Last week, the Texas Campus Carry law was extended to cover public community colleges, including our own Texarkana College.
Under the law, those who possess a concealed carry permit may exercise their Second Amendment rights on most parts of campus.
There are restriction areas where firearms are not allowed at TC, such as the Testing Center, mental health care and counseling facilities, meetings, polling places or during athletic events.
Individuals must conceal firearms on their person. Open carry is not allowed, nor is a gun to be left in a backpack or bag.
When concealed carry was passed by the state Legislature and went into effect for four-year schools, there was a lot of worry. Many were concerned the state's campuses would become much more dangerous places to be.
Well, it turns out all the concern was for nothing. So far, there have been no major incidents on college campuses involving anyone licensed to carry a concealed weapon. There was a accidental discharge at Tarleton State University where no one was hurt. And there was a student at the University of Texas who posed for a photo on campus and showed his handgun, which by law must remain concealed. That's it.
TC President James Henry Russell says the school has had time to prepare for campus carry and doesn't expect any problems as long as everyone follows the law. We agree. We understand the concerns. But the fact is the Second Amendment is a right and campus carry is legal in Texas. Carrying a firearm means accepting responsibility for following the law. In the last year, Texas students have proven they know that and we don't think TC students will be any different.