Campus Carry

MICHAEL K. YOUNG
President

October 15, 2015

To Texas A&M Students, Faculty and Staff:

This spring, the 84th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 11 (SB 11), which expands the areas on public university campuses where those with licenses may carry concealed handguns.

Licensees have been allowed to carry concealed handguns on public university campuses in certain spaces (mostly exterior grounds) since 1995. SB 11 expands this to other areas (including building interiors) except those where concealed carry is prohibited by state or federal law, or by new university policies or rules associated with this change. SB 11 will take effect Aug. 1, 2016.

The Legislature has given universities discretion to implement the law based on each unique campus culture, with a focus on safety and a careful consideration of input from the broad campus community.

To that end, I have established a 21-member task force with representatives from across campus to provide me with recommendations for implementing SB 11 at Texas A&M. I have charged the task force with making recommendations based on their considerable expertise, along with input from students, faculty and staff. More information on SB 11 and the task force can be found at http://www.tamu.edu/statements/campus-carry.html.

We seek an outcome that will uphold the integrity of the law, ensure the safety and security of everyone on campus and foster a climate of mutual respect to create the most supportive learning environment possible. We invite your views on this important matter, and, to that end, the task force will shortly send out a brief survey. We will be happy to receive your feedback.

Thank you for all that you do to make Texas A&M a truly great university and for helping us implement SB 11 in a uniquely Aggie way.

Michael K. Young, President