We, the undersigned students, faculty, staff, and concerned citizens, call on Indiana University (IU) to amend its Firearms and Weapons Policy (PS-03) to explicitly allow students and staff to possess non-lethal self-defense tools such as Tasers on campus. This change is vital to ensuring personal safety and empowering individuals to protect themselves from harm in potentially dangerous situations.
Indiana University’s current policy prohibits the possession of Tasers and other non-lethal self-defense tools, despite acknowledging the value of personal pepper sprays for safety. This policy leaves students and staff vulnerable, especially given the vast and diverse nature of IU campuses. Many campuses, including IU Bloomington, IU Indianapolis, and others across the state, are situated near urban centers or areas where crime, including theft and assault, remains a concern. In 2023 alone, campus crime reports indicated at least 30 incidents involving personal assault or robbery across the IU system.
Tasers have consistently proven to be effective tools for deterring attacks and enhancing personal security. Studies show that the use of non-lethal self-defense tools like Tasers allows individuals to escape harm in over 90% of dangerous encounters. Amending PS-03 to permit Tasers would align IU with other forward-thinking institutions, such as the University of North Florida, which have successfully implemented policies allowing Tasers without compromising campus safety.
We propose that the policy explicitly authorize the possession and use of Tasers for self-defense purposes, with clear guidelines to ensure responsible usage. These guidelines should allow students and staff to carry Tasers without requiring pre-registration or administrative approval. Further, individuals residing in campus housing should be permitted to securely store Tasers in their rooms, ensuring accessibility in emergencies.
Allowing Tasers would reflect Indiana University’s commitment to fostering a secure and supportive learning environment. By enabling students and staff to defend themselves effectively, IU would set a precedent as a leader in promoting safety and individual rights. This policy change would also strengthen IU’s reputation as an institution that prioritizes the well-being and autonomy of its community members.
We urge the Office of Public Safety and the Board of Trustees to take immediate steps to amend PS-03 and permit Tasers on IU campuses. Together, we can enhance safety and empower the Indiana University community.
We, the undersigned students, faculty, staff, and concerned citizens, call on Indiana University (IU) to amend its Firearms and Weapons Policy (PS-03) to explicitly allow students and staff to possess non-lethal self-defense tools such as Tasers on campus. This change is vital to ensuring personal safety and empowering individuals to protect themselves from harm in potentially dangerous situations. Indiana University’s current policy prohibits the possession of Tasers and other non-lethal self-defense tools, despite acknowledging the value of personal pepper sprays for safety. This policy leaves students and staff vulnerable, especially given the vast and diverse nature of IU campuses. Many campuses, including IU Bloomington, IU Indianapolis, and others across the state, are situated near urban centers or areas where crime, including theft and assault, remains a concern. In 2023 alone, campus crime reports indicated at least 30 incidents involving personal assault or robbery across the IU system. Tasers have consistently proven to be effective tools for deterring attacks and enhancing personal security. Studies show that the use of non-lethal self-defense tools like Tasers allows individuals to escape harm in over 90% of dangerous encounters. Amending PS-03 to permit Tasers would align IU with other forward-thinking institutions, such as the University of North Florida, which have successfully implemented policies allowing Tasers without compromising campus safety. We propose that the policy explicitly authorize the possession and use of Tasers for self-defense purposes, with clear guidelines to ensure responsible usage. These guidelines should allow students and staff to carry Tasers without requiring pre-registration or administrative approval. Further, individuals residing in campus housing should be permitted to securely store Tasers in their rooms, ensuring accessibility in emergencies. Allowing Tasers would reflect Indiana University’s commitment to fostering a secure and supportive learning environment. By enabling students and staff to defend themselves effectively, IU would set a precedent as a leader in promoting safety and individual rights. This policy change would also strengthen IU’s reputation as an institution that prioritizes the well-being and autonomy of its community members. We urge the Office of Public Safety and the Board of Trustees to take immediate steps to amend PS-03 and permit Tasers on IU campuses. We request a formal response to this petition by February 14, 2025. Together, we can enhance safety and empower the Indiana University community.