Fairmont State University taking ‘relationship-based approach’ to Campus Carry law

FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) — With the West Virginia Self-Defense Act fully in effect, Fairmont State University has begun to instate its policy in order to comply with the law while ensuring safety and coordination.

12 News met with officials at the university on Monday to see how the institution is planning to fully implement its Campus Carry policy from this point forward.

Two firearm storage lockers are now available in the campus dorms of University Terrace and Bryant Place, located on both sides of FSU’s campus to ensure safety and accessibility for willing students who have concealed carry permits.

Both of those locker rooms are equipped with surveillance cameras and require key access as well as a key code in order to enter.

Signage across the campus has also been adjusted in place of the new policy with the only areas exempt being dorm rooms and the Student Wellness Center, as stated within the law.

As of Monday morning, no student has registered for a firearm locker on campus.

12 News spoke with Fairmont State University chief of staff, Dr. Brian Selmeski, on the university’s overall belief on implementing campus carry.

Fairmont State is not approaching this law as simply a question of compliance. We are trying to use this as an opportunity to model the sort of society that we wish to have, that we wish to live in. The sort of society where an issue like concealed carry on campus can be debated vigorously, where people can hold differing opinions, but they can be respectful in their communication where we as an institution are ideologically neutral. Our job is to make sure everybody feels welcome here, that we can build a sense of community and make everybody feel supported regardless of how they feel about this law while remembering that ultimately, it’s our job to keep people safe.

Selmeski told 12 News that the university is taking a “relationship-based approach” toward the law. He said that this approach has led to the creation of a campus carry committee made up of various members including students, faculty and members of the university’s police department. The goal of the committee is to discuss and address any issues that may arise with the new law.

Since the Falcon Center is an area that is not exempt from the inclusion of firearms under the law, private entities that rent the facility may request for the facility to be gun-free for their events.

“This is not a Fairmont State decision, this is a West Virginia decision. How Fairmont State is choosing to approach implementation of campus carry reflects what Fairmont State aspires to be,” said Dr. Selmeski.

If you would like to read more about FSU’s campus carry policy, you can do so on the university’s designated website . Dr. Selmeski suggested that those who have questions should refer to the FAQ page of the website. If your question is not listed, he asked that you submit it, as the university is open to conversation.

If you are an FSU student with a concealed carry permit and would like to register for a firearm locker, you can do so by contacting Fairmont University police .

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