WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The presence of concealed guns on the University of Texas campus will make the school a less safe environment for students, University of Texas Chancellor William McRaven wrote in a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and released to Sputnik on Thursday.
“In light of all these concerns and apprehensions, I feel the presence of concealed weapons will make a campus a less-safe environment,” McRaven said in the letter referring to the new Texas law that allows individuals on campuses to carry concealed guns.
“I respectfully trust that you and the Texas Legislature will weigh these concerns, and the safety and lives of those on our campuses, as you consider this issue.”
McRaven noted that unease over the new bill has been expressed by the University’s mental health professionals who are familiar with student emotional and psychological pressures, and the presence of guns could lead to an increase in accidental shootings and self-inflicted wounds.
“There is also unease that laboratories on our academic and health campuses, as well as hospitals, where chemicals and gases are present… create unique situations where the discharge or presence of a firearm may have consequences,” he said.
McRaven also said that the University of Texas has worked hard to make college campuses safer by utilizing emergency notification systems and other measures.
While some might want to carry handguns for defense, McRaven said parents, students, faculty, administrators and law enforcement have told him that the presence of handguns would not contribute to a safer campus.
McRaven expressed hope the Texas Legislature will weigh the University of Texas’ concerns, and be willing and able to discuss the issue.
On Wednesday, the Texas conceal-to-carry college law, also known as Senate Bill 17, was given preliminary approval by the Texas Senate after being passed on Monday. The bill is set to be signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
