PSU Campus plays host to pro-gun supporters

On Fri., Dec. 9, former N.H. police officer Bradley Jardis, accompanied by Tommy Mozingo and supporters visited Plymouth State University as part of an "educational outreach" to speak to students, faculty, and campus community members and inform them of their beliefs on what our individual, constitutional rights are regarding the possession of firearms on a public college campus. Jardis and his supporters advocate the notion of an armed student body.

On Mon., Dec. 5, Jardis issued a press release to PSU campus officials stating that he and a companion had planned a "distribution of information on PSU campus" for Dec. 9. In his press release, Jardis asserted that said information would be distributed while he and his partner each wore "an unconcealed, loaded, and slung rifle."

"Possession of the firearm is intended as being symbolic of the statement we are trying to make," read Jardis' press release. "We present absolutely no threat to the safety of the public or any government official."

Following the release, PSU officials took precautions to inform the student body and campus community members of the potential presence of armed men on campus. In an email to the campus community on Tues., Dec. 6, President Steen said, "safety is our highest priority, and we are working with legal counsel and public safety toward a responsible outcome."

On Thurs., Dec. 8, President Steen addressed the campus community again to inform them of the event's progress, including Jardis and Mozingo's intentional failure to comply with school policies.

"We have received a temporary restraining order from the Grafton County Superior Court to stop tomorrow's event," said Steen. "The restraining order temporarily prohibits Mr. Jardis and Mr. Mozingo and anyone acting in concert with them from violating the policy banning firearms from the campus." The restraining order did not intend to refrain Jardis and Mozingo from visiting campus, but to only lawfully prohibit them from carrying firearms on campus grounds.

On the morning of Fri., Dec. 9, it was still unsure to the PSU community whether or not Jardis would arrive to campus armed or unarmed. In anticipation of his arrival, PSU employed the detail of N.H. State Troopers, local county sheriffs, and town and university police.

Jardis and Mozingo arrived on campus shortly before 10:00 a.m., dressed professionally, and quickly cultivated a considerable crowd outside of the side entrance to Rounds Hall, adjacent to the Holmes House.

When asked during his dialog with the crowd whether or not he or his associate were carrying firearms, Jardis repeatedly stated, "the state would have to prove that." It is still unclear whether or not the men or their supporters were in possession of concealed firearms while on campus. Jardis left the issue up in the air by refusing to give the crowd a ‘yes' or ‘no' answer, by saying,  "I'm intentionally being cagey to point out how arbitrary this is."  Jardis stated that he does not own a gun, and is aware that if he were to have a concealed firearm on his person he would in fact "be in violation [of the law], the state would have to prove it though."

Two other organizations, Free Keene.com and CopBlock.org were also on campus today in support of Jardis and the allowing guns on campus. Both groups mingled with students and faculty to spread their views on the issue.

Many supporters, both for and against firearms on college campuses, brought signs in support of their cause. A silent protest led by PSU professor Robin DeRosa and made up of students as well as faculty took place in front of the Hartman Union Building. The silent protesters were not there to protest Jardis or his supporters on campus;  instead, they protested in silence to allow their opinions regarding N.H. House Bill 334 and guns on college campuses to be known.

"I'd never protest people coming to campus. I was out there because there has been movement in culture and legislature about HB 334 and I think it's alarming," said DeRosa.  HB 334 is a bill to be voted on in January by NH State Representatives.

The goal of those who sponsor the bill is to give the general court "exclusive authority and jurisdiction by statute over the sale, purchase, ownership, use, possession, transportation, licensing or permitting, taxation, or other matters pertaining to firearms, firearms components, ammunition, or firearms supplies in the state."

Supporters of HB 334, Free Keene, and CopBlock.org were seen heckling the silent protesters as well as police officers nearby with chants of "guns don't kill people, cops kill people!"

After Jardis had finished speaking near Rounds Hall, he moved towards the HUB, the crowd following close behind. Those on both sides of the issue began to write slogans on the sidewalks and benches in front of the HUB. Soon thereafter a small crowd formed at the middle of the quad as students from PSU's music department broke into song. The students shared renditions of John Lennon's "Imagine," as the visitors from Free Keene retorted with songs lyrically altered to fit their agenda.

Although some students avoided main campus during the time that Jardis and Mozingo were at PSU, the University was back to normal by 1:00p.m., at which point students, faculty and staff received an update from President Steen.

In her email President Steen said, "The individuals who visited campus this morning have left.  Although they disagreed with the University System of New Hampshire policy banning weapons and expressed their position, as far as we know they complied with the court order to respect it." Steen went on to express her gratitude towards local law enforcement and PSU legal council as well as her pride in the way campus responded to the day's events.

Overall the day went off without a hitch, as far as officials are aware there were no unauthorized firearms on campus [authorized firearms being those of police officers], and supporters from both sides of the issue were able to voice their opinions.  Many students even took the opportunity to write letters to their state representatives expressing their thoughts and views about HB 334.