Well this topic is hurt and it to me as of late. On Tuesday the 5th, at Clover Park technical College in Lakewood, I went to inform the head of security of the fact that there are leftover signs from when a certain building now part of the college that used to be the Clover Park alternative school. These signs indicated that weapons were not allowed. I was open carrying at the time and the head of security notice this of course and told me that it was against school policy to open carry based on certain posted policy and procedures.
I informed him that this was contrary to state law which said that I was not required to conceal carry even though I did in fact have my concealed pistol license. I explained that the concealed pistol license in fact was only required when actually carrying concealed or when carrying loaded in a vehicle and that having a concealed pistol license did not require that I actually carry concealed.
He informed me that he was a former Tacoma Police Department officer. He also informed me after a few questions that in his personal opinion that he would in fact disarm every single student at Clover Park technical College if he had the ability to do so. He also informed me of his opinion that anybody with any mental illness should be prohibited from owning firearms period.
Based on my observation of your open carry of a firearm on campus, which is a violation of the attached policy, I have made a complaint to the VP of operations and college relations requesting that she revoke your approval to carry concealed weapon under our CPTC policy. This is also based on your stating to me that you intend to continue to carry the firearm openly when it suits you to do so. Since our policy prohibits open carry on our campuses, in the VP revokes your approval, you will no longer be allowed to carry a firearm on campus. If I see you carrying the weapon in an open carry manner on campus between today and the receipt of a decision from the VP, I will direct you to remove the weapon from campus. If you fail to do so I will summon the Lakewood Police Department to assist me in enforcing the CPTC policy.
In his email he attached a word document that expressed the school's policy and procedure with regards to weapons that said caring of weapons on campus was only to be done concealed and with permission.
The problem with this was that the page he linked to me was part of the
staff policy and procedures found on the human resources section of the colleges website. The problem lies in the fact that the student policies and procedures found in the 2012- 2013 catalog specifically states on page 146 under the student code of conduct that disciplinary action may be taken for a violation of a list of provisions specifically number 10 which states "possession of firearms, except where approved by state statute"
I have already contacted the vice president with regards to this email and given her a copy of pertinent information regarding employee and student policies on campus as well as state law regarding the carrying of firearms. I have expressed my concern that I have in fact abided by both state law and the
student policies and procedures.
As of now being Friday the 8th, I have yet to receive any further contact from the vice president or the head of security. Depending on the outcome I may be forced to pursue a legal recourse.
CPTC Policies and Procedures for staff
CPTC 2012-2013 catalog - page 146 "Student Code of Conduct"
