1 Appendix A: Faculty, Staff, and Graduate Student Feedback
Final Open Question
Favor Legislation
Comments
1
Evidence shows that violent crimes decrease in areas that allow guns. We should not
interfere in any way with either concealed carry or open carry individuals.
1
I believe that an active shooter will have no problem entering ANY building/area on
campus. I think those of us that have a CHL should be allowed to bring those handguns
on campus to defend ourselves and those around us should we have an active shooter.
1
I appreciate all the input across the university. I think that concealed campus carry can
help protect other students, since you must be licensed to carry a firearm. It will ensure
that there are some people on campus who can offer protection at a moments notice.
1
Guns don't kill people...people kill people. The second amendment should not be
infringed upon. Taking guns out of law-abiding citizens’ hands does not make the world
safer; in fact, it has the opposite effect. Allowing licensed concealed gun carriers to
carry on campus will deter active shooters...or will at least stop them before they kill
numerous people on campus.
1
I do not like guns, and I prefer to avoid guns. However, individuals with evil intent will not
obey laws or restrictions on gun usage, so I prefer to allow responsible people, with
licenses to carry concealed weapons, to be allowed to carry them anywhere evil
individuals may be present, which is everywhere. That is for my protection.
1
I think that campus carry is smart in some regards. It almost grants someone with plans
to be crazy permission to do so without reservation. That is my biggest fear. But, if more
people were able to carry, there would be more people to help take down a potential
threat if one did happen. I would feel much better if I was at my desk and heard a
gunshot, if I was able to pull out my gun protect myself and my co-workers.
1
I do support the right to carry a gun; however, I'm concerned about the growing violence
on campuses in conjunction with the increasing anger of students and parents that’s
directed at faculty.
1
I think people should be able to protect themselves and their property/work area. If
someone decides to ‘shoot up’ campus, we should be able to defend ourselves.
1
We need to be able to defend our students if necessary. Criminals don't follow gun laws,
please don't leave law abiding citizens defenseless when criminals will do as they
please regardless of the law.
1
Gun crimes committed by CHL holders is miniscule (approaching zero) percentage of
total gun crimes. CHL holders are law-abiding, conscientious citizens, who are trained in
the use of fire-arms, and tested in their knowledge of the law and training by the state.
Enabling them will reduce crime -- for example, violence on women on campus can be
reduced by allowing women to legally carry according to state laws.
1
I think it's a good think because if there was a shooting then someone who is licensed to
carry could limit the damage by being able to stop the other shooter.
2 1
The safety of myself to get home to my 3 boys comes first. The right to bear arms in
order to defend myself if needed, is very important to me. If I am able to defend my
peers, then I am ok with this as well. I do not take lightly to using my firearms to take a
life, but I will if it me or another gunman!
1
As a current holder of a Texas Concealed Handgun License, I am in large favor to carry
on campus. I currently carry everyday with the exception of the time I spend on
campus. Many people look against this due to them thinking if someone gets a temper,
they will just pull out their gun and use it. This is not the case for people that carry with
a license. People that hold a License carry to protect themselves and others if the
situation were to arise. We do not carry for fun or to show off that we have a weapon,
we carry for protection. Lately with all the other shootings happening around the United
States and different public places, by non license holders, has become a larger issue.
This fact makes me and other license holders more aware of our surroundings and more
prepared to stop an emergency if needed. As the location being a campus, I do
understand that there will be restrictions, but with the proper education and signage
provided, I feel it would be successful.
1
I would like to start out by saying thank you for doing this survey! I really appreciate it. I
would also like to say that in my opinion, many of the people that would be allowed to
carry a gun on campus are trained individuals. Many of them are men and women that
have gone through training and know how and when to properly use a fire arm. Many of
these people think before making decisions and carry a fire arm for the sole purpose of
protecting themselves and those around them. Like I said, thank you again for doing this
survey!
1
If those who are trained and licensed to carry did so, the campus would be a safer
place.
1
CHL holders are some of the most law-abiding citizens. There is almost 20 years of data
available to that effect at the Texas Department of Public Safety website.
1
I'd rather be able to protect myself than be a sitting duck.
1
I am an adamant supporter of the right to carry on campus. I actually consider the law a
failure because it has given universities time to figure out every way they possibly can to
skirt the law. It should have been allowed with immediate effect. It is my hope that
Texas Tech will lead the way in the support of 2nd Amendment rights. Given events
that happened with our President at the University of Idaho, I do not have much faith
that will happen. I work in a building in Lubbock, off of main campus, and without the
services of TTU PD. It's not the best part of town and sometimes my duties require me
to come in during the middle of the night. I do not feel safe, but having the ability to
legally carry would help. Note: In nearly every incidence of a mass shooting, the actions
of the criminal cease as soon as they meet resistance. Heaven forbid it ever happens
here, but if it does, let's introduce the resistance early. Please give me the right to
defend myself anywhere on cam
1
It's better to have a gun to defend you and your classmates, than not and die as an
unarmed bystander.
