South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley began a Q&A session this week at Citadel College when one question hit close to home. Cadet Austin Lee, a Citadel senior, asked Haley to change policy prohibiting cadets with concealed-weapons permits from carrying guns in cars on campus.
Lee inquired, “Will you support our advocacy for this much-needed change?” The conflict puts the school’s “Blue Book” regulations at odds with South Carolina gun laws. The school states “regardless of possession of a concealed-weapons permit” no firearm can be in a personal vehicle on campus. However, the state’s concealed-carry law says college prohibitions do not apply to those certified to carry a concealed weapon if it is inside an attended or locked vehicle.
The governor has discussed this issue with Citadel’s president, adding that cadets should take their concerns to him. However, Haley seemed to side with the cadets, saying, “State law does allow you to carry your firearm.”
