© 2024 University of Missouri - KBIA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

New Door Lock Switches Could Keep Active Threats Out of MU Classrooms

Nathan Lawrence/KBIA

Since April, more than 300 MU classrooms have been equipped with yellow-gold active threat door lock switches or some other door lock.

Four types of locking mechanisms have been installed, said Sara Diedrich, MU public safety information specialist. They’re meant to keep an active threat out.

MU expects to spend about $1 million in the next few years to upgrade and replace locks around campus, Diedrich said in an email.

Although not every classroom has a door-locking mechanism, each MU department is assessing and prioritizing which of its classrooms should be equipped with one next, Diedrich said.

It isn’t feasible that these mechanisms will be placed in every classroom on campus, MU spokeswoman Liz McCune said.

The locks are:

  • Larger switches for auditoriums.
  • Smaller switches for classrooms that seat fewer than 100 students, in newer or renovated buildings.
  • “Panic bars,” or deadbolts, that slide across the door.
  • Push buttons on the door handles.

To view the entire story, visit columbiamissourian.com