3 1
I understand there is a lot of concern about “a bunch of drunk freshmen running around
with guns”, or inviting criminals to carry on campus. But please do remember, this is
clearly not what the Campus Carry law is about. It's about a very small subset of the
population who (a) are all adults, (b) have passed a criminal background check, (c) have
passed a proficiency exam, (d) cause virtually no crime, and (e) can already carry on
campus, just not inside the buildings. Please allow me to expand on these ideas. (a)
Your average freshman cannot have a CHL. One must be over 21 to obtain the license,
with some special exceptions to our military members. I would wager that the vast
majority of your 18-20 year old students are not in the active military. The majority of the
kids in the dorms won't be allowed to have a gun, because they don't have a CHL. (b)
Nobody gets a CHL without a thorough background check. These individuals have a
verifiably clean criminal record. (c) CH
1
Education is the answer. Gun free zone signs do not prevent mass shootings. Why do
we think this is a suitable answer? Disarming the law abiding portion of the population
only makes them more vulnerable to those who wish to kill them. It gives them no way of
defending themselves. I am all for stricter gun control measures. I am willing to jump
through hoops, and everyone who carries a gun should take the responsibility very
seriously. The threat is not going away, we must be prepared to meet it by educating
ourselves.
1
I am in favor of Concealed Handgun Licensees being able to practice their right to carry
a concealed handgun anywhere, including school campuses. Gun-free zones are
ineffective. People intent on doing harm are not concerned with upholding the law. A
sign indicating they are in a gun-free zone is no deterrent. A gun-free zone will insure
that the perpetrator will encounter no resistance when executing an attack. A trained,
licensed gun owner in a public area would be able to return fire on that individual,
potentially stopping the attack at the beginning and saving countless lives. When evil
strikes, we have to be able to defend ourselves in an instant. By the time law
enforcement can be contacted and have the opportunity to respond, the active shooter
incident will have already occurred and they can do nothing but try to apprehend the
suspect and collect the bodies of the dead. Active shooter handgun training offered to
CHL holders by the University at no charge would be very helpful
1
I believe that if more people were properly trained to concealed carry, and did so, that
the campus would be a safer place.
1
I believe that responsible gun owners will remain responsible gun owners regardless of
where they legally carry.
1
I think that there is a lot of misinformation on this subject. There is no sign on earth that
can disarm a person if they so choose to ignore it’s verbiage and the threat of
repercussions to the law are not dissuasive to the lawless and the criminally insane.
Instead, the possibility of room full well-educated and armed citizen first responders is
the only true barrier to tragedy should the event of a person bent on inflicting harm on
others arise. Most students will not be concealed carry weapon users as they will not be
of age, which instead leave the staff, faculty, and more mature student body to assume
the responsibility of caring for the protection of their fellow Techsans in the event of an
emergency as when seconds count, the TTUPD can be minutes away.
1
I feel safer and better protected teaching classed if our law-biding students are carrying.
4 1
I feel that when people go through the training to have CHL they are not the ones we
have to worry about. I think the people we need to worry about are the mentally
unstable. I doesn’t matter if we make rules and regulations. The crazies will still find a
way to get their gun on campus to do the harm they intend. What we need to be
thinking about is how to predict who these crazies are before they hurt others....Until we
can predict this, open carry should be out of the question for the safety of the people
who choose to carry. However, concealed carry should be allowed to those who have
the proper training.
1
My main concern is that designating any area as a ‘gun free zone’ amounts to providing
a guide to killers on where they can to to find potential victims with minimal risk of
encountering a defender who also has a gun and could stop the killing spree.
Murderers are remarkably rational in their selection of sites for mass shootings, and
have purposefully selected gun free zones to ensure that they can kill as many innocent
people as possible before police arrive. Obviously, I hold a minority view among
professors! I suggest that the university actively encourage students, employees, and
faculty with proper training to carry concealed weapons on campus, and that the
university advertise this fact. This means that any potential mass killer would face the
considerable risk of encountering a ‘good guy with a gun,’ and the potential killer would
very likely abandon his plans, or move on to a different location where his victims would
be unarmed.
1
I’m not concerned about the fact that someone who has legally been trained and
permitted to use a handgun will do something illegal and make a bad decision. My
biggest concern is why there is a need for someone to carry a concealed handgun in a
university setting in the first place. How will this be policed? Will every person with a
conceal carry permit need to register with the university? Will TTU police need to check
every person at the entrance to a football game and ask to see the permit? Will
students/faculty/staff be randomly selected and asked if they are carrying a handgun?
1
I would hope that despite the more progressive-leaning mindset on campuses that we at
TTU would a it’s by our nation’s Constitution regarding gun ownership and carry rights.
1
If only people who have a CHL are permitted to carry on campus, I believe they should
be allowed to. If someone is planning to harm others on campus, those who are trained
firearm owners could prevent harmful occurrences. Additionally, if stopping the violence
before it begins is impossible, a trained CHL holder in the vicinity can quickly end the
violence before too many people are harmed. There are not enough Police Officers on
Tech campus to protect every individual; therefore, fewer individuals may be harmed in
the end by having individuals who are trained and prepared to protect themselves and
others. As a gun owner and future CHL holder, I would personally feel more comfortable
and safe knowing that if someone does come in and attempt to harm anyone in my
vicinity that based on my training I could save others around me and myself.
