The University of Texas gave its approval on Wednesday to allow the possession of handguns inside its classrooms. This comes months after state lawmakers passed a bill that outlaws gun bans at public universities.
The state of Texas has been very strict regarding the possession of handguns within school premises. University President Gregory Fenves said that Texas universities have been gun-free because they are following the state's previous law regarding concealed handguns. But during a quorum by the Republican legislature, they voted the approval of bringing firearms inside classrooms by licensed holders starting August 1.
In a report by Channel News Asia, Fenves said he believes handguns have no place in a campus setting and following the state's law would bring a very big challenge on his current administration. "I empathise with the many faculty members, staffers, students and parents of students who signed petitions, sent emails and letters, and organised to ban guns from campus and especially classrooms," he added.
According to Eye Witness News, this new measure called the "campus carry" gun rules, however, has created concerns on the part of students, faculty members and other staffs. William McRaven, the University of Texas System Chancellor, who also headed and directed the assassination of Osama Bin Laden, is also against the new regulation.
Fenve's said that almost all of the schools in Texas chose to restrict handguns in schools. They believe that the schools environment should be directed towards research and education based on inquiry, free speech, and debate.
In Texas' previous law, only 21 years old and above are allowed to carry their handguns in schools. This age limit cuts down a significant amount of gun holders in the campus reports from New York Times said.
Certain groups like the Gun-Free UT, which is composed of students and faculty members said that allowing the possession of guns in schools will inhibit the environment of free speech and will cause a hostile atmosphere within the school grounds. But according to advocates, there are still safety parameters for this law.
One is, retaining the gun free environment in laboratories, sporting events and areas or school activities that include school-age children. Guns will also be prohibited in dining and study rooms.
Gun owners insisted their rights to have weapons inside the campus, saying it is merely for self-defense purposes.
The new law is now in the hands of the University of Texas System Regents for further review and revisions; and if there is none, then the law becomes binding and legal.
