Univ. of Georgia to Allow Concealed Guns at Football Tailgates
The policy announcement clarifies a new concealed carry law.
The University of Georgia is preparing for the concealed carry policy, which takes effect July 1.
People with concealed carry permits will be able to bring guns to University of Georgia football tailgates next season.
University of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley announced the policy to clarify a new concealed carry law that takes effect July 1.
That law allows people with concealed carry permits to bring guns on public college campuses and on property owned or leased by public universities. Exceptions to the law include some faculty or administrative buildings, dormitories, fraternity or sorority houses and, importantly, buildings used for athletic events.
While it’s clear guns will not be allowed inside of stadiums, some people felt the wording left it open for interpretation whether or not guns would be permitted at tailgating events.
In a letter to University System faculty, staff and students, Wrigley wrote that the exception includes “stadiums, gymnasiums and similar facilities in which intercollegiate games are staged (but does not extend to so-called “tailgating” areas where fans may congregate outside the gates of the sports facility). It does not extend to student recreation centers and similar facilities that are not used for intercollegiate games.”
RELATED: Campus Concealed Carry Policy Announced at Univ. in Kansas
Wrigley said the law does not give schools the right to create any further limits on the concealed carry of handguns on their campuses.
The chancellor also said University of Georgia institutions will not provide gun storage facilities or put signs around campus warning people about gun prohibited areas, reports USA Today.
It will be a misdemeanor for permit holders to bring guns into forbidden areas on campus.
“I understand that many of you have strong feelings about this bill,” Wrigley’s statement read. “Yet, whether you opposed or supported this legislation, it will soon be state law, and I respectfully ask everyone to exercise patience, understanding and respect as we implement it…Our mission (of safety) remains unchanged before and after July 1.”
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, who had vetoed an earlier version of the bill, said the new law will deter potential attackers from targeting unarmed campus communities.
Opponents of the new tailgating policy cited the rowdy nature of football tailgates and the prevalence of alcohol.
The university of Georgia has seven home games this fall.
Read Next: Ark. Legislature Approves Bill Banning Guns from College Football Games
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