IU opposes bill prohibiting colleges from banning firearms on campuses

It never gained enough support to merit a committee hearing — even though it was filed by a Republican senator in a Republican-controlled Senate. But its author, state Sen. Jim Banks, R-Columbia City, is trying again in 2013.

And Indiana University remains steadfastly opposed, according to university spokesman Mark Land.

“This is not the first time we’ve looked at this and our view has not changed,” Land said this week. “It’s not something we’re in favor of and it’s not something our law enforcement guys want to see, either.

“We certainly understand and respect that there is a constitutional right involved here and there are legal ways folks can own and carry guns in Indiana,” he continued. “But we fundamentally think the university is in the best position to determine what is in the best interest of students, employees and guests on campus.”