Texas Students Push For Campus Gun Rights
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Texas Students Push For Campus Gun Rights
College students in Texas are pushing for legislation that would grant them the right to carry guns on campus in the wake of the 2007 massacre at Virginia Tech.
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(July 13, 2008)--College students in Texas are pushing for legislation that would grant them the right to carry guns on campus in the wake of the 2007 massacre at Virginia Tech.

Utah is the only state that specifically allows the carrying of concealed weapons at public universities.

Colorado State made a similar decision after a 2003 state law let schools create their own policies.

Texans won the right to carry concealed weapons in 1995 after an emotional legislative debate., but the right doesn’t extend to college campuses.

Now the state is caught up in the new national debate to change that law.

Republican state Representative Joe Driver of Garland recently held a hearing on the issue and said he plans to introduce a bill to remove college campuses from the list of places where guns are prohibited.

But he says he’s not sure the bill will get enough support to pass.

Rice University Police Chief Bill Taylor told the panel that the limited amount of training provided to concealed handgun licensees doesn't prepare them to do the job of law enforcement officers.

Latest Comments

Posted by: The Patriot Location: Texas on Jul 15, 2008 at 06:41 PM

I believe that people like John E, LN and others on here including myself that have CHL and carry are mature & have been out of college for "more" than a few years. I think the concerns however, Like MadMax (whom I know from his posts is a law officer) and others ... we're talking about the majority of college students are 18-24 yrs old. Do you remember you college years? The partying, drinking and brawls that goes on ALL The Time could pose a big problem if "everyone" has a gun on the them. Let's face it, many partying/drunk college kids can't make the good judgments as us older folks can. Just a thought.....
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Posted by: LN Location: Robinson on Jul 15, 2008 at 11:34 AM

You already carry on campus with a permit anyway. You just can't go into the premises, as defined by the State statute. I don't see why the campus administrators are all gummed up on the issue. If they look at the Virginia Tech case where the parents of the slain kids are/were suing the ever living crap out of them for not allowing concealed carry they might change their tune.
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Posted by: John E. Location: Salado, TX on Jul 15, 2008 at 10:45 AM

Look what happened during the Katrina catastrophe... some of the police ran for the hills and basically left the tax-paying citizens to fend for themselves. I have a CHL and carry my firearm with me where I am legally allowed to carry it. I should be able to carry it with me to college classes if I so desire, so I hope this bill is passed. If something bad starts while I'm in a college class and the police decide they aren't interested in helping, I want the option of being able to defend myself and others, if needed.
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