Below is a message to the Kent State University community that was sent to Kent State students, faculty and staff on Sept. 27.
To Members of the Kent State University Community:
The Kent Campus will be the site of an open carry walk, organized by an outside group, on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 2-5 p.m. Kent State is in no way sponsoring or endorsing this event, nor did we invite any outside groups to campus. As you know, Ohio law permits citizens to openly carry firearms on public property, which includes Kent State and all public university campuses. Kent State policy, however, prohibits faculty, staff and students from possessing firearms on university property, and firearms are prohibited inside all university buildings.
Social media activity indicates that a significant number of supporters and counterprotesters may come to campus. We anticipate this activity will occur between noon and 5 p.m. The university is taking steps to manage the potential interaction of these groups and will have measures in place to maintain the safety of our university community.
The security of our students, faculty and staff are of utmost importance. Please know that the university is taking precautions to ensure the safety of all during this time. The Kent State Police have developed a comprehensive safety and security plan and law enforcement professionals will be visible on campus. Please expect an increased level of security throughout the campus.
- The University Library and the Kent Student Center, including the Kent State University Bookstore, will be closed Saturday. Anyone who works in either building should direct any questions to their respective work supervisors.
- University residence halls will implement guest security measures. The residence hall guest and escort policy will be strictly enforced, and residence hall entrances will be secured.
- Some roads on campus may be closed at various times on Saturday.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to exercise their best judgment on Saturday. If you have questions or concerns for your personal safety, a variety of university resources are available to support you. We have set up a FAQ website designed to address your questions and link you to a variety of university and community resources.
During this time, we remind all members of the university community of our shared commitment to Kent State's core values. While we honor freedom of expression and the free exchange of ideas, we are also a community that values the importance of diversity and inclusion where there is no place for language that demeans others. We are mindful that the events of Saturday may challenge those values, and we are committed to our top priority — the safety and security of our university community.
Originally posted: Sept. 27, 2018 - 1:20 p.m.