Policy Report on Campus Carry in Texas
Written and edited by Meyer Hirsch
February 16th, 2024
February 16th, 2024
Intro:
The first mass shooting on a college campus occurred at the University of Texas at Austin on August 1, 1966, killing sixteen and wounding thirty-one others. Exactly fifty years later the Texas campus carry law went into effect at all four-year public universities.
Legislative Background:
Senate Bill 11 (SB 11), commonly referred to as the "campus carry" law, was signed into law in Texas in 2015, making Texas 1 of 8 states to legalize campus carry with a CHL at the time (it is now up to 12 states). This legislation marked a significant departure from previous gun regulations, allowing individuals with concealed handgun licenses (CHL) to carry concealed firearms on public university campuses, and went into effect on August 1, 2016. The passage of SB 11 reflected a broader trend of states considering or enacting laws to expand gun rights.
Key Provisions of Campus Carry Laws:
Under Texas campus carry laws, individuals with CHL are permitted to carry concealed handguns on most areas of public university campuses. However, certain locations are exempted from the law, including specific dormitories, sporting events, and areas designated as exclusion zones by universities.
University of Texas at Austin exemption zones:
- Residence halls: Concealed carry is prohibited in on-campus residence halls, except in common areas, such as lounges and study areas. Student residents’ family members with state-issued permits may carry handguns while visiting.
- Intercollegiate athletics events.
- Spaces where K-12 programming is held.
- Businesses that derive more than 51 percent of their sales from alcohol.
- Selected labs: Certain laboratories and animal research facilities may prohibit the concealed carry of handguns.
Implications for Campus Safety:
The implementation of campus carry laws has raised complex questions about campus safety and security. Proponents argue that allowing responsible individuals to carry firearms enhances personal safety and serves as a deterrent against potential threats. However, opponents express concerns about the potential for increased violence, accidents, and the impact on the overall campus environment.
- In a study published in 2012, survey results from two college campuses indicated a majority of faculty, students, and staff (73%) did not want qualified individuals to be able to carry a gun on campus, 70% did not feel safer with more concealed guns on campus, and 72% did not think armed faculty, students, and staff would promote a greater sense of campus safety.
- The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has issued statements opposing campus carry, citing concerns about chilling effects on classroom discussions and faculty-student interactions.
Implementation Challenges:
Universities in Texas face various challenges in implementing campus carry laws effectively. Establishing clear policies, providing training for faculty and staff, and addressing mental health and crisis intervention concerns are essential to ensuring a safe and secure campus environment. In 2016, three professors sued to block the law from going into effect citing the fact that the “UT-Austin's gun policies are too vague to be enforced”. However, a federal judge dismissed the suit in July of 2017. There has also been much confusion with the longstanding Gun-Free School Zones Act, which generally prohibits individuals from possessing firearms within 1,000 feet of a school, and how the campus carry laws will work with this.
Suggestions For Action:
- Contact Legislators: Reach out to your state representatives and senators to express your concerns or support for campus carry laws. You can write letters, make phone calls, or schedule meetings to discuss your perspective on the issue.
- Join Advocacy Groups: Get involved with organizations that advocate for changes to campus carry laws in Texas. These groups may organize events, campaigns, and lobbying efforts to push for legislative changes.
Important Links:
https://guides.sll.texas.gov/gun-laws/schools-colleges
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campus_carry_in_the_United_States
https://www.utexas.edu/campus-carry-faqs
https://apps.texastribune.org/guns-on-campus/texas-now-campus-carry-state-what-you-need-to-know/
https://www.aaup.org/sites/default/files/SomersPhelps.pdf