More than 100 bills have been filed in the 84th Legislative Session related to community colleges in Texas, but few have sparked more debate than those seeking to expand campus carry laws.
Lone Star College System administrators are planning a series of forums at each campus to educate the public on what the bills, if passed, could mean for LSCS, as well as to gather input from students, faculty and community members on the issue. Details on the forums, including dates, have not been determined, but more information is expected to come soon, Chancellor Steve Head said.
"If that law is going to be passed, we would like the board to have a decision on that, and the board needs input [from the community]," he said.
Senate Bill 11, filed by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R–Grandbury, would expand laws by requiring public colleges and universities to allow students and employees to carry a concealed weapon anywhere on campus if they have a valid concealed handgun license. Current law allows concealed carry on public college campuses, but not inside buildings.
The bill includes provisions that allow private universities to opt out, but currently does not provide that option for public colleges such as LSCS. The LSCS board has not taken a stance on the bill itself, but has advocated for an amendment that would provide local control.
"There is still a continued push to have a local option where a board can decide whether or not to allow guns on campus," said Ray Laughter, vice chancellor of external affairs. "We would be pushing for that option."
Trustee Ron Trowbridge said he is in favor of a forum during which people on both sides can present their arguments, but made it clear that he is personally against the expansion at LSCS. He publicly stated his concerns at the March 5 board meeting, including the taxpayer cost to pay for necessary security upgrades, students having access to guns during alcohol-fueled conflicts and generally creating a less safe environment for everyone.
"We have an unresolvable dilemma of an individual's right against society's right," he said. "We can't have it both ways. As a college trustee, I'd opt for the greatest good for the greatest number of people, and for the least amount of harm on campus."
Trustee Kyle Scott warned against making a premature decision on a complex issue.
"Both sides have compelling evidence," he said. "I cannot support the resolution offered by Dr. Trowbridge that forces this board to take a position on campus carry more generally. I urge this board to use the opportunity to raise the level of debate and set a new standard."
SB 11 passed through the Senate State Affairs committee in February, but cannot be voted on until after March 13. House Bill 937, a companion bill filed by state Rep. Allen Fletcher, R–Cypress, was picked up by the Homeland Security and Public Safety committee March 5.
SB 11 also contains provisions that make on-campus hospitals and day care centers exempt from the law. An amendment was also passed to specify that open carry would not be allowed on campuses, even if general open carry laws are passed this session.
A faculty survey at LSCS indicated broad opposition to expanding campus carry. Kim Carter, faculty senate president at LSC–Tomball, reported the findings to the board at the March 5 meeting.
"We do not want guns on our campuses," she said. "Faculty are not keen on it at all."
Twenty-three states have an option for a board to decide campus carry policy, Laughter said. Twenty states ban handguns on campuses entirely and seven states allow it without giving boards the option to choose.
The LSCS board will not take an official stance on the bills until after the public forums, board chair Linda Good said. The next LSCS board meeting is set for April 9 at 6 p.m.
