discussion 1

Unit One Discussion: Campus and Constitutional Carry

As of today, there are two political cultures that dominate in Texas: individualistic and traditionalistic political cultures. This discussion board is tied to those concepts.  We will be looking at the intersection of campus carry and constitutional carry.  The campus  and constitutional carry laws and the ability of Texans to openly carry firearms are emblematic of Texas’ individualistic and traditionalistic political cultures. 

First:  Constitutional Carry

Until recently, Texans had to 1) pass a background check; 2) take a firearm safety class; and, 3) show basic proficiency with a handgun to carry a handgun.  With their license to carry (called an LTC) they can carry open (holstered on their hip where anyone can see it) or concealed, so long as they abide by other restricted places such as bars, stadiums, and businesses that have put up signs saying they do not want guns in their building.  This is all for handguns, rifles can be carried by anyone over the age of 18 with no license. 

"Constitutional carry" had been fiercely debated in the legislature and the objective was to eliminate the need for everyone to go through the process of getting the LTC.  Texas' constitution says that Texans have the right to bear arms, but the state can regulate this "with a view to prevent violence."  , also known as the Firearm Carry Act of 2021, amends the Texas Penal Code to allow persons to carry handguns without a license and in certain places under certain circumstances. 

Second:  Campus Carry

Campus Carry is different than Constitutional Carry and the rules are not the same.  Constitutional Carry does not apply on the physical premises of schools or educational institutions, nor on the grounds of a sponsored event by a school or educational institution, with valid  Campus Carry policies. .  Campus Carry was fully implemented in 2017.   was codified into the  Here is some of the actual legislation that was passed regarding guns on public college universities and campuses:

Laws Concerning Carrying Concealed Firearms on Campus in Texas: According to Texas Penal Code § 46.03(f) an individuals are prohibited from intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possessing or going with a firearm on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being conducted, or in a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution, whether the school or educational institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution. Concealed weapons permit holders are subject to this prohibition with the following exceptions.

Effective Dates:  August 1, 2016 for all state 4-year colleges and universities; August 1, 2017 for all state 2-year and junior colleges.

The new Texas law will permit individuals who have obtained a concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry their loaded, concealed weapon in college and university buildings.  Each college and university may determine certain  sensitive areas and buildings*  where concealed weapons will continue to be prohibited. Each college and university must publicly display campus policies on the official school website, as well as widely publicizing it among correspondence with the institution’s faculty, staff, and students. Previous laws permitting the concealed carry with a license on open campus grounds and in locked vehicles in parking lots will remain unchanged (see note 2 below).

*The sensitive areas will first be determined by the institution and will include representatives from the student body, faculty, and staff. Once the sensitive areas are approved by this committee, they will be sent to the Board of Regents for a 2/3 vote for approval.

Lastly...

The impact of the above has real political consequences.  In July of 2022, Texas Senator John Cornyn, was  booed and told to "get off the stage" at a GOP State Convention in Texas.  (Note:  This is the State Convention the party has every election year that we discuss in Lesson 5).  Why?  He had been working on bipartisan gun control legislation following the Uvalde, Texas elementary school shooting.  Even his fellow Texas Senator Ted Cruz gave him grief and some say the deal may  define his legacy .