dave Workman 
Senior Editor
Months after the Colorado Supreme Court ruled against the University of Colorado’s ban on firearms, the university at Boulder and Colorado Springs amended student housing contracts to allow students with concealed carry permits to have their guns in housing, but they are segregated from other student housing.
With school now back in session, the policy—detailed on the school websites—has some limitations. For example, students cannot carry to athletic events.
“Residence hall students who have a concealed carry permit or who obtain a concealed carry permit under Colorado law during the housing contract period may seek to be relocated to a University Apartment (if space is available) or be released from the residence hall contract without financial penalty,” the university advises. “Residence hall students may still store weapons at the University of Colorado Police Department on campus, which is open and available for drop off and pick up of weapons, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Under the policy, open carry is not permitted.
The university estimated that 0.6% of the faculty, staff and students possess a concealed carry permit (CCP). Ninety-six percent of the school’s undergraduate students are younger than 21, thus they are ineligible to have a CCP, the school noted.
In a statement, CU-Boulder Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano contended, “I believe we have taken reasonable steps to adhere to the ruling of the Colorado Supreme Court, while balancing that with the priority of providing a safe environment for our students, faculty and staff.” Concealed carry on campus has been a hot button issue since the Virginia Tech attack that left more than 30 students and faculty dead.
On the day following that mass shooting, Students for Concealed Carry on Campus was founded and now there are chapters on college and university campuses all over the country. There have been successful court challenges to campus gun bans in Utah and Colorado.
Under the new housing code in Colorado’s case, the school will “accommodate those who hold a CCP in a graduate student housing complex off the main campus, provided the permit holders store their weapon in a safe within their dwelling when they are not carrying it.” Bronson Hilliard, university spokesman, was quoted by the Denver Westward blog contending that the new rules do not constitute discrimination.
He noted that rules against firearms at ticketed events including football games and concerts have been in place for a long time.
Firearms are not allowed in undergrad dorms because students there are typically under the legal age for getting a CCP.
