Well folks, it finally happened…
Texas is officially the eighth state in the U.S. to allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry guns on college campus and universities across the Lone Star State. And at a memorable time no less – it’s been five decades since the first mass shooting occurred on the University of Texas campus in Austin.
While some students, faculty and residents are thrilled with the ruling that allows them to pack heat in classrooms, others are concerned about the implications it may have. Among the list of opponents to the law include the Texas State Attorney General Ken Paxton, University of Texas at Austin President Gregory L. Fenves and his entire board of regents.
However, according to Fenves, there was little he and his staff could do to stop it.
“I do not believe handguns belong on a university campus, so this decision has been the greatest challenge of my presidency to date. I empathize with the many faculty members, staffers, students and parents of students who signed petitions, sent emails and letters, and organized to ban guns from campus and especially classrooms,” said Fenves, in a statement. “As a professor, I understand the deep concerns raised by so many. However, as president, I have an obligation to uphold the law.”
Administrators are still allowed to create gun free zones, so long as the “spirit of the law” remains unaffected. The open carry of guns is still not permitted on college campuses and universities.
Whichever side of the issue you stand on, it will be interesting to see how instances of violent crimes in Texas play out with this new ruling. Undoubtedly, other states and universities are watching to see if the new law works in helping protect students.
When it comes to carrying a concealed weapon, many believe it is better to have and not need than to need and not have.