1
I think it’s important to be able to defend yourself (and others) in the case of an active
shooter situation. I’m of the opinion that strict gun laws (and designated gun-free areas)
will not keep criminals, etc from using guns to commit violent crimes. If you are
approved to purchase a gun and have completed the concealed carry class, you should
be allowed to carry. Those are the individuals I’m expecting will be trying to protect us
during an active shooter event. I doubt most criminals/crazy active shooters bother to
get concealed carry permits. Perhaps the university should implement additional
5 training for anyone that wants to carry a gun on campus...that would probably be a
record keeping nightmare, though.
1
As a staff member who frequently sees unknown students, staff and faculty walking
through the work place, it concerns me that someone could violate a gun-free policy,
walk in with intent to do harm, and that we as staff cannot protect ourselves if we
choose to do so by having a concealed license to carry and a concealed weapon. I
personally plan on getting my concealed carry permit, but I would not be able to have it
with me during the work day due to the gun-free zone that is campus-wide. The Texas
Tech campus is open and all buildings are usually accessible without passes. This
allows for anyone to come on campus, bypass the gun-free zone policy, and proceed to
do harm. With all the shootings going on nationwide (and there have been multiple ones
over the past few weeks) it is scary to think that we are limited on how we can protect
ourselves and others.
1
If an individual is upset or desires to harm other individuals...regardless of the laws and
gun free places...that person can and will obtain whatever means (guns) to do harm. I
would rather have other individuals who have been trained around me to assist in a
shooter situation. Since when do individuals with intent to harm...follow the laws!!
1
The average response time for Tech PD is 3 minutes. I would like to be afforded every
opportunity to be able to protect myself and my colleagues if possible, including the use
of a firearm. We all have families we want to go home to and continue to live and grow.
As a free society, I feel we have a right to protect ourselves through responsible
ownership and operation of firearms. Prohibiting this, especially in certain buildings, only
makes those places more susceptible to those who want to do harm. Unfortunately, we
cannot stop people from committing violent acts, but we may be able to mitigate the loss
by allowing those who chose to responsibly carry to do so. Crime rates are higher in
cities with more restrictions on firearms, and there have been too many school
shootings for us to think it can’t happen here.
1
I generally am not opposed to licensed individuals carrying concealed handguns on
campus. I think it’s important to remember that a person has to be 21 years old to even
be eligible for a CHL. I think it would be wise to run a campaign educating everyone on
the specifics of the law and outline the legal ramifications if someone chooses to step
outside the law. Since the law is here, maybe it would be wise to offer supplemental gun
safety trainings to interested CHL holders to really drill the risks and responsibilities
associated with their decision to carry firearms on a university campus.
1
Let’s do this!
1
I absolutely support being able to carry a gun on campus in all locations, without
limitation.
6 1
As a father and professor, I imagine what it would be like to speak with the parent of a
student who was killed by an active shooter in my classroom, because I did not exercise
my freedom to carry, or because I was prevented from doing so by institutional rules.
What could I say? At that moment, how weak is the justification that we banned guns
because we were just trying to promote a gun-free culture on campus? The massive
loss of life in college classrooms does not ever have to happen at TTU. Campus carry
will do much more to prevent and/or limit the damage of such events than to encourage
them. While I would vastly prefer a totally gun-free campus, the current ban guarantees
that the only guns on campus are in the hands of lawbreakers. Armed persons with evil
intent, in an open environment of unarmed students, staff, and faculty, is the recipe for
massacre. It would be irresponsible as an institution to continue supporting the current
dangerous situation.
1
I feel that the law is a good step forward, but there needs to be courses required to be
taken by the students like Haven and Alcohol EDU. As long as children have the
education to know how to react in situations where a gun is involved and how to handle
a gun properly.
1
I have no problems with licensed individuals carrying their handguns anywhere.
1
I believe having concealed carry allowed on campus will improve the overall security of
the campus because those who want to misuse guns generally do not go through the
proper channels to get a license. However, many who have a license for protection will
use it to protect others and themselves from those who abuse the laws.
1
I feel with all the shooting’s on campus maybe if it is known that there are others
protecting themselves with concealed carry weapons it could possibly stop some of the
senseless shootings. They would have no idea who they might confront with a gun and
that might could stop the madness before it begins.
1
I do feel that professors should carry guns, similar to Utah, where some teachers are
designated to carry guns just incase of any type of incident.
1
Most incidents of indiscriminate mass murder occur in gun free zones, because chances
are there is little to no resistance because of the so call ‘gun free zone’. Criminals don’t
care about or follow the law, only us, the law abiding will care and follow the law.
1
The only way to secure campus is to allow CHL individuals to carry. The only way to
stop a bad guy with a gun is to arm good guys with guns. Look at all the recent school
shootings and ask yourself, is 1 to 3 people dead better or worse then 20 plus people?
