UW Offers Training, FAQs in Preparation for New Concealed Carry Law

In preparation for implementation of a new state law that will allow people with concealed firearm permits to carry handguns on much of the University of Wyoming campus, the university will conduct a training session and has published frequently asked questions and answers on UW’s website.

The law takes effect Tuesday, July 1.

The training is scheduled Wednesday, May 28, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 121 of the Business Building and will be livestreamed at https://uwyo.zoom.us/j/97723829384. The training is presented by Vice President and General Counsel Tara Evans; UW Police Department Chief Josh Holland; Chad Bade, director of health and safety in UW Emergency Management; and College of Law Professor George Mocsary, director of the Firearms Research Center at UW.

The training will provide a general overview of the issues and rights related to the Second Amendment, including open carry and concealed carry, and what is allowed on campus. UW employees and students interested in learning more about how the Second Amendment and campus carry apply to higher education are invited to participate.

Additionally, detailed information about the new state law and UW’s implementation of it is available in the FAQs on the UWPD website at www.uwyo.edu/uwpd/campuscarryfaq/campuscarryfaqs.html.

Among those details:

-- Open carry of guns will not be allowed in UW facilities.

-- Concealed firearms will not be allowed in portions of buildings or premises where alcohol is served, including athletics events; in UW’s Early Care and Education Center; in health services settings; or in facilities where explosive or volatile materials are present, such as certain UW laboratories.

-- You must be 21 years old to obtain a concealed firearm permit in Wyoming without special recommendation by the local sheriff.

-- Handguns will be required to be stored in a concealed biometric container or a lock box when not secured on the person.

“While this issue evoked passionate debate when the university was considering a similar gun policy last year, we are confident that our campus will remain a safe setting for our students, employees and visitors,” UW President Ed Seidel says. “Concealed carry is permitted at many dozens of other universities across the country -- including some of our close peers. Over many years of collective experience, there is no evidence that those institutions experience higher levels of gun violence. Our UW Police Department will enforce the law and continue to be a resource to maintain campus safety.”