Liberty University will strike down a rule that prevented students from carrying guns in residence halls, the school’s president said Wednesday.
President Jerry Falwell, Jr., drew thunderous applause after making the announcement to thousands of students at the Evangelical college, according to the Washington Post.
{mosads}Falwell said having more people carrying concealed weapons on campus will help to prevent terrorist attacks such as the mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif.
“I take very seriously my responsibility to keep you safe in an increasingly dangerous world,” Falwell said.
During his speech, Falwell was carrying a small pistol in his back pocket that he later showed to a reporter.
The university adopted a measure in 2011 to allow permitted students, faculty and staff to carry concealed weapons anywhere on campus except residence halls.
Falwell said the school is amending the policy at the request of students who advocated removing the dorm ban.
Liberty currently has about 950 students with concealed-carry permits.
Falwell said in the last several days, hundreds of students have signed up for a training course to get a permit.
“I want to applaud you and thank you for taking steps to make our campus even more safe,” Falwell said.
The Lynchburg, Va., university has a reputation as a conservative college.
Falwell on Saturday urged students to carry guns in order to “end those Muslims” who would attack the campus.