Murder is going to happen regardless but if you can save lives why would you wait?
1
It is our right to protect ourselves as necessary and the right to carry a handgun with
make me feel more protected. Perhaps robberies, rape, etc would drop to a lower rate if
we had the means to protect ourselves.
1
I believe in our freedoms and the right to bear arms, concealed carry laws are
appropriate and if allowed on campus, I don’t see any concerns or issues.
1
Everyone should maintain the right and privilege to protect themselves at all times.
7 1
An armed citizenry is in direct opposition to the ridiculous ‘victim’ culture being allowed
to perpetuate on college campuses. Guns don’t threaten academic freedom; Free
Speech Zones, trigger-words, and approved-victim status are far more likely to result in
the end of academic freedom.
1
Carrying by license-holders is an excellent idea. They will be able to help in an
emergency because they are already there. I believe lives will be saved by this. I also
believe that anyone wanting to hurt others will think twice before doing so on our
campus.
1
I strongly believe that with proper education on the subject, and proper precautionary
measures, that there will be no major concerns with CHL citizens.
1
It is not the trained and licensed concealed weapon carrier (whom must be at least 21
years old) that is of concern, it is the ‘bad guy’ intent on harming others and will not
comply with the gun-free zone restrictions - gun-free zones will only inform the ‘bad guy’
that no one will be shooting back.
1
I believe that ‘Active Shooter’ Incident Preparation training would be beneficial for our
University, given recent events around the country. Additionally, I believe these
incidents would occur less often if active shooters knew that their targets are able to
defend themselves with equal force. I recommend that Texas Tech University keep ‘offlimits’ areas to a minimum, so that students and staff are able to protect themselves if
necessary.
1
In my opinion, the more people that campus carry the less likely that someone intent on
a mass killing of people will target the University. They will look for a softer target or if
they do strike at our University, the possibility that the killings are mitigated by someone
who is carrying are much higher. I think it would be helpful to offer optional (not
mandatory) additional training to concealed carry people on active shooter situations.
Re Question 2: To be in compliance with state Law, handguns are banned at public
sporting events now.
1
Guns are already a part of our community. What we are doing is creating acceptance for
those who have gone through proper channels to receive licensure. I will feel no more or
less safe than I have in my past 6 years as part of this community
(student/staff/student).
1
The spirit and intent of the state law is clear. To not allow institutions to restrict our
rights. You are asking popular anti-gun lobby querstions about alcohol venues for
example. Studies have shown no increase in gun violence when gun control has been
lifted from such venues. I recommend this campus not try to circumvent the right to carry
law mandated by the state as there is no logical reason to restrict any law abiding citizen
from carrying his or her firearm legally at ANY venue on this campus. Attempting to do
so will simply lead to costly lawsuits to overtern emotionally and politically motivated
decisions to restrict gun rights.
1
I feel that if you have a CHL and you work for the University such as myself you should
be able to carry your firearm at work just as a student or Teacher would be able to carry
his or her firearm. Having a background in the Marine Corps and well trained to carry a
firearm, It would not benefit myself if not able to carry at work.
8 1
I feel that there should be no places where there can be no concealed carry because
that defeats the purpose of allowing concealed carry. The people who commit atrocities
are not going to care if there is no concealed carry in this building or the other, other
than the fact that they will go to commit such a crime where there is supposed to be no
concealed carry. Why put a targets above some buildings or areas when every area
should be as safe as the next with responsible concealed carry. If anything, Tech
should offer their own certification to carry on campus and make those who do have
CHLs go through a class or session once a month or once every other month to make
sure they understand their responsibility of participating in campus carry.
1
The law says the university cannot be overly restrictive on gun limits. The places we
might want to restrict guns would like be considered overly restrictive. The bottom line
is that the recent mass shootings have all occurred in gun-free areas, which suggests
that limiting legal carry does not prevent shootings. The hope of the law is the having
responsible citizens carry may preventing shootings.
1
As an individual who stands at the front of a classroom to teach, especially in a large
classroom setting, I know that if a student was to try and shoot me (non CHL holder) I
might be ‘saved’ by someone else with a CHL much more quickly than the campus
police. While students could retaliate using a weapon for a poor grade, I would not fear
someone’s gun rather I would fear someone’s character of eliciting violence, so while
that is concerning, its not as concerning as being helpless during a school shooting with
someone who is trying to do good with a way to defend the class immediately.
1
I feel a completely gun-free campus is the best option, but keeping guns off campus is
difficult to enforce. In light of recent mass shootings, it seems that it is easy for active
shooters to enter campus with a firearm. Widespread security checkpoints to locate
weapons is probably not a feasible option to keep guns off our campus, but it seems
that would be the only way to ensure a gun free campus. On this note, I support the right
of those licensed to carry a weapon to be allowed to carry that weapon on campus as a
safety measure against possible active shooters. Faculty, staff, and students of this
university should be able to defend ourselves and our associates if a shooting were to
occur.
1
Criminals and very dangerous people will access firearms, illegally if necessary.
