WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. Oct. 6, 2016 — West Liberty University’s Board of Governors passed Policy 56 at its regular meeting, held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016 in Shaw Hall.
Policy 56 is entitled “Deadly Weapons/Destructive Devices” and it was previously sent out to all campus constituencies for comment on Aug. 10, prior to the passage and after the previous general meeting. Of the thousands of faculty, students, staff and alumni who received the policy, only 16 comments were received.
“Policy No. 56 is designed to further clarify and outline in detail a deadly weapons/destructive device policy and to continue the excellent safety record of our campus. This is in accordance with state higher education legal counsel that has assured us that a separate section of State Code continues to allow our institution, like all other state colleges and universities, to exercise our personal property rights and prohibit the concealed carry of firearms on campus,” explained President Stephen Greiner. “Most people are for this policy and welcome the change.”
WLU Campus Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety Joseph Montemurro agreed with the policy.
“Like most police officers, I support Second Amendment rights and we are not opposed to citizens having guns, we just want them to not carry on campus. This is in accordance with most all colleges and schools across the country,” Montemurro said. Signage announcing the new policy will follow in the near future.
Montemurro also referred to the experience of the West Liberty Campus Police and the excellent staffing of the police department as a safety plus for students and staff.
Also at the Oct. 5 meeting, three new members were sworn in and welcomed by newly elected Chairman of the Board Les DeFelice: Wheeling attorney Cindy Fluharty, Main Street Bank CEO Rich Lucas and Pittsburgh banking leader Kris Williams.
The Board of Governors also selected member Pat Ford to serve as vice chair and Jim Stultz to serve as secretary.
The next regular Board of Governors meeting will be at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. For complete information on the Board of Governors visit westliberty.edu/bog.