In wake of rate hike, new gun law,colleges get group insurance deal [Topeka Capital Journal (KS)]

Three Kansas community colleges have created an insurance consortium after their insurance company increased rates and said it wouldn't insure the schools if they allowed concealed-carry in public buildings.

Independence Community College board of trustees voted last week to join Coffeyville and Neosho community colleges in an effort to lower rates and explore a new Kansas law that loosens restrictions on carrying concealed weapons into public buildings.

While joining the consortium and allowing weapons into public buildings on campus were two separate items on ICC board's agenda, "there is a sense in which they connect," said ICC president Daniel Barwick.

The three community colleges all have EMC Insurance Co.Barwick and Neosho Community College president Brian Inbody said the company informed the colleges of higher rates. The company also stated concealed-carry poses too great a risk.

Barwick began looking for other options and found the broker IMA would offer competitive prices.

Because of a competitive bid, EMC made a counteroffer, which included a reduced rate and a one-year exemption from their "no guns" policy, said David Wallis, an incoming ICC trustee.

"I truly believe when the word gets out that there is an option, that this team will be joined by K-12, municipalities and universities across Kansas," he said. "That's why EMC is trying so hard to convince these entities to request the exemption. They need time to stop their ship from sinking."

EMC's stance on concealed-carry "irritated some board members," Barwick said.

Trustees on Thursday night took up the issue of whether the college should apply for a four-year extension by submitting a letter to the attorney general's office. The extension would allow a college to study whether concealed-carry should be allowed in public buildings on campus.

After a "tremendous amount of discussion," the trustees decided to not file for the extension, Barwick said.

Trustees also voted to join the consortium to lower rates.

While NCC also joined the consortium, the college has opted to file for the four-year extension, Inbody said.

Barwick said Coffeyville Community College opted to not file an extension.

The three colleges are "purchasing one giant policy," Barwick said. The consortium members will "realize a modest savings" in the first year, but as more groups join, the savings will grow.

Wright Speciality is handling the liability insurance for the consortium and has a neutral stance on concealed-carry, Barwick said.

"We won't be penalized," he said.

The new law takes the responsibility of protection on campus from the college and transfers it to the public, Barwick said. He also said the way he understands the law, if a concealed-carry incident takes place on campus, the person with the license would be responsible, not the college.

Neosho Community College's president said the college will take time to study the situation and determine what is cost effective -- whether the college has the funds to place metal detectors and personnel at each public entrance.