There was a mass shooting event at MSU back in 2023 and campus administrators made a lot of changes as a result so they are still very sensitive to the issue.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Michigan_State_University...

Had he required a signup process with student ID that might have muted the concern somewhat. But I totally understand his excitement at creating something and wanting to share it with his friends. It got way too popular which is a testament to the fact he had built something better than what existed. In the end I hope that university officials are understanding.