Concealed firearms will not be allowed at Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor’s upcoming speech at the University of Utah.
Utah state law has allowed concealed weapon permit holders to freely carry firearms on public campuses since 2004. Those laws were spotlighted most recently when feminist blogger Anita Sarkeesian canceled a speaking engagement at Utah State University when she learned guns would be allowed in the auditorium. But when Justice Sotomayor speaks at the U on January 28th, firearms will be kept out. State Representative Curtis Oda, R-Clearfield, says that’s because different rules apply to federal speakers.
“They come under federal protection. Whereas Sarkeesian up at Utah State—she’s just an average person that wanted to speak there,” says Oda.
Maria O’Mara is communications director at the U. KUER reached out to her and received the following statement: “The University of Utah fully complies with Utah law, which allows a concealed weapon permit holder to possess a concealed weapon on campus. However, in accordance with federal security guidelines through the U.S. Marshal’s office, no guns or other weapons will be permitted at the venue for Justice Sotomayor’s visit.”
Tickets for the free event have already run out, but some standby seating may be available on the day of the speech.
