Va Tech panel report

By: mkfox
Published On: 8/30/2007 1:54:04 AM

The New York Times reports that the report (more on the flip) says the university isn't to blame for not issuing a lockdown because that's perceived as impossible at a large university and ineffective. However, Tech is at fault for not canceling classes after the dorm slayings and then not being clear and immediate releasing information on the Norris Hall shootings.
With one of the greatest mysteries of the tragedy, the panel has no idea why Cho killed two students in the dorm ahead of time or why he picked those victims. The panel speculates, however, possible motives: Cho wanted revenge against girls because of the stalking reports; he wanted to practice the Norris Hall shooting; or he wanted to divert police to a spot on the opposite end of campus. There's no known connection between him, Ryan Clark and Emily Hilscher.

As for the issues related the the tragedy most often discussed here on RK, the panel's report recommends:

All states should report information necessary to conduct federal background
checks on gun purchases.

Virginia should require background checks for all firearms sales, including
those at gun shows.

Anyone found to be a danger to themselves or others by a court-ordered review should be entered in the Central Criminal Records Exchange database regardless of whether they voluntarily agreed to treatment.

The existing attorney general's opinion regarding the authority of universities and colleges to ban guns on campus should be clarified immediately.

The Virginia General Assembly should adopt legislation in the 2008 session clearly establishing the right of every institution of higher education in the Commonwealth to regulate the possession of firearms on campus if it so desires. The panel recommends that guns be banned on campus grounds and in buildings unless mandated by law.

Universities and colleges should make clear in their literature what their policy is regarding weapons on campus.

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