St. Edward’s Continues to Prohibit Handguns on Campus: Opting Out of Campus Carry
St. Edward’s University today announced it will continue its long-standing policy of prohibiting weapons on campus. University leadership believes concealed handguns on campus present significant concerns and are not conducive to a positive learning environment. Opinions expressed during campus-wide information sessions support the university’s position on this matter.
During the 2015 session, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 11, which amends the Government and Penal Code to authorize concealed handgun license owners to carry a gun on college and university campuses in the state of Texas.
The law, commonly referred to as Campus Carry, allows private universities an “opt out” provision after consulting with their campus community. As prescribed in Senate Bill 11, St. Edward’s completed a consultation process with the university community to gather feedback from students, faculty and staff members.
With this decision, St. Edward’s joins other private colleges and universities in Texas that are choosing to opt out of Campus Carry and is in alignment with The Texas Association of College and University Police Administrators who publicly oppose Campus Carry.
More details on the university’s firearms policy: