The University of Oklahoma Norman campus Faculty Senate this week approved a resolution opposing the presence of firearms on campus other than those of duly authorized law enforcement officials. 

“Adoption of the resolution was unanimous,” said Faculty Senate Chair Edgar O’Rear, who noted the resolution was offered in response to bills introduced by the State Legislature to allow guns to be brought on public college and university campuses.

The resolution states that faculty members are sensitive to and aware of the physical, mental, and emotional trauma of school violence, and are concerned about the welfare of members and guests of the University community, however, they believe the presence of guns on campus both endangers the safety of students, faculty, and staff, and undermines the teaching and learning environment.

The resolution also notes that a recent event at OU demonstrated the rapid response of law enforcement professionals to a report of “shots fired”, and the presence of non-uniformed individuals with guns makes the job of law enforcement professionals more difficult when responding to a shooting incident.

OU’s Norman campus Faculty Senate represents all the OU faculty members on the campus.