Texas Universities Rush to Finalize Campus Carry Policies

Texas Universities Rush to Finalize Campus Carry Policies

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Jul 14, 2016

In 18 days, on August 1, S.B. 11, also known as the “campus carry” law will go into effect at public colleges across Texas. Until then, universities such as the University of Texas at Austin are scrambling to finalize their amendments to the law.

On July 13, The University of Texas System Board of Regents discussed a number of possible provisions to the campus carry policy. The board voted on provisions that included gun free zones and the status of the handgun carried.

The first of the motions was the possibility of striking down a provision at UT Austin that a licensed gun owner must carry a semiautomatic handgun without a chambered round of ammunition. The board voted 6 to 2 to allow students to carry a gun with a loaded chamber.

The next motion called for the revision of a rule that allowed employees with private officers to have the choice to ban handguns in their space. The board voted that employees can keep guns out of their offices.

The board also voted that all handguns be carried in a holster that completely covers the trigger.

Licensed gun owners will be able to carry their guns in UT classrooms as well as campus apartments. However, guns are still prohibited in dorms, certain medical facilities, labs, ticketed sporting events and areas where programs involving minors take place.

Other colleges such as Texas Tech University in Lubbock have policies similar to UT’s. In Lubbock, concealed carry on campus is allowed and gun-free zones include the recreation center, the chapel, locations where counseling services are provided, sporting events and spaces used for activities or camps attended by minors.

Texas Tech officials will also allow for students who intent to carry to live in designated on campus housing. Officials estimate around 200 to 250 people on the Tech campus will carry concealed weapons, with less than 50 students living on campus with guns in a university-approved safe. Tech’s student population was about 36,000 in the fall of 2015.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • SIA Releases New Report on Operational Security Technology

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released an impactful new resource – Operational Security Technology: Principles, Challenges and Achieving Mission-Critical Outcomes Leveraging OST. Read Now

  • Cyber Overconfidence Is Leaving Your Organization Vulnerable

    The increased sophistication of cyber threats pumped by the relentless use of AI and machine learning brings forth record-breaking statistics. Cyberattacks grew 44% YoY in 2024, with a weekly average of 1,673 cyberattacks per organization. While organizations up their security game to help thwart these attacks, a critical question remains: Can employees identify a threat when they come across one? A Confidence Gap survey reveals that 86% of employees feel confident in their ability to identify phishing attempts. But things are not as rosy as they appear; the more significant part of the report finds this confidence misplaced. Read Now

  • Mission 500 Debuts Refreshed Identity Ahead of Security 5K/2K at ISC West

    Mission 500, the security industry’s nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity ahead of ISC West. The charity’s new look includes a modernized logo with refined messaging to reinforce Mission 500’s nearly decade-long commitment to serving the needs of children and families in crisis. Read Now

    • Industry Events
Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.