November 10, 2011

Contact:   Stacey Schmeidel, 704/894-2798

The court today upheld the powers of campus police officers at colleges with religious affiliations (like Davidson).

Specifically, in the case of State vs. Yencer, the court ruled that Davidson and colleges like it are allowed, under the Campus Police Act, to retain sworn police officers.

The background: In August 2010, a lower court had ruled that a delegation of state police power to Davidson College was unconstitutional because Davidson is a religious institution.

Today's decision overturns that earlier decision, allowing Davidson's campus police to retain the same power and authority they've had for the last 30-plus years.

Davidson is gratified by the State Supreme Court's decision, which will allow our campus police officers to protect the campus in the most effective way.