Texas lets guns on campus, first time since 1966

CHICAGO: Texas on Monday became the eighth US state to allow guns on campuses -- a controversial decision that comes on the 50th anniversary of a deadly sniper rampage

CHICAGO: Texas on Monday became the eighth US state to allow guns on campuses -- a controversial decision that comes on the 50th anniversary of a deadly sniper rampage at a university.

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The law, which was passed last year, requires public universities in Texas to permit concealed weapons in campus buildings, although schools can impose limits on where guns are allowed.

At the University of Texas at Austin, where a mass shooting in 1966 claimed 14 lives, the institution’s president Gregory Fenves said the emotionally charged issue would likely be little noticed on campus.

“We have a very safe campus,” Fenves said, “And I think that will continue.”

Texas joins seven other states which also allow concealed guns on university campuses, including Oregon, Colorado, and Wisconsin. Eighteen states specifically ban the practice. Critics of the law include three UT Austin professors who have sued, claiming their free speech rights would be violated, because students with guns would create a fearful atmosphere and stifle the open expression of ideas.

“I’m not scared of guns. I’m scared of this combination: term exam stress, undiagnosed mental illness and the ability to carry guns in university buildings,” Yasmin wrote.

Proponents argue that allowing concealed weapons on campuses makes students and teachers safer.