‘Nothing is going to change:’ Marshall University prepares for campus carry going into effect

HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) – Beginning Monday, people with concealed carry permits will be allowed to bring guns onto college campuses.

Despite the change, Marshall University Director of Public Safety, Jim Terry, says he expects next semester to be just like normal.

“The university is in a safe place. We’re in Huntington, where it’s always been safe. We have a low crime rate. We may get a few calls. The weapon has to be concealed at all times,” Terry said.

Students will be allowed to keep guns in their dorms, but Terry says they will have to be hidden in safes that students can rent.

Terry says guns will be allowed in all classrooms except for labs that store chemicals. He adds that professors will not be able to prevent students from concealed carrying in their classrooms.

There are several gun-free zones listed by Marshall, including organized campus events for K-12 students, sporting events, and medical care areas. You can view the full list here .

Students and staff have expressed mixed reactions about the campus carry law, including a device engineer with Marshall IT, Rob Williamson.

“I’ve worked on this campus for 20 years and I think it’s going to be a very safe environment. I don’t think people walking around with extra weapons makes it safer,” Williamson said.

A student who preferred to remain anonymous says she is afraid that her safety will be in jeopardy once the law takes effect.

“I don’t feel safer. It makes me feel less safe – like I can’t walk around campus comfortably,” she said. “I felt really safe my first two semesters. But I know in the fall, I’m not going to feel as safe. Personally, I know I’m going to be more careful with who I surround myself with.”

The Campus Carry Self-Defense Act passed in spring 2023.

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