College students in Texas may be able to carry their guns to class soon. Due to Senate Bill 11, introduced by Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury), Texas public college and university campuses would allow licensed carriers to have handguns on campus.
“Students have expressed concerns to me about their ability to protect themselves,” Birdwell said in an interview with the Associated Press. “It’s time we don’t imperil their safety.”
Birdwell, along with many other gun rights advocates, argue that restrictions on college campuses infringe on Second Amendment rights.
In June 2009, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees voted to change its previous policy, which didn’t allow guns on campus in any capacity. They voted to allow those with concealed weapon permits can carry a firearm through campus, but not into dorms, classrooms, entertainment venues or sports arenas.
MSU spokesman Jason Cody said while students may be allowed to carry a gun on campus with a concealed carry license in a legal capacity, if caught, they would face severe disciplinary action from the university.
"Students cannot carry weapons on campus, concealed or otherwise," Cody said. "If they are caught, they face expulsion."
MSU sophomore running back Delton Williams was arrested last week for allegedly brandishing a gun on campus, although Williams has a concealed weapons license for the gun, according to records.
But brandishing a firearm is an entirely separate offense which is made regardless of whether a gun is licensed.
Williams has pleaded not guilty in the case and is currently awaiting trial. He has since been suspended from MSU’s football team.
To obtain a concealed weapons permit in Michigan applicants must be at least 21 years of age, be a Michigan resident for at least 6 months, completed a pistol safety training course, have a record clear of various crimes and a clean bill of mental health.
One of the bill’s most steadfast oppositions is University of Texas Chancellor William McRaven. McRaven wrote a letter to legislative leaders summarizing the number of oppositions he and other concerned parties had with the bill.
“The University of Texas System has worked diligently to make our campuses safer, through the use of emergency notification systems and other measures.” McRaven wrote. “Yet our parents, students, faculty, administrators, and law enforcement all continue to express their concerns that the presence of concealed handguns on campus would contribute to a less-safe environment, not a safer one.”
Advertising junior Maria Smith was surprised by MSU’s gun policy, but always felt safe on campus.
“I guess I just never thought that you would have a need for it on campus,” she said.
The change in MSU’s stance towards gun control was reportedly to align MSU with state laws regarding concealed weapons, previous MSU spokesperson Kent Cassella told the State News, shortly after the change.
