The Kent Campus will be the site of an open carry walk, organized by an outside group, on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 2 to 5 p.m. We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure learning and working environment for students, faculty, staff and guests of the university. In preparation for Saturday, Kent State Police have developed a comprehensive safety and security plan, and law enforcement professionals will be visible throughout campus. Please expect an increased level of security in all areas of campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kent State allowing these outside groups on campus?
State and federal law allows this - 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.
What is the deadly weapons policy on campus?
The state of Ohio allows the public to openly carry firearms on state property, which includes Kent State’s eight campuses and all other public university campuses across Ohio. Kent State policy, however, prohibits faculty, staff and students from possessing firearms on university property, and firearms are prohibited inside all university buildings.
Kent State’s Board of Trustees sets policies related to our campuses, students, faculty, staff and third parties doing business with Kent State. The university policy regarding deadly weapons, approved in September 2016, represents the Board of Trustees’ position on this issue. The policy states that deadly weapons are prohibited on all university grounds, unless otherwise permitted by Ohio law. It also includes language that outlines the prohibition of deadly weapons inside all university buildings, facilities and vehicles. No one may carry a deadly weapon into a university building or have a concealed weapon on our campuses.
Are any campus groups sponsoring or supporting this walk?
No. The visitors planning to be on campus are outside groups.
FACILITIES
Will any campus buildings be closed?
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.
Will any athletic facilities be closed?
No. Athletics facilities, the Ice Arena and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center will be open. There is an open skate at the Ice Arena from 1-3 p.m. Saturday.
Are events like the Kent Creativity Festival going to take place on Sept. 29?
Due to reduced participation from scheduled vendors and artists, the Kent Creativity Festival has been canceled for Saturday, Sept. 29. We look forward to its return in fall 2019.
The Kent Green Energy Ohio Tour is also canceled for Sept. 29, including its Kent Clean Transportation Cruise-In at the Kent Creativity Festival.
The volleyball game with Buffalo has been postponed until Sunday, Sept. 30, at noon.
STUDENTS
How will the walk impact students living in the residence halls?
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.
Will students on meal plans have access to Eastway Fresh Food Company?
Yes, Eastway Fresh Food Company will be open regular hours. In addition, Munchies in Prentice Hall, Eastway Deli, Rosie's Rations and Rosie's Grill will all be open regular hours. All food service venues in the Kent Student Center and University Library are closed Saturday.
EMPLOYEES
As an employee, I am not comfortable coming to work on the day of the walk. What should I do?
Any employees who may have concerns should speak with their immediate supervisor.
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.
SAFETY AND RESOURCES
I’m concerned for my safety. What is Kent State doing to protect me?
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 our community 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.
What can I do to ensure my personal safety?
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to exercise their best judgment on Saturday. Avoid the area and avoid confrontations with any individuals or groups seeking to evoke a reaction. 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.
If you don’t already receive Flash ALERTS on your mobile phone, please sign up.
ROADS, PARKING AND CENTRAL CAMPUS
Will any roads or parking lots be closed?
Some roads on campus may be closed at various times on Saturday. For the latest updates, visit @ksunews and www.kent.edu.
Will PARTA buses be canceled or rerouted?
For real-time GPS transit information, download the SPOT PARTA App.
ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS AND CAMPUS RULES
What are the consequences of breaking the law or violating university policies?
All laws and policies of the university remain in full effect during this walk. Individuals found in violation of the law will be subject to citation or arrest. Students may also face student conduct sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion. Similarly, faculty and staff who violate the law or university policies could face criminal charges and other consequences governed by university regulations.
COMMUNICATIONS
How will information be communicated on the day of the walk?
The Kent State community will be alerted through FlashLine and Flash ALERTS, @ksunews, @KentState on Twitter, and www.kent.edu.
I am a parent/guardian/concerned citizen. How do I sign up for Kent State Flash ALERTS?
- Flash ALERTS is a subscriber-only service for students, faculty and staff to receive urgent notifications on a text-enabled mobile phone or device.
- Each subscriber can include up to five contact numbers as a Flash ALERTS recipient.
- Students, faculty and staff can sign up for Flash ALERTS.
How can I receive the most current information about this walk?
Check @ksunews and @KentState on Twitter or www.kent.edu for updates.