NMU Gun Club wears empty holsters to protest conceal carry law
MARQUETTE -- It's causing quite a stir on the campus of Northern Michigan University--around twenty students wearing empty holsters to class, the library, all throughout campus buildings.
It's part of a nationwide empty holster protest, with students from the NMU Gun Club, hoping to change opinions about concealed weapons bans on many university campuses.
According to the "Students for Concealed Carry on Campus" Web site, six other Michigan universities are participating this week. They include Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Southwestern Michigan University, Jackson Community College, Michigan State University, and Oakland Community College.
"If we're allowed to have CPLs anywhere else, a store or restaurant; what makes a college campus any different?" said Gun Club member, Jake Shoemaker.
According to students, some professors used it as a discussion tool in class on Monday.
"I know a lot of people are talking about and I know there's split feelings on it," said NMU student, Kelsey Leopold. "But overall, I don't think a lot of people would support it."
"I think people really have to think about it," said student, Angelica Pollard. "What is carrying a gun around campus going to do, especially in the U.P.? We don't really have that much violence up here. We don't have anything going on. So what's the point?"
And professors weighed in outside of the classroom as well. At least 20 of the 300 professors on campus expressed concern to the administration, and a few even suggested cancelling classes. But the American Association of University Professors Union Chapter President, Ron Sundell, says they can't cancel.
"According to the contract, classes have to be held," said Sundell. "And I think most of the faculty agrees with that."
The students plan to wear their empty holsters until Thursday and welcome discussion about concealed weapons on campus
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