A group of University of Wyoming students staged a “die-in” outside Gov. Mark Gordon’s office on Monday, protesting a bill that would repeal gun-free zones across the state.
Lying on the marble floor of the Capitol and humming “Amazing Grace,” the students hoped to urge the governor to veto House Bill 172, which would allow firearms in public schools, government offices, and college campuses.
The students wore white T-shirts stained with red paint and held signs with messages like “Books > Bullets” and “I’d rather not be a target.” Many of them expressed concerns that the bill could increase violence on campus and make educational institutions less safe.
House Bill 172, titled “Repeal Gun-Free Zones and Preemption Amendments,” passed its final reading in the state Senate on Friday. By Monday, it had been signed by Senate President Bo Biteman, R-Ranchester, and House Speaker Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, advancing it to the governor’s desk as House Enrolled Act 24. Gov. Gordon now has until Thursday to either sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without his signature.
Many students at the protest said they felt their concerns had been ignored throughout the legislative process. Sophia Gomelsky, director of community and governmental affairs for the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming, said she was disappointed by how quickly the bill moved through the legislature.
“The fact that it flew through the House so fast is pretty representative of the fact that lawmakers are not listening,” Gomelsky said.
Gov. Gordon briefly stepped out of his office to speak with Gomelsky, thanking her for exercising her First Amendment rights and assuring her he would consider her comments before making a decision. The governor vetoed a similar bill in 2024, citing concerns about local control.
Some students, including UW undergraduate Liz Pearson, believe that allowing firearms on campus would increase risks related to accidental discharges, suicides, or other violent incidents. Others, like graduate student Jaycee Myrtle, said they felt unsafe due to other legislative measures being considered, including those affecting LGBTQ+ students and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming.
The protest also touched on another bill under discussion in the legislature—House Bill 148, which would change the selection process for University of Wyoming trustees from an appointment system to an election. The university’s Board of Trustees previously voted against allowing concealed carry on campus, a decision that some lawmakers have challenged.
Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody, who sponsored HB 148, argued that electing trustees would increase accountability. However, some lawmakers, including Sen. Charles Scott, R-Casper, questioned whether the bill aligns with the Wyoming Constitution, which states that university trustees “shall be appointed by the governor.”
While students protested outside the governor’s office, lawmakers debated the broader implications of HB 172. Supporters of the bill, including Rep. Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, argue that removing gun-free zones aligns with Second Amendment rights and could improve safety by allowing responsible gun owners to carry firearms.
Haroldson pointed to other states, like Utah and Colorado, where similar policies exist.
“The statistics don’t line up with their fear,” he said. “We’re not seeing things falling apart, we’re not seeing students getting shot.”
On the other hand, Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, expressed support for the students’ concerns.
“I’m glad the students exercised their First Amendment rights to protest a bill that they know puts them at an increased risk of gun violence,” he said.
With HB 172 now awaiting the governor’s decision, protesters hope their demonstration will influence his stance. However, if Gordon vetoes the bill, the legislature could attempt to override his decision.
For students like Gomelsky, the protest was a way to ensure their voices were heard.
“We won’t go on with business as usual if our lives are put at risk,” she said.
With input from Wyo File, Oil City News, and Cowboy State Daily.
