The State of Kansas prohibits the use of concealed weapons on any university, college or community college except for in the case of law enforcement. This policy has started to come under review due to recent events that have happened over the last year, with particular focus on the Newtown, Conn., shooting.

When asked, many students feel that WSU does a good job at making them feel safe, but when asked what their thoughts on students having the right to carry guns with concealed carry permits, their responses were mixed.

“I’m not so sure how I feel about that. I’m perfectly fine with having the right to carry a gun, but carrying it on campus is different,” Junior Issac Thonen said.

Pittsburg State transfer student Amanda Westerman says WSU having their own police officers makes her feel safer than the security officers Pittsburg State has.

Junior Lacey Montague however says that with all the shootings students have heard lately, every precaution is needed.

“As long as they have their permits, I think that they should be allowed. Conceal and carry, nobody knows you have it unless you really need it. I’m sure there are students that still do it anyways.”

According to WSU’s 2011 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report and most current report, in 2011 there was one arrest for weapons violations and four disciplinary referrals for the same reason on the main campus.

WSU’s website instructs students if there was every an intruder on campus or active shooter to do three things: flee the area, shelter in place and comply, play dead or fight for your life.

The report continues by warning that fighting for your life, “Is dangerous, but depending upon your situation, this may be your only option.”

With the laws possibly changing as the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate review their gun policies, Ted Ayres, vice president and general counsel for Wichita State, says the university will do what it needs to do to follow the law.

“I can tell you that if laws are changed, the university will, of course, do what it needs to do to comply with the law … whatever that entails,” Ayres said.