Dear Colleagues,
We have a small group of students who have indicated that from April 8 – 14, 2013 they intend to enact their constitutional right to express themselves. The nature of their expression will be to wear an “empty gun holster” in plain view. These students are members of the national organization of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus (SCCC).
While we are supportive of the students right to express themselves, this should not be construed as support or endorsement for their position on gun laws or policies on university/college campuses. There is however an important responsibility to inform our campus community of this demonstration/protest in order to minimize any disruption to the teaching, learning, or research of the campus.
A safe and secure environment is a fundamental prerequisite for fulfilling the University mission of teaching, research, and public service. The University is committed to maintaining a community that is free of violence. This obligation includes eliminating recognized hazards from campus communities that contribute to violence or serious harm. The decision to prohibit weapons (except in the hands of trained law enforcement personnel) on campus makes the IUPUI community a safer place.
Once again while we are supportive of the students right to express themselves, the University does not support or endorse the views of the SCCC or the students that are participating in the Empty Holster Protest. In the past (2008 – 2010) when this protest has occurred on campus there have been no incidents reported.
The following is a statement that describes the students’ intended protest. Please know that the Office of the Dean of Students and the University Police are available to meet with faculty, staff, or students regarding how best to engage this matter.
National Empty Holster Protest
During the week of April 8 – 14, 2013, IUPUI students will be participating in the national empty holster protest. These students are members of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus at IUPUI and will wear EMPTY holsters across campus and to classes in order to peacefully protest campus policies that prevent students from legally carrying weapons on campus in order to protect themselves. There will be nothing in the holsters, and participating students have been asked to use their best judgment in dealing with other students, staff, and faculty.
The holsters that students will be wearing will be EMPTY and fully visible. Protesters will go about their daily activities and should not create any unnecessary disturbance. Please be advised that do not intend to pose any threat to campus safety and are not carrying weapons.
If you want more information regarding this symbolic protest or interested in participating, please contact Dustin Kidd at scccatiupui@yahoo.com. You can also visit Students for Concealed Carry for more information.
Jason T. Spratt
Dean of Students
IUPUI Division of Student Life
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
420 University Boulevard
Campus Center, Suite 350
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-274-4431
Fax: 317-278-9904
Division of Student Life : IUPUI
The mission of the Division of Student Life is to provide quality co-curricular programs and services that facilitate intellectual growth and personal development, creating pathways to success for all students.
We have a small group of students who have indicated that from April 8 – 14, 2013 they intend to enact their constitutional right to express themselves. The nature of their expression will be to wear an “empty gun holster” in plain view. These students are members of the national organization of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus (SCCC).
While we are supportive of the students right to express themselves, this should not be construed as support or endorsement for their position on gun laws or policies on university/college campuses. There is however an important responsibility to inform our campus community of this demonstration/protest in order to minimize any disruption to the teaching, learning, or research of the campus.
A safe and secure environment is a fundamental prerequisite for fulfilling the University mission of teaching, research, and public service. The University is committed to maintaining a community that is free of violence. This obligation includes eliminating recognized hazards from campus communities that contribute to violence or serious harm. The decision to prohibit weapons (except in the hands of trained law enforcement personnel) on campus makes the IUPUI community a safer place.
Once again while we are supportive of the students right to express themselves, the University does not support or endorse the views of the SCCC or the students that are participating in the Empty Holster Protest. In the past (2008 – 2010) when this protest has occurred on campus there have been no incidents reported.
The following is a statement that describes the students’ intended protest. Please know that the Office of the Dean of Students and the University Police are available to meet with faculty, staff, or students regarding how best to engage this matter.
National Empty Holster Protest
During the week of April 8 – 14, 2013, IUPUI students will be participating in the national empty holster protest. These students are members of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus at IUPUI and will wear EMPTY holsters across campus and to classes in order to peacefully protest campus policies that prevent students from legally carrying weapons on campus in order to protect themselves. There will be nothing in the holsters, and participating students have been asked to use their best judgment in dealing with other students, staff, and faculty.
The holsters that students will be wearing will be EMPTY and fully visible. Protesters will go about their daily activities and should not create any unnecessary disturbance. Please be advised that do not intend to pose any threat to campus safety and are not carrying weapons.
If you want more information regarding this symbolic protest or interested in participating, please contact Dustin Kidd at scccatiupui@yahoo.com. You can also visit Students for Concealed Carry for more information.
Jason T. Spratt
Dean of Students
IUPUI Division of Student Life
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
420 University Boulevard
Campus Center, Suite 350
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-274-4431
Fax: 317-278-9904
Division of Student Life : IUPUI
The mission of the Division of Student Life is to provide quality co-curricular programs and services that facilitate intellectual growth and personal development, creating pathways to success for all students.
