A University of Missouri professor has filed a lawsuit challenging the campus’ policy prohibiting the possession of firearms on university property except in regularly approved programs or by university agents or employees in the line of duty.
The lawsuit, filed by Royce de R. Barondes, claims the university’s policy is unconstitutional under a 2014 strengthening of its state “second-amendment” provision which provides for so-called “strict scrutiny” of gun restrictions, the strongest level of protection.
Professor Barondes is a concealed-carry permit holder in the state of Missouri. He also teaches a course on firearms law and has received extensive training on the safe handling and tactics of lawfully using a handgun. “The university’s rule is so obviously in violation of our state’s constitution, we see this case as being the best vehicle to protect one of our nation’s very first freedoms—our freedom to self-defense,” said his attorney, Jennifer Bukowsky.
