Letter: Police Chief provides clarification on campus weapons policy
TO THE EDITOR:
A letter to the editor published Jan. 31in Central Michigan Life regarding CMU’s long-established weapons policy contained inaccurate information.
“While everyone is entitled to an opinion, it is important to note that Michigan state law allows an individual with a valid concealed postil license to carry on campus,” the letter stated.
Firearms may not be carried on campus, regardless of whether a person has a concealed weapon permit.
Manuel Rupe, CMU vice president and general counsel, said the CMU Board of Trustees, which was established by the Michigan Constitution of 1963, has constitutional authority to set policies that govern its campus.
Further, the Michigan Court of Claims recently affirmed that the University of Michigan’s weapons policy — which is very similar to CMU’s — is an appropriate regulation under Michigan law. It affirmed that MCL 123.1102 — which keeps municipalities from adopting certain regulations regarding firearms — does not apply to public universities.
If someone has a firearm on campus — which is contrary to CMU’s weapons policy — the following procedure applies:
- The CMU Police Department will be called.
- Police will ask the person to either take the firearm off campus or leave CMU property.
- If the person refuses, the person may be arrested or charged with trespassing.
If anyone has questions about the weapons policy, I encourage you to call the CMU Police Department (989) 774-3081.
William Yeagley
Chief of Police
Central Michigan University