Concealed carry is a clear deterrent to those who would be an active shooter on our
campus.
1
The debate regarding gun control policy and laws are fruitless, any policy and law
imposed will limit the law abiding citizen the ability to protect themselves. Individuals
need to realize that if someone is truly intent on harming someone else they will. We
have more guns sold/exchanged on the streets (black market) than sold in stores, the
issue should be how can one truly protect themselves from imminent harm, danger or
death. The purpose of the second amendment is to provide the American Citizen the
ability to protect one-self and their friends and family. We should recognize the right
and jeopardized one’s ability to protect others in time of need. I am in 100 percent
support of concealed carry on Texas Tech campus.
9 1
As a Texas resident with a CHL and as a current student involved with many
organizations I am interested in being involved with any campus carry related decisions
or organizations, but they seem to be difficult to locate. I will try to attend any further
meetings over the topic if possible. I am looking forward to having responsible and law
abiding students with CHLs in classrooms and buildings across campus. I know several
girls who have been hesitant to stay late on campus for fear of being attacked walking to
some place on campus. We have one of the largest campuses in the country and it can
be very poorly lit in places. As great as Tech PD is, they are secondary responders to
crimes on campus. Victims are the true first responders such as Chris Mintz in Oregon
who confronted the active shooter. If Chris would have had a CHL and been armed he
might have ended the attack sooner. This new legislation won’t turn class rooms into
the wild west. It should potentially save lives.
1
I think campus carry is important as it allows people on campus the means to protect
themselves whether the threat is an active shooter on campus or a rapist in a parking
lot.
1
I am not greatly concerned about campus carry and indeed think it might be beneficial.
We need to stop talking about those that commit such terrorist activities.
1
I believe that the majority of concerns from individuals are that of fear of a campus
shooting. In my opinion, somebody who is going to do such a thing is going to do it
whether or not guns are ‘allowed’ in that area or not. Allowing others to properly
conceal and carry their guns simply deters potential shooters from acting and allows
students to protect themselves. As a female, I feel very strongly about the safety of both
myself and others, especially in certain situations. The only reason that I suggested that
the Rec be a gun free zone is because generally, athletic clothing is tight. I don’t see it
very plausible to conceal your weapon without pressing, which is illegal. Also, there
always bags laying around the gym. If somebody takes their holster off and puts it in a
bag that is left unattended, there is even greater potential for problems to arise.
However, if all locations allowed carrying, I would still feel safe, possibly more-so, and
my learning would not be hindered.
1
Carrying guns on campus as a general rule is all right. I think that the special
consideration that is being taken by the TTU President and the Regents will ensure that
TTU will continue to have a safe environment.
1
Do not limit peoples ability to protect themselves. No gun free zones.
1
If there were some means to ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEE that NO unbalanced
individual would have access to a gun at any event that I or any member of my family
might attend, I could support ALL areas being gun free zones. Since that situation is
now impossible, I want to be able to defend myself. Period. Sane and stable people
being armed probably will not stop the irrational shootings from happening, but I would
definitely expect a drastic reduction in the number of victims. Ideally, you’d ID and stop
the crazies BEFORE any tragedy. Realistically, we need the ability to limit their damage.
10 1
In response to question 5 I feel that the 51% laws should be followed. As a student and
a faculty/staff member I understand that there are places that should not have a firearm
present for various reasons; however, I do not feel that entire buildings should be closed
to concealed carry for safety concerns in one or more individual rooms. Also, I believe
that classrooms should not be gun free zones, as the majority of students that meet the
requirements to hold a CHL, or LTC as they will soon be called, have one. Those that do
have CHLs or LTCs go through very strict background checks, both legal and medical. I
hope that the University and its affiliates do not try to create loopholes and exceptions
that prevent law abiding citizens from protecting themselves while on campus, or at
University sponsored events.
1
The bottom line is that only those over age 21 who have passed stringent state and
federal background checks are licensed to carry concealed handguns. Do not be
swayed by any of the hysteria that says otherwise. Those who choose to break the law
already can carry concealed weapons in any campus facility. The new campus-carry law
only removes the impediments for the law-abiding, licensed carriers.
1
I wanted to provide some context for why I feel that the majority of campus should
permit properly licensed and registered concealed handguns. By choosing specific
locations departments/offices/resources to be a gun free zone, that defeats the
purposed of being able to carry. I did indicate that in relation to chemicals and bio
hazards that could impact a significant number of people, those areas should be gun
free zones. I am aware that this is not a platform for political debate, and I certainly do
not want to toe that line, I am in support of properly licenses and registered concealed
handguns being carried on campus. Given the increase in school shootings, with one as
recent as yesterday, I feel I have a right as a licensed conceal carry to protect myself
and/or others should such an event occur. Having been educated on gun safety my
entire life, I do understand and accept the responsibilities associated with both carrying
and using in emergency situations (active shooter only).
