Idaho college students could soon be allowed to carry guns on campus; schools oppose law

Despite overwhelming opposition from all eight public colleges and universities, Idaho lawmakers passed a bill Thursday to allow students to carry guns on campus, Besty Russell reports for The Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Wash.  Republican Gov. Butch Otter has publicly endorsed the bill. Current law allows public colleges and universities to regulate guns on their own campuses, and most ban them. (NBC News photo: Protestors outside the Idaho Statehouse)

"Frustrated student leaders from the state’s campuses said lawmakers dismissed opposition from all eight public university presidents, the state Board of Education, faculty senates and student associations," Russell writes. "Petitions with more than 3,000 signatures opposing the bill were delivered to the Idaho Legislature on Wednesday." It didn't matter, with the bill easily passing 50-19.

"University officials say complying with the bill will cost them millions of dollars, said Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise)," Russell writes. Rubel told lawmakers “What’s the justification of this financial kneecapping of colleges? Just to make an abstract philosophical statement?” Rep. Brent Crane (R-Nampa) responded: “What do you think the price of an individual’s freedom and their personal safety is? What kind of price tag would you put on that?” (Read more)