On Wednesday, Liberty University announced that it is ending a ban on firearms in residence halls on campus as a way to keep students safe in the wake of the recent deadly terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, California.

It is important to note that the Lynchburg, Virginia campus is known for its conservative and Christian values.  Students, faculty, and staff who have concealed carry permits recognized in the state of Virginia have been allowed to carry concealed firearms on campus since 2011 according to reporting by the Washington Post.  In addition, students have the ability to take conceal carry classes on campus free of charge.  Currently, there are over 950 students attending Liberty University who have their concealed carry permits.

According to the Washington Post, Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University said of the policy change:

“I take very seriously my responsibility to keep you safe in an increasingly dangerous world…We must also look out for each other, report suspicious activity and be alert.”

The decision to reverse the ban came after the president’s office received a significant amount of student messages asking for it.  The overwhelming support from students came after pro-second amendment statements made by President Falwell at a mandatory convocation last Friday.  Falwell encouraged students to take a concealed weapon permit course that is offered on campus free of charge for students.

Falwell also made comments addressing President Obama’s recent push for gun control in the wake of the San Bernardino terrorist attacks saying:

“It just blows my mind when I see the president of the United States say that the answer to circumstances like [the shooting in California] is more gun control.”

President Falwell’s action to change the policy on campus stems from a belief that if more people carry concealed weapons at Liberty, it would help the school to prevent attacks from happening.

Isn’t it refreshing to see some common sense?  While many gun control advocates would say this is a dangerous move, many law-abiding citizens see this as a big step forward in the right to self-defense.  College campuses often have many people visiting who are not students enrolled at the school and its important that students have the right to be able to defend themselves if a serious situation were to arise.  Students spend a majority of their time in their dorm rooms and if an attack or violent situation were to occur there many of the students wouldn’t have access to their guns under the current policy.  This new measure would allow for students who are knowledgeable on gun safety to be able to respond quickly to protect themselves and their fellow students in residence halls.

Bravo Liberty University, for reminding us that there some places in this world that still respect the Constitution and the second amendment.