JMU has chose to defend its no-weapon's policy in court.

A lawsuit was filed nearly three weeks ago challenging the university for the right to carry a concealed handgun on campus.

Dave Briggman, a visitor to campus who owns a concealed weapons permit, filed the suit because he says the policy contradicts state law.

The university will not seek an opinion from the attorney general’s office, President Linwood Rose said following Friday’s Board of Visitor’s meeting.

Fred Hilton, recently retired director of media relations, said he can’t get into specifics or strategy, "but the case is proceeding."

Briggman requested the university seek an opinion from the attorney general to determine if the policy is legal to enforce. JMU declined. As a result, Briggman filed for a temporary injunction to keep JMU from enforcing the policy. The case is scheduled in Rockingham County Circuit Court on Oct. 20.

A similar request was made to Blue Ridge Community College last year. The attorney general advised the policy was not legal to enforce.

At Thursday’s Student Senate meeting, student government senators plan to debate a bill of opinion in support of the policy. The meeting is at 5 p.m. in the Highlands Room of the College Center.