Campus Carry Policy prompts safety procedures

The Campus Carry Law for University of Houston-Clear Lake and all other public universities in the state of Texas went into effect Aug. 1 as a result of the passage of Senate Bill 11.

The Senate Bill authorizes a licensed holder to carry a concealed handgun while on campus.

Sergeant Jared Goldman with the UHCL Police Department spoke on campus at an informational session about the Campus Carry Policy Aug. 31.

“Open carry in general public is OK, on campus it’s required to be concealed,” Goldman said. “Weapons in a holster, on the belt, in plain view; we should not be seeing this on campus.”

Goldman said students/faculty should give the police department a call at 281-283-2222 if they see someone who does not appear to be a police officer with an unconcealed gun on campus.

Senate Bill 11 states that the president of an institution of higher education shall establish reasonable rules, regulations or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by licensed holders on campus or on specific premises located on the campus. Goldman said the Bill prevents universities or its officers from being held liable for damages caused by a person authorized to carry a concealed handgun.

Goldman went on to talk about the Texas License to Carry (LTC) requirements, stipulating that LTC holders must meet state requirements regarding age, criminal history and mental health, and they must successfully pass a criminal background investigation and required training. Only a licensed person may carry a handgun on to campus as designated under Subchapter H of Chapter 411 of the Government Code.

“Any other weapons are expressly prohibited,” Goldman said. “Individuals who do not possess a valid license to carry a handgun currently are and will continue to be prohibited from carrying handguns on campus.”

The Campus Carry Policy has procedures for both faculty and staff to follow, which Goldman addressed during the session.

“An employee with a LTC may carry a concealed handgun into his/her work space, unless the location is prohibited by law or policy,” Goldman said. “An employee is not authorized to use a weapon in course or scope of duties. The employee accepts personal liability for any injury or damage resulting from the use of their handgun.”

Because UHCL is a Texas public university, it does not have the option to opt out of the Campus Carry Law.

“State law requires that we allow campus carry and develop a policy addressing it,” Lisa Gossett, associate professor in environmental management and president of the faculty senate said. “As such, members of the campus community need to follow the policy, whether or not they agree with the requirements. If someone disagrees with the law, that is an issue to raise with their representatives in the Texas Legislature, which meets in Austin this spring.”

To learn more about the Campus Carry Policy at UHCL, go to http://www.uhcl.edu/police.

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