Campus gun laws: Stay alert

By Stephen Parker
The TC News Reporter

A law has been passed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas legislature that states, students who are 21-years-old and licensed to carry a concealed firearm will be permitted to do so in university and college buildings.

This law takes effect Aug. 1, 2016 for all state 4-year colleges and universities; Aug. 1, 2017 for all state 2-year and junior colleges.

Texarkana College President James Henry Russell stressed a wait-and-see attitude, pointing out that there is so much confusion on implementation.

“It’s going to be impossible for the general public to know where you can carry and how, on what campus,” Russell said.

Russell said the next legislative session will have to address this issue and hopefully limit the decision a community college has to make.

Students are encouraged to share thoughts or concerns with their State Representative and State Senators.

“Right now one of the most important things that our student body and everyone should know is that the law is not in place unless there is a specific letter issued by a chief law enforcement authority,” Russell said. “It is currently against the law to carry a concealed weapon on campus even with a permit.”

While the law did pass, it is a “watered-down” version from the original bill that pushed for unrestricted carry. The current version allows for school officials to create “gun-free zones” on campuses.

Russell said Texarkana College will have educational programs in place to make sure students and the community clearly understand the new law. Many TC students are flabbergasted that such a law has to be implemented in the first place.

“It’s unnecessary. There has never been a shooting on this campus. How will having guns of campus make us safer? This is a potential powder keg,” says student Josh Wyche.

Russell stresses, “We have been blessed to not have any incidents in some time. I will say that the best defense to a major incident is our students being aware and reporting of any suspicious behavior, violent trends, or persons making threats, to our police department, facility, or administrator so we can deal with it. We have mental health professionals and law enforcement on campus to prevent a situation from getting out of hand.”

Campus Police Chief Steve Gass agrees.

“If you see something, say something, and stay alert,” Gass says. “We have a well trained professional police force with a good relationship with the students.”
Russell says anyone intending to carry should make “sure you are fully trained on how to safely carry and have a well-functioning firearm.”

“Take advantage of any training opportunities from professionals,” Russell said. “I’m more concerned about an accidental discharge than any other type of situation there is…Training and awareness are our best defense against an accident.”