Campus Forum Today on Concealed Carry Implementation

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The new enhanced concealed-carry permit process, which allows some individuals to carry a concealed handgun on campus with State Police training and licensing, is expected to be implemented later this month.

The university will hold a campus forum at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, in the E.J. Ball Courtroom at the School of Law, as part of the continuing effort  to keep the campus informed, safe and compliant with the law.

Chancellor Joe Steinmetz also sent a message to all U of A students, faculty and staff on Wednesday to provide context and additional information about the law.

Campus officials taking part in the forum will also give an update on implementation of the law and answer questions from the campus community. It will be live-streamed and a recording will be made available online.

Panelists will include:

• Steve Gahagans, director, University of Arkansas Police Department
• Matt McCoy, associate general counsel
• Terry Martin, vice provost for academic affairs
• Mark Rushing, assistant vice chancellor for University Relations

Updated information about the campus concealed-carry law is also available on the U of A Safety website. The site includes basic information about the new law as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

The state’s new concealed-carry law was passed by the Arkansas Legislature last year and became law on Sept. 1, 2017. The law could not be implemented, however, until the Arkansas State Police established rules for enhanced training required to obtain the new permit.

The State Police this month posted the new version of its Concealed Handgun Carry License Rules, which includes enhanced carry rules, training requirements and restrictions.