Campus carry law raises concern at universities across the state

Campus carry will almost certainly become law in Texas after the legislature voted in favor of it this weekend, according to the Dallas Morning News.

The proposed legislation would allow concealed handguns on public college campuses and go into effect in fall 2016.

Universities across the state have voiced concerns over the bill, and the University of Texas at Austin’s student government released a letter to legislators outlining why they do not agree with the campus carry law.

“It is important to our students that they have a voice in determining campus safety for each individual school,” the letter said. “We ask that universities be allowed to opt in or out of the campus carry policy, so that the people who know best — administrators, students and elected student representatives — have a say in what happens on their campuses.”

The letter, which included the signatures of Student Government Association President Shaun Theriot-Smith and Tanzeem Chowdhury, also asks that universities across the state be allowed to opt in or opt out an campus carry policy that may be put into place.

“(We) will absolutely take into account the input and advice of any and all students wishing to make comment,” Theriot-Smith said. “I can assure you that the SGA will take every step possible to ensure the highest level of safety and welfare is maintained for students on this campus while honoring the letter of this new law.”

House and Senate negotiators agreed to allow public university presidents to create gun-free zones, but it would need extra legislative action to completely amend the law. Private universities, however, can completely opt out of the bill.

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Campus carry law raises concern at universities across the state” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

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