1
You have to be 21 to have a liscence to carry a concealed handgun on campus under
this new law, thereby excluding the vast majority of undergraduate students from its
provisions. At most, even at a conservative school like Texas Tech, this will only allow a
few dozen students and faculty members to carry a concealed handgun. Let’s not
pretend that this law really changes anything as we know psychopaths won’t respect a
gun free zone and the likelihood of a mass shooting in a school campus is still very low,
making the chance of ‘friendly fire’ statistically akin to winning the lottery when viewed in
an honest context. My support for this law comes not from my thinking that this law will
help anything; I highly doubt that this law will meaningfully raise or lower the incidence
of mass shootings on college campuses in Texas. My support for the law is simply from
my thoughts that it will not change anything while it minimizes government regulation as
to where CHL holders can legally car
1
My main concern for handguns being prohibited on campus is that there is no way to
stop shooter carnage such as that experienced at Virginia Tech. A maniac shooter will
not respect gun free zones, so there is no way to stop a shooter if no one else is armed
in such a zone. However I agree that this is a very contentious issue. However I have
seen the other side where parents lose a loved one in a school shooting because no
one could stop the shooter.
11 1
Free markets, free ideas, and free people define Texas Tech better than any institution
I’ve ever visited. We should remain champions of liberty, and there should be no
restrictions of constitutional rights anywhere at any time.
1
The concerns about having licensed concealed handguns in the classroom setting have
no statistical support, i.e., retaliation against professors for poor performance, harm to
academic freedom, threat to the exchange of free ideas, violation of respect for others,
etc. For example, all public college campuses in Utah allow concealed carry (per state
legislation). Where are the reports of violence, intimidation of professors/students,
threats to free speech and academic freedom? There are none. Concealed carry license
holders (CCLs) are required to undergo an extensive background check before they are
licensed and are some of the most freedom-loving individuals in the country. They
support the exchange of ideas and personal responsibility. Before you come to believe
all negative media reports about CCLs and how detrimental this legislation will be to
Texas higher education, please have conversations with CCLs and understand they
want the same safe college experience which you do.
1
TTU should not create ANY gun-free zones unless it intends to hire guards to enforce
the gun-free zone with mandatory bodily searches. Creating gun-free zones that are not
enforced by mandatory and consistent searches (such as with metal detectors or patdowns) only makes criminals of law-abiding citizens who are misinformed of the rules or
who forget they are carrying. People who intend to do harm to others will not obey gunfree zones unless an armed guard is there to enforce the rule.
1
If someone wants to carry a gun on campus with bad intentions, they will do whether it is
legal or not. I would feel safer knowing that there is probably someone around with good
intentions who could protect me in that instance.
1
All students and faculty should have the right to carry a concealed weapon on campus.
There will be less of a chance of a shooting if the potential shooter knows that many
people around him may be carrying weapons. “Guns” Up
1
“Gun-free zones” only prohibit law-abiding citizens from carrying guns which could
potentially stop/prevent the harm of others from those individuals who may choose to
still carry a gun in a gun-free zone illegally. Therefore, having gun-free zones is not
going to stop loss of life or threat of loss of life.
1
CHL holders should be allowed to carry anywhere. They are the most law abiding
segment of our population. ‘Gun Free Zones’ should only be declared where campus
administration can guarantee there are no guns through use of metal detectors,
searches, etc. ‘Gun Free Zone’ signage is ineffective. Criminals, by definition, do not
obey rules and are highly likely to ignore such signage, or perhaps even be emboldened
by it. Understand that the number of students who qualify for a CHL is extremely low.
The vast majority of individuals legally carrying will be mature, law abiding adults,
namely faculty and staff.
1
As a female graduate student that attends class at night time (after dark with VERY
limited parking options), I typically have to walk long distances by myself late at night to
get back to my car. This offers me and all other students in similar situations an
opportunity to protect ourselves in a vulnerable situation. I am a CHL holder, have been
trained in firearm usage for many years, have family members in law enforcement, and
a father who consistently taught me gun safety growing up. I am 100% for this
12 legislation, but of course there needs to be boundaries and limitations which I’m sure will
be responsibly addressed by the university.
1
I believe that students should be allowed to carry a handgun on campus. However, my
concern is this: If there is an active shooter on campus and then a person with a
conceled gun shoots at that person. How are we now to know, who that active gunman
is? There is a possibility for some blurred lines. Maybe there could be a special task
force that is allowed to have guns on campus. Or maybe you would have to register with
the school and endure more training if you are going to have a gun on campus. This
way you could stop the perpetrator rather than getting yourself killed. I am strongly
favor having guns on campus but it has to be done in a way that will protect the students
with and without guns. Especially if there is an active shooter on campus.
1
The state of Texas does not freely give out concealed carry licenses. Every one that has
one has gone through training classes as well as background checks to ensure the
safety of other citizens. If anyone carries, they are willing to give up their life to protect
others as well as themselves. Gun crimes aren’t committed by law respecting citizens.
