The University of Texas at Austin will allow concealed handgun license holders to carry their guns in classrooms, though with some limitations.
The change approved Wednesday by Gregory Fenves, the school’s president, is in response to last year’s legislation that requires the Texas’ public universities to allow handguns in dorms, classrooms and campus buildings. However, the state law does give schools some leeway for creation of gun-free zones.
“I do not believe handguns belong on a university campus, so this decision has been the greatest challenge of my presidency to date. … However, as president, I have an obligation to uphold the law,” Fenves wrote in a letter announcing the change, which goes into effect Aug. 1.
Fenves also noted that 24 private universities have been able to opt out of the new state law, while none have opted in.
One of the guidelines is that when on campus, no part of the gun can be visible and the holster must protect the trigger. No bullet can be in the gun’s chamber, either.
If not “on or about their person” at all times, students and other individuals carrying guns have to keep them in a locked car. Gun safes will only be allowed in university apartments, which are mostly reserved for families and graduate students.
The guns will be banned from dorm rooms, but allowed in residence hall common areas such as dining rooms and study areas. Family members visiting dorms, as well as staff members who work in the dorms, can carry a gun.
Some areas and events with school-age children, such as daycare centers and certain laboratories, are off limits. State law also prohibits weapons at sporting events.
The University of Texas System Regents will now review the rules, and if no changes are made within 90 days, they will be final. A 24-member task force will be in charge of implementing the concealed carry guidelines.
