OWVA Prepares to Litigate Against Western Oregon University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more Information: Nellie deVries (541) 601-7272

Salem, Oregon—Today, the Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA) publicly announced its decision to file a lawsuit against Western Oregon University (WOU) for its violation of the Second Amendment right to carry a gun and its decision to expel veteran Marine, Jeff Maxwell.  The university suspended Maxwell for a year upon discovering he carried a concealed handgun onto campus.

In addition to his unlawful discipline, WOU humiliated the 30 year old, veteran Marine by mandating that he receive psychiatric evaluation and write a ten page paper on civil obedience before his readmission into the university.

Greg Warnock, the Executive Director of OWVA, believes that state leaders must acknowledge this injustice. “Attorney General John Kroger, a marine veteran, raised his right hand and swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America,” said Warnock.  “His sworn pledge does not include protections for the administrative rules of Western Oregon University.  OWVA thinks it would be wise for the Attorney General to intervene in this complex situation and advise Western Oregon University to correct its wrongdoing and apologize to Maxwell.”

“This issue is not only about protecting constitutional gun rights,” Warnock.  “It’s also about protecting a veteran marine from an unjust suspension.”  Maxwell is a competent gun owner, with a license (CHL) to carry a concealed handgun.  According to Oregon Statutes, all legal CHL holders are authorized to carry a concealed weapon in all areas, even capitol buildings, unless there is a physical posting outside the entrance to the facility or building specifically banning weapons.  OWVA’s legal counsel is preparing to file a law suit against WOU, on behalf of Jeff Maxwell.

OWVA firmly expects Western Oregon University to reverse its decision to suspend Maxwell, restore his lost academic credits, present an apology to the Marine for the humiliation this ordeal caused, and develop a sound policy that protects his right to carry a concealed handgun, in accordance with the law.  On these things, “we will not waiver,” said Warnock to members of the media earlier today.

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