This is why I believe that someone that has a carry license should be able to freely carry
anywhere. Do you honestly think a criminal with the intent to harm others cares about a
sign that says GUN FREE ZONE??? NO, that attracts criminals because that tells them
that there is no threat to their life, unless a law enforcement official is present. Lets be
honest with ourselves! If someone wants to take on the responsibility of risking their
well-being for the safety of the general public, why would you choose to risk your own
neck by not allowing them to carry? Sometimes you have to use logic and leave the
liberal bull-crap out of it.
1
I believe that, overall, campus carry is a good thing. I also believe that a test similar to
the one done to obtain a CHL could be put in place by Texas Tech to ensure that
anyone who wishes to carry on campus can do so to the standards of the university, as
well as the state.
1
CHL holders are not the issue-we obey and respect our laws -the freedom to have my
weapon allows me to defend myself and /or others that are not able to.
1
It’s a concealed handgun license, can you really police everyone to make sure they
don’t have their weapon? Where/how would we propose to keep their guns safe as
they’re walking across campus and run into a ‘gin free zone’. If they’re trained in safety
they’re trained for defense and safety. Let us carry our weapon everywhere.
1
People who oppose Concealed carry are uninformed of the regulations, training, testing
and FBI background check and FBI record required of a person to obtain the Concealed
Carry License. Criminals and mental cases would never apply - they obtain guns
illegally. But, those are the people from whom everyone would like to be protected.
1
Carrying is a legal right now. Unless there is an extremely compelling reason, no area
should be deemed carry free. The point of ‘concealed carry’ is that it’s *CONCEALED*
no one should EVER know you are carrying unless there is an imminent threat.
13 1
People who legally carry are not a threat. The criminals already carry so to better
protect innocent lives I feel it best to have a licensed and trained individual carrying at
the scene. These shootings are occurring in gun free zone’s by criminals. What about
the right to protect myself?
1
I would feel safer knowing properly trained persons with concealed weapons would be
available to quickly neutralize an active shooter.
1
Licensed, legal possession and carrying of firearms will not promote gun violence.
Persons who wish to commit violence will do so regardless of any law and in spite of the
availability (or lack thereof) of firearms.
1
Licensed CHL holders must be at least 21 years old, pass a series of tests, and go
through an extensive background check. CHL holders are among the most responsible,
law-abiding citizens. CHL holders are not threats to safety. Unlicensed criminals and
those seeking to do harm are threats’ this latter group already disregards gun-free
zones as evidenced in incidents around the nation. Allowing CHL holders to conceal
carry on campus should provide for a safer campus and serve as a deterrent for those
who would otherwise seek to inflict harm upon the university community. CHL holders
do not seek opportunities to draw their weapons, as they are trained to avoid conflicts,
and to use their firearm to defend life should no alternatives exist.
1
I think the burden of proof should be on those who wish to restrict concealed carry to
demonstrate why certain areas should be constricted.
1
I believe some people should not have guns, but they’ll be able to get there hands on
them anyway if they really want to. This is something you can’t prevent. You just have to
fight fire with fire in this situation. Most if not all Chl holder are good upstanding people
and just because they have a gun on them doesn’t mean they’ll shoot you for looking at
them funny. Try to keep an open mind.
1
I am certainly against any unlicensed use of firearms, but I have no objection to lawful
concealed handgun carry. Being mindful of incidences at other institutions, I find it
concerning that the only people carrying firearms are the ones trying to hurt others.
1
I am for campus carry in that I think that there should be no restrictions on gun carry
(hospitals, movie theaters, schools) except for highly sensitive areas like labs. But I am
also torn, as an educator I’d like to be able to carry on campus but I’m also weary of the
student that is unhappy with their grade. I have upset my fair share of students and I
keep my office door locked especially at the end of the semester. However, I do know
many certified gun carriers and they would never unnecessarily pull out their weapon.
So I would expect that any carrying student would be responsible in their gun usage. It
seems to me that most unlawful incidences happen when individuals carry without a
license. And where their are incidences guns are restricted so the perpetrator knows
that there is little chance of retaliation. This is a very difficult conversation but I think
that, like all things, the more education the better.
1
I believe that if given a choice between having a concealed handgun or have an
alcoholic beverage, I would rather carry my gun. I also think that most people will think
twice about actually using the gun on a crowd of people if there is a possibility that other
people in the ‘crowd’ might also have a gun.
14 1
If we are allowed to carry on campus and there are designated non-carry areas, what,
how, or where are we supposed to check our weapons if circumstances require our
attendance at a gun-free zone? In light of the recent campus shootings, both college
level and high school level, if just one individual on staff had been armed and trained in
weapons use, the mortality rate would have been significantly lower. Since the State of
Texas does offer professional weapons training for citizens, does it not seem ironic that
certified individuals would not be allowed to carry? The training has a required screening
process in place that seeks to eliminate questionable gun holders. All of the recent
shootings have involved persons who circumvented the system or the system itself did
not function correctly to prevent illicit gun owners from purchasing weapons. I have been
associated with Tech since 1965 and I would never have believed that we would even
be having this conversation about our campus
1
Any person who intends to harm with a weapon will come prepared with a weapon
whether or not it is permitted. Therefore, the threat of harm is not increased by allowing
law-abiding persons to carry weapons for deterrence and self-defense. Further, any
place that is designated as gun free increases the likelihood that those areas will be
targeted by those who intend harm. Suggest that accidental collateral harm be legally
protected in the event an armed student engages an active shooter or other lifethreatening criminal activity.
