Liberty University’s current weapons policy unnecessarily restricts students’ Second Amendment rights by requiring permission from the university to carry firearms on campus. This policy imposes a burdensome permit process and mandates firearm registration, creating a centralized record of firearm ownership that could potentially be used in future confiscation efforts. Such restrictions are an affront to the fundamental rights to privacy and self-defense.
While Liberty University allows concealed carry in many areas, there are several problematic limitations. Firearms in dorms are subject to restrictive conditions: they must be stored in a university-installed safe or remain holstered at all times. This prevents students from cleaning or maintaining their firearms in their own living spaces. Additionally, students visiting dorms where they do not reside are prohibited from carrying firearms, forcing them to leave their weapons in vehicles, increasing the risk of theft. Last year alone, Liberty University experienced 26 motor vehicle thefts, along with 6 rapes, 1 robbery, and 27 instances of stalking. These policies leave students unnecessarily vulnerable to theft, violence, and other threats.
Liberty University is a private institution and is fully within its rights to allow students to exercise their Second Amendment freedoms without the current burdensome restrictions. The university’s namesake, “Liberty,” should be reflected in its policies by empowering students to defend themselves responsibly.
The undersigned students of Liberty University hereby petition Dr. Dondi E. Costin to revise the Student Handbook to:
Eliminate the permit and registration requirements for concealed carry on campus.
Allow students to carry firearms in dormitories without unnecessary restrictions.
Ensure that students visiting other dorms are permitted to carry their firearms, reducing the risk of theft or vulnerability during travel.
Second Amendment rights are essential to preserving our liberties and ensuring personal safety. Liberty University has the opportunity to demonstrate leadership in defending these freedoms and setting an example for campuses across the nation. We urge the university administration to act decisively and restore the rights of all students to protect themselves without undue interference.
The Liberty University Weapons Policy restricts students from possessing weapons on campus. Students at Liberty University are deprived of their fundamental right to self-defense. This mandate requires a lengthy and unnecessary permit request process. Liberty University is a Private University and if it wishes, can have Permitless Carry on its grounds. This policy leaves students with a lengthy process to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Liberty University has a namesake it should seek to uphold. Second Amendment rights are important to our fundamental right to self-defense and preserving our Liberties. We, the undersigned students of Liberty University, hereby petition Dr. Dondi E. Costin to revise the Student Handbook and enshrine the rights of all Liberty University students to defend themselves using concealed firearms without requiring a Permit.