Campus Carry Law Now in Effect

EAST TEXAS — Monday, August 1, marked the start of campus carry on public universities across the state of Texas. On a local level, that means students and faculty at UT Tyler with concealed handgun licenses can carry on campus, KETK reports. “This changes nothing except allows those of us who have conceal and carry licenses to defend ourselves if something bad should happen on campus,” says UT Tyler senior lecturer Dr. James Newsom. They will not be allowed in areas including laboratories, the Innovation Academy, the University Health Clinic, formal hearing areas and ticketed sporting event premises. “It’s a privilege to be able to do it and we want to preserve that privilege,” says Dr. Newsom. The law won’t go into effect for 2 year colleges like Tyler Junior College until August 1, 2017.