1
Law-abiding citizens who are licensed to carry handguns do not generally threaten the
university population. Those who want to do harm as an active shooter will do so
whether the campus allows it or not. They will not honor or respect the gun-free zone
designations if they have decided to commit an act of mass murder. The reason I said
some of the theaters should be gun-free zones is because I believe those theaters are
usually dark when in use, and anyone trying to shoot will likely not be able to discern
between an active shooter and an innocent bystander.
1
Hey Good Afternoon. I’d like the committee to remember (and research if necessary)
that persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun are considerably statistically less
likely to commit violent crimes when compared to the total population, and though
contrary to popular belief, statistics also show that the average concealed carrier are
more likely to hit there intended target, correctly identify criminals during an active
threat, and are also more likely to successfully incapacitate their intended target without
hitting by-standards than the average police officer. As a scientist, I’ve been taught to
follow the data even if it’s not what we wanted to hear. I know and hope that this
committee will do the same. -Wreck ‘Em!
1
The only place on campus that should not be allowed to have concealed carry is the
Health Science Center because it is a hospital.
1
Having designated areas of no carry provides an easier target for people looking to do
mass casualties. Most mass shootings of the last 10-20 years have been in places
where there is a large likelihood that the people involved will not be armed. “An armed
society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts
with his life.” (Robert A. Heinlein, Beyond This Horizon) Texas Tech has been lucky thus
far that their no carry rule hasn’t come to cause a horrible tragedy. But then again this is
Texas after all and everything thinks every Texan is packing :) Good luck with your
project guys.
15 1
It may well be possible that guns are already carried on campus. Having law abiding
licensed carriers most likely will enhance safety. I would suggest that TTU offer
additional courses for students and faculty that decide to carry. More education will help
in a situation where they may need to intervene. The problems we see with respect to
campus violence reflects a serious breakdown in the fabric of society, having law
abiding armed citizen may avert a similar situation should it arise here at TTU. Posting
locations that are gun free may not be a good idea. Somehow make any such areas
gun free but not posted as such. All persons that decide to carry on campus must be
made aware of these gun free zones. I am not sure how you inform the general
licensed public. Maybe an app, triggered by location, only available to license holders
shows the gun free zones. I am more likely to die crossing University for lunch than
being shot, so lets be sensible in whatever rules are adopted
1
I feel licensed carriers are not ever the threat. Preventing licensed carriers from any
location on campus puts everyone in that location in danger. The crazy person with a
gun will show up where there is no one to stop them. The shooter in the church in SC
reloaded 7 times. Lives could have been saved if someone had been carrying. There is
obviously many who do not understand the real issues here. A carrier could save lives.
The common denominator in the vast majority of the shootings is that they occurred in
gun free zones. Another factor is to be licensed a person must be 21. Less than 1% of
CHL owners commit gun crimes. The fear of carriers is based on inaccurate emotional
(lack of) information. This is a tough topic. May wisdom prevail as the decisions are
made. My question is what are people doing now to protect themselves and their
students?
1
The world can be seen as a bigger example on what would happen if everyone had
concealed guns. Now that tons of countries have nukes no one fires them anymore. The
same can be said if everyone had a potential concealed carry. No one is going to open
fire if the threat of being put down afterwards is on their mind.
1
We have the constitutional right to protect ourselves and this should not be up to an
organization or system to prevent an individual from doing so.
1
Law abiding citizens that have gone through the course, applied for, and received a CHL
are not who concern me. The persons of concern are criminals. Criminals are the ones
that I don’t want to have weapons, but they do. Criminals use gun free zones as easy
targets. When individuals have an emergency, the first thing they do is call 911 to get
people that are supposed to have weapons to respond. Lets help the good guys better
defend their own self!
1
The Police Dept is very efficient it all that they do, but they are not in every room in
every building on campus. So when an active shooter comes onto campus, it does take
time for people to know what is going on, for a call to be made to the PD, for Units to
respond to the location (if the correct location what given), and then make it to the
correct room the active shooter(s) may be in. If CHL carriers can protect themselves and
know what to do when the Police Officers arrive on scene, then it could mean less
casualties. Situation awareness, safety, basic first aid and self defense/preservation are
everyones’ best defense in any situation. I believe that allowing Concealed carry on
campus will be a good step in the correct direction.
16 1
Stop being afraid of the people who only want to protect themselves and others. The
police cannot protect you in many cases. They can only react to a situation that is
already dangerous. Having knowledgeable people in your midst is the greatest
protection you can be afforded.
1
Personally, I feel much safer on campus knowing that the ‘good’ people now can carry
guns. I have friends that have concealed weapons permits who carry all the time in
nearly all places--except the school and hospital. The vast majority of Americans are
great people. They will protect others when psychopathic ‘active shooters’ are on
campus. I am very happy that TTU will