Collegiate Times

Recent discussion surrounding the awful actions of William Morva seems to have rekindled the long-standing debate over the rights of an individual in the Commonwelath of Virginia to carry a concealed firearm, and whether or not those rights supercede the privilege of attending this university.

It is an absolute privilege to be able to attend a school with such a caliber like Virginia Tech. It was a privilege to have learned under some of the most open-minded, caring professionals ever to walk the halls of academia and it was a privilege to think that I even came close to living up to having true Hokie spirit.

The thought that escapes me in the midst of such impassioned arguments for the right to bear arms is how those who see their rights as being violated have absolutely failed to recognize that university policy, in regard to the firearm debate, is clearly indicated and displayed under the University Policy for Student Life, Section 2: Student Code of Conduct, Subheading 10.

It should also be widely assumed that when you chose to attend Tech, you inherently have agreed to abide by the aforementioned University Policy, and if you found that at any point you wholeheartedly do not agree with the policies, interestingly enough, it is your right to decide to not attend Virginia Tech.

As any experience in even the most basic of law courses can attest, you have a duty to read. Virginia Tech, by virtue of providing clear definition and coherent publication of University Policy has fulfilled your rights as a student to be informed of what is prohibited within the bounds of this institution.

It is your right to have access to this information, and it is your right to make your own decision regarding your own well-being, being those decisions in lieu of your own self-defense, or otherwise.

It is not, however, your right to attend Virginia Tech. You are here because the university extended the invitation, not by some Constitutional decree that you be guaranteed a seat. By choosing to accept this invitation, you have agreed (whether you like it or not), to abide by those policies and codes of conduct made readily available to your person (turns out the Hokie Handbook isn?t just a great coaster after all).

It?s interesting to notice how in previous letters that certain writers have stressed that ignorance of the law is no excuse. Have you become so caught up in your legal fervor that you fail to observe legally binding and readily available University Policy?

This issue comes down to personal responsibility. It is your responsibility to be aware of, not to mention read, the binding rules and policies, which you accept through your decision to attend Virginia Tech. In choosing to attend this university you can, and should, expect to be held accountable under the policies governing codes of conduct. It is your duty to read. It is your right to make your own decisions. However, it must be recognized that attending Virginia Tech is a privilege: a privilege that can legally and rightfully, be revoked.