June 28, 2017 

Dr. Steve Wrigley, Chancellor
Board of Regents
University System of Georgia
270 Washington Street, SW
Atlanta, GA 30334 

Dear Dr. Wrigley,

We write to you as members of the University System of Georgia community in response to your guidelines for the implementation of HB 280 “Firearms; license holders; carrying and possession of certain weapons in certain buildings or real property owned or leased to public institutions of postsecondary education.” Our concern is that these guidelines are missing an essential component for successful implementation.

Specifically, these guidelines do not require the posting of proper signage demarcating the areas on campus where, pursuant to HB 280, firearms are not permitted. Such signage is in the best interest of all those who come to campus, including gun owners, who must comply with HB 280. In accordance with your guidelines, campus police declare whether an area is off-limits and we believe that such information should be made public with a “no firearms” sign. 

Given that HB 280 does not address the issue of signage, we feel that it is not only within the rights of the university communities to make this information public, but also essential for successful implementation. 

Not requiring the university communities to clearly identify “no firearms” spaces would undermine the intent of HB 280 and would prevent successful implementation.

Thank you for addressing our concern as soon as possible, and please do not hesitate to contact us as member of the University System of Georgia who are committed to safe campuses for all students, staff, faculty, and others, such as young children, who come to campus each day.