Campus Security in Utah: Exposed After the UVU Shooting

Campus security across Utah is facing fresh scrutiny following the recent shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. An Associated Press investigation revealed that UVU had significant gaps in public safety infrastructure before the incident, including limited police presence, no drone program, and fewer surveillance tools compared to similar-sized universities.

Students were surprised to learn about the lack of resources. With more than 43,000 students enrolled, UVU is the largest public university in the state. Yet, according to the report, its police force is small, and officers had no access to advanced monitoring technology that could have helped respond faster to threats.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about how Utah’s campuses prepare for emergencies. State lawmakers have already called for hearings to examine security standards, while parents are voicing concerns about their children’s safety. Some are asking why campuses haven’t prioritized modern safety tools, especially when similar schools nationwide are adopting drones, AI-assisted monitoring, and more robust officer staffing. Sadly, most programs don't know what they need or what they are missing until tragedy strikes.

Campus leaders say they are now reviewing policies, and Governor Spencer Cox’s office has indicated support for re-evaluating statewide standards. The Kirk shooting may prove to be a turning point in how Utah views campus safety—not just at UVU, but across the sate and the higher education system.

It would be amazing if our students were able to go to school and not worry about if they will be protected. But in this day and age who knows if that is even possible.