Texas A&M Chancellor Supports Campus Carry
Meanwhile in Austin… the University of Texas is adamantly opposed to campus carry.
Lauren R. McGaughy writes at the Houston Chronicle:
A&M chancellor backs campus carry bill
AUSTIN – In keeping with their status as in-state rivals, Texas A&M and the University of Texas have taken opposite sides in the debate over campus carry.
State senators on Thursday opened debate for the first time this session on two gun bills, one sponsored by Granbury Republican Brian Birdwell that would allow concealed handgun license holders to tote pistols on campus.
While most higher education leaders oppose campus carry, Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp broke from precedent Thursday by throwing his support behind Birdwell’s proposal. In a letter to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Sharp said “having licensed gun owners in possession of legal weapons on our campuses does not raise safety concerns for me personally.”
The real question is this: “Do I trust my students, faculty and staff to work and live responsibly under the same laws at the university as they do at home?” Of course I do!” Sharp added.
“However, properly funding the higher education of these students is the only issue that counts! This is my personal opinion. The Texas A&M University System will not have a position on this issue, and will not oppose campus carry.”
Comments
While in the Army I learned how to properly use a variety of individual and crew served weapons, and use them in a disciplined manner. So while I have these skills, I cannot think of a single reason why I should carry a weapon when I visit a campus. Readers might posit all sorts of examples in which having a ready weapon would be useful. These examples are very rare events and, in my opinion, do not justify carrying a weapon.
There are some places in the US where I would want to carry a weapon if I lived or worked there. Fortunately, these places are very easy for me to avoid.
LTMG, I hope you’ll forgive me if I care not a bit about your opinion on the matter.
Kudos to Chancellor Sharp for respecting freedom and responsibility.