Kansas University is still on the fence when it comes to the theory that students and professors should fight back if a shooter comes on campus.

“The safety of students, staff and faculty is a top priority,” university spokeswoman Jill Jess said. “Our multitiered emergency notification system includes the emergency public address system, text message alerts, e-mail alerts, voice mail and Web page alerts.”

But when it comes to a theory espoused by the Center for Personal Protection and Safety – that students and professors should use their strength in numbers to go after potential threats – KU reserved judgment.

The goal of the training – which includes a video of a gunman opening fire on a classroom – is to teach students and professors to not lie down and submit to threats on campus. Rather, it encourages them to fight back with “improvised weapons,” be it a laptop computer or a backpack.

Students and employees are urged to have a “survival mindset” in situations similar to recent shootings at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University. About 500 colleges have purchased the video.

“There are many vendors out there with products similar to the video,” Jess said. “We can’t comment on every one purchased by other colleges and universities.”

Jess said KU’s emergency management coordinator and university police would advise administrators on any future training.