TCU decides to opt out of SB11
Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2015 2:16 pm
I just received this email from TCU a few minutes ago.
Dear TCU Faculty, Staff and Students,
Since August, we have been discussing and debating campus safety in light of Senate Bill 11, commonly known as the Campus Carry law in Texas. As you may know, SB 11 amends the Government and Penal Code of Texas allowing concealed handgun license owners to carry a gun on college and university campuses in Texas. It also allows private universities a provision to opt out of the law following a process of consultation with faculty, staff and students.
We engaged in a public debate and open forums, and sought your input through governance groups, a student poll and a common email. The Cabinet and TCU's Board of Trustees thoughtfully considered the feedback from each of these sources in assessing the community’s desires related to our option in the law.
The academic affairs and student relations committees recommended that the Board of Trustees opt out of SB 11, and the Board voted to affirm that recommendation this morning. As a result of this vote, the University’s policy prohibiting guns on campus remains in effect. The University will now begin the process of defining all strategies and policies associated with this Board decision.
Through this process we have learned a great deal about our community’s commitment to the safety and personal campus culture. We will continue to use your feedback to address opportunities for improvement in our physical facilities, police coverage and additional training moving forward.
The safety and security of our community are of the utmost importance. This afternoon you will be able to find a fact sheet on the TCU website that highlights additional security measures that we employ to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Again, thank you for your participation in this process.
Sincerely,
Kathy Cavins-Tull
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs