North Idaho College security officer Kelly Hopkins patrols NIC Beach on Wednesday. Concealed weapons will be legal to carry on college campuses in Idaho starting July 1. North Idaho College is equipping its security officers with bulletproof vests and is considering arming them for the first time -- unforeseen expenses at a time of dramatically falling enrollment and budget cuts. (SR photo: Kathy Plonka)

Public colleges and universities in Idaho are getting ready to comply with a new state law they strongly opposed: allowing concealed weapons to be carried on campus. The law takes effect July 1 and applies to people with an enhanced license to carry concealed weapons, along with retired law enforcement officers. College leaders universally opposed the law, but pro-gun rights lawmakers pushed it through the Legislature this year. Now college administrators and campus security departments are preparing for the new reality: guns in lecture halls, labs, offices, cafeterias – everywhere but dormitories and entertainment venues with seating for more than 1,000, like stadiums and auditoriums. “We intend to follow the law. Really we don’t discuss the merits of the law. That was done, the law passed. We’re talking about implementation,” said Matt Dorschel, executive director of public safety and security at the University of Idaho in Moscow/Scott Maben, SR. More here.

Question: Are you ready for guns on college campuses in Idaho?