The new “campus carry” bill that goes into effect this August will finally allow college students to practice responsible concealed carry. Texas Governor Greg Abbot signed the bill into law last weekend, demonstrating his commitment to safer communities and securing 2nd Amendment rights.
The law allows 4-year state universities to create measures that regulate concealed carry. It does not permit the schools to prohibit the practice. The new law is open for debate however, with ample space for the schools to interpret just how and where students will carry concealed.
According to the law, students possessing a current concealed carry license may carry on school property, but the school’s governing board must approve the regulations before it goes into effect.
When asked about the violence that many opponents predict, Governor Abbot pointed to other states that have allowed campus carry without negative results.
It’s important to note that Texas colleges have the next year to debate and create their own regulations on concealed carry for college students. It’s common knowledge that universities are big business, and often even small regulations receive heaps of argument.
Ultimately, this is a step in the right direction to increase college students’ ability to protect themselves on campus. This new law will hopefully lead to an increase in discussions and trainings to elevate the skills and responsibility of students who carry.
As educational institutions, this is a unique opportunity to promote increased responsibility and respect for handguns and the people who carry them.
