College classrooms in Texas are about to be home to more than just books and desks.
The University of Texas at Austin President Greg Fenves recently penned a letter to faculty, students, and staff. Its topic? Concealed carry on campus.
He put his personal feelings aside (he doesn’t think guns belong on campus) and said that he must follow the law as it stands.
University personnel are still working to iron out the more specific details of carrying concealed on campus, but as it stands now licensed handgun owners will be permitted to carry their firearm in classrooms.
The lines blur after that though. Students living in a campus dorm are prohibited from carrying in their rooms, but may have a handgun in lounge and dining areas.
Students living in an on-campus apartment must store their handgun in a safe or locked vehicle.
When it comes to staff, it’s up to them whether they want to keep a gun in their office or not.
Those carrying semi-automatic handguns are not permitted to keep a round in the chamber.
According to The Statesman, Texas state law has allowed holders of concealed handgun licenses to carry weapons on the grounds of public colleges and universities since 1995. Â Carrying inside buildings was a different story, though.
The final decisions won’t be made until August, but these statements from the President of the university hold serious sway. Campus carry isn’t going anywhere any time soon, so now is the time to start making sure that students are prepared.
Photo credit: gorotaku via Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-SA
