In August of 2019, Paul Steber was arrested on High Point University's campus. He was found to be in possession of two firearms and ammunition. He was promptly arrested but released on a $250,000 bail posted by his parents. 

In late July of 2020, Steber has officially received his sentencing. He was charged with three counts: two felony counts of weapons on campus and communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property. Steber pled guilty to a negotiated plea to possession of firearms on campus. In return he is only serving 24 months of probation. In the first year of probation, he is to commit 100 hours of community service. It is only if he were to violate the terms of his parole would he receive possible jail time (5-15 months).

This sentencing is unacceptable. During the investigation it became clear that Steber had clearly intended to cause mass violence. He had started his plan in December of his senior year of high school. He investigated mass shootings, showing a particular interest with Dylann Roof and the tragedy he committed in a Charleston church. Steber had been found to have a clear timeline for his crimes, as well as intent for murder. He specifically chose to attend High Point University because it was located in North Carolina, which has fewer gun regulations than his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts. 

The High Point Police Department specifically called Steber a "threat to society". This highlights clear discrepancies in our justice system based on privilege. The lack of comprehensive sentencing does not show a desire for Steber's rehabilitation, but rather a desire to get him out of the system. The High Point University student body feels extreme unease regarding this current sentencing, and feels as if more time and resources should be directed towards rehabilitation. This petition is not limited to the community of High Point University, but rather hopes to set a precedent that focuses on rehabilitative therapy, and does not make exceptions based on privilege.