What is campus carry?
By law (Senate Bill 11), individuals (students, faculty, staff, and visitors) licensed to carry a concealed handgun may do so on College District property except in locations or at school sponsored activities as prohibited by law or by WTC policy.
When does the law go into effect at WTC?
The law goes into effect August 1, 2017.
Why does WTC need a campus carry policy?
It's the law. SB 11 requires the college president to establish policy for the concealed carry of a handgun on the WTC campus.
This law applies to all students, employees, campus affiliates, and visitors of the College while on College District property. This policy does not apply to commissioned peace officers as defined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedures.
Can WTC opt out?
No. Because WTC is defined as a public junior college in Texas, the college may not opt out in accordance with the law (SB 11).
What does concealed carry mean?
Concealed carry is the practice of carrying a handgun in public in a hidden manner, either on one's person or in close proximity. A concealed handgun license holder may carry a concealed handgun on or about their person on WTC campus premises (including public driveways, streets, sidewalks or walkways, parking lots, and other parking areas) unless prohibited by state or federal law, or by WTC policy.
In accordance with WTC policy, the license holder may not carry a handgun into the following locations (exclusionary zones) at any time:
• Tefertiller Hall Health Clinic
• Premises where any Board of Trustees meeting is being held
• Premises where any UIL sanctioned competition is being held
• All WTC Athletic Fields (Softball, Baseball, Soccer, Golf Course) and the Gym/HPE when sporting events are taking place.
Can anyone carry a handgun on a Texas public college campus?
Only an individual with a concealed carry license may carry a handgun on a Texas public college campus under Texas Senate Bill 11.
Will people be openly carrying handguns on campus, since it is now legal in Texas?
No, although Texas House Bill 910, known as the "open carry" bill became law in January of 2016, it does not apply to public colleges. Individuals will not be allowed to openly carry a handgun at WTC.
What responsibility does a license holder have to keep his/her weapon concealed?
A license holder may not carry a partially or wholly visible handgun, or intentionally or knowingly display a handgun in plain view of another person, even if holstered, on the campus premises, including public driveways, streets, sidewalks or walkways, parking lots, or other parking areas on the premises of the College. It is the responsibility of the license holder to be knowledgeable of those areas on the WTC campus where carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited.
What if I see a handgun?
Any violations of this policy should be immediately reported to Campus Security by calling 325-207-3709. Campus Security will maintain a list of all handgun-related incidents and will provide an annual report to the President and Board of Trustees.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal, probation, suspension, dismissal, and termination. In addition, other state or federal penalties may apply.
Will students, faculty, staff, or visitors be able to ask someone if they are carrying a concealed weapon, or if they hold a concealed carry license (or license to carry)?
Those questions may be asked, however an individual does not have to answer. A license holder is not required to disclose whether he or she has a license to carry or is currently carrying a concealed handgun to anyone except a commissioned peace officer.