City Councilors, Students Criticize Use of Semiautomatic Rifles at Northeastern University

Two city councilors have criticized Northeastern University’s decision to allow public safety officers to be equipped with semiautomatic rifles during emergencies, calling the move misguided and saying the weapons are the last thing the school needs.  Other area schools already equip officers with the weapons in their vehicles. Similar measures are in place at Boston University, MIT, Tufts University, and University of Massachusetts Boston.