Texas Wesleyan's campus carry policy goes into effect Aug. 1, 2016. We've addressed a few of the frequently asked questions about our campus carry policy.
What is the "Campus Carry" Law?
On June 1, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill No. 11 (S.B. 11), also known as the “campus carry” law. S.B. 11 amends Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code to allow the carrying of handguns by license holders on certain college campuses beginning Aug. 1, 2016. Among the various provisions of Campus Carry, individuals who hold a concealed handgun license (CHL) will be allowed to carry handguns onto certain college and university campuses.
Part of the law gives private universities the right to opt-out of the campus carry law and remain gun free. Texas Wesleyan University has opted-out and is remaining gun free.
How was the decision reached?
As required by Senate Bill 11, a campus carry task force was assembled and charged with the responsibility to advertise and lead a series of meetings and discussions concerning Campus Carry among university constituents including faculty, staff, students and alumni. Then based on their findings, the task force presented a recommendation to the President of the University.
What was the recommendation from the Campus Carry Task Force?
After conducting meetings with faculty, staff, students and alumni, the President of the University found that an overwhelming majority were in favor of opting out of the Campus Carry Law (Senate Bill 11). In support of this position, he announced that licensed handgun holders will not to be allowed to carry a handgun on Texas Wesleyan property.
What is Texas Wesleyan's current weapons policy and where can I find it?
Texas Wesleyan’s current firearms policy can be found in the University Policies and Community Standards under Weapons. It states:
"Students shall not carry or store a weapon on University property. Weapons include but are not limited to: BB/pellet guns, paint guns, air guns, airsoft guns, tasers, knives with blades over six inches, swords (including decorative), imitation or facsimile weapons, fireworks, explosive devices, martial arts weapons and includes those weapons for which the employee or student may possess a license for (e.g. a concealed handgun). Weapons or imitation weapons, including airsoft guns, are not to be used in any game or play situations unless approved by the Dean of Students."
How will visitors know that we have adopted an opt-out campus carry policy?
S.B. 11 requires appropriate signage in English and Spanish announcing Campus Carry policy. The signage must appear in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height. These signs must be displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public. As required by law, signage must include the following message:
“Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by a licensed holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun.”
The required signs are posted conspicuously around the Texas Wesleyan campus.