University of Central Oklahoma
TUESDAY January 23, 1996
The Student Voice Since 1903
Banned:
Guns on Oklahoma colleges rare situations where special approval might be granted. He cited special guests who may need private bodyguards as an example. "We expect and demand that no weapons be brought on campus without permission," Nigh said. Having the weapon on campus, either on one's person
By Gayleen Langthorn Staff Writer
Officer Stovall of the UCO campus police stands poised with his hand on his holster. Only the police are allowed to tout their weapons at UCO. (Staff photo by Bill Wilkinson)
Under the Oklahoma SelfDefense Act, licensed citizens can now carry a concealed weapon, but not on campus. "It's expressly prohibited," said James Roberts, chief of campus police. "As chief, I want the student body, faculty and staff to clearly understand the provisions as they apply to this and other university campuses." The law states that it is unlawful for any person having a concealed weapons license to carry a weapon to "any college or university facility. "Provided, however, a person may carry a concealed handgun pursuant to a valid license as authorized by the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act with the permission of the president of the college or university..." President George Nigh said there is no policy in place yet, but "we will develop one after consultation with the appropriate people on campus—the chief of police, administrators and other law enforcement officals." Nigh added that weapons would not be allowed except in
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or in one's car, is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to either a $500 fine or six months in jail or both. In addition, the concealed weapons license would be permanently revoked. The law also states that concealed weapons are prohibited in federal buildings, state buildings and banks. Any business wishing to prohibit concealed weapons on its premises may do so by posting a sign on its door.
To be eligible for a license you must: •be a U.S. citizen •have Oklahoma residency for the past six months •be at least 23 years old •pass the firearms safety course required by the state •pass a background check by the Sheriff's office, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and the FBI. At UCO, 5,142 students would be ineligible because of the age requirement and 1,355 are ineligible on the basis of citizenship. But 9,192 UCO students are at least 23 years old, said Laura Tyree, research analyst for the office of institutional research and planning at the university. As of Jan. 18, 27,500 application requests had been recieved by the OSBI, said Kim Koch, public information director for the bureau.
Costs The costs associated with the license include: a $25 fee which goes to the Sheriff's Department, a $100 fee to the OSBI (of which $22 goes to the FBI for their background checks) and $10 for the passport photo which appears
License criteria V See GUNS, Page 3
INSIDE TODAY INDEX Editorial 2 Campus Quotes 2 Sports 6,7 Comic Relief 11 Around Campus 11 Classifieds 12
WHOLE-LISTIC HEALTH Are you spending more than you can afford? Look inside for some useful tips.
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SPORTS Bronchos reverse losing streak in sweet victory over Tarleton State Saturday night.
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CONSTRUCTION Keep abreast of latest construction developments in and around the campus.
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