President Charles Steger
Virginia Tech
210 Burruss Hall (0131)
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Dear President Steger,

As an alumnus of Virginia Tech who provides annual financial support, I cannot tell you how distressing it is for me to read that Virginia Tech bans the lawful carry and possession of firearms. Someone who has put in the effort to train and apply for a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit is not a threat to students, faculty, or the learning environment at Virginia Tech. In fact CHP holders are a lot less likely to commit crimes than the general population.

Likewise, by banning firearms you are setting up victim disarmament zones, whereby students are forced to choose between attending Virginia Tech and their personal safety. And by disarming law abiding citizens, you also make Virginia Tech responsible for student's safety. If a student who was prevented from protecting herself because of your reckless firearm ban were to become the victim of rape or violence, Virginia Tech could risk legal and financial liability. The policy also appears to violate Virginia preemption laws, which forbid local governments (and state and local entities) from passing more restrictive laws than the Commonwealth.

I urge you to rethink the position, and remove the ban.

Sincerely,

Steve Ravenwood '95