Montana University System to consider proposed gun policy
May 13, 2021
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MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) A committee for the Montana University System Board of Regents has received feedback on recently passed legislation over the concealed carry of firearms on college campuses in the state.
The Board of Regents Academic, Research and Student Affairs committee held a meeting Wednesday to take public comment on its draft policy to implement the new law, which allows students who meet safety certification to carry concealed firearms without a permit, the Missoulian reported Wednesday.
The law removes the board of regents ability to enforce restrictions for guns carried on Montana campuses. Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the bill into law in February. It was in effect immediately across the state, but it will take effect for college campuses June 1.
McMullen Hall at Montana State University-Billings
Public comment on a draft policy to implement a new law that allows students to carry concealed firearms on Montana university campuses was overwhelmingly negative Wednesday.
The Montana University System
draft policy allows people 18 years and older to carry guns most places on campus, including in student dorms, but not in child care centers, high-hazard labs and anywhere alcohol is served.
More than 70 speakers, including students, parents and faculty, urged the Board of Regents to reject the policy and concealed carry on campus, saying it could lead to increased violence and suicide attempts.
Montana State University student Emma Carlson said the policy dredged up memories of gun violence from last year.
SKYLAR RISPENS
At a public meeting Wednesday, a Montana University System Board of Regents committee received overwhelming feedback to maintain its current policy or pursue litigation regarding a controversial bill concerning concealed carry of firearms passed by the Montana Legislature.
About 600 people attended the listening session virtually and nearly 75 people provided public comment for the Board of Regents Academic, Research and Student Affairs committee on its draft policy for implementing House Bill 102, which Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed into law in February.
For every comment that offered support for the draft policy to allow guns on campus, there were nearly 11 comments in opposition.
Activists, students protest Montana bill on transgender athletes
By: Jonathon Ambarian
and last updated 2021-04-19 20:34:05-04
HELENA â Advocates and students gathered in Helena Monday to protest against a bill that would put limits on transgender athletes in school sports.
About 30 people attended the protest against House Bill 112, led by the Associated Students of the University of Montana and the Associated Students of Montana State University.
HB 112 would require high school and college athletes in interscholastic, intramural or club sports to compete based on their âbiological sex.â It would prevent transgender female athletes from participating in competitions or on teams designated for girls or women. Supporters of the bill have said those athletes maintain an innate physical advantage even after undergoing gender transition treatment.
Activists and students protest Montana bill on transgender athletes
By: Jonathon Ambarian
and last updated 2021-04-20 13:14:35-04
HELENA â Advocates and students gathered in Helena Monday to protest against a bill that would put limits on transgender athletes in school sports.
About 30 people attended the protest against House Bill 112, led by the Associated Students of the University of Montana and the Associated Students of Montana State University.
HB 112 would require high school and college athletes in interscholastic, intramural or club sports to compete based on their âbiological sex.â It would prevent transgender female athletes from participating in competitions or on teams designated for girls or women. Supporters of the bill have said those athletes maintain an innate physical advantage even after undergoing gender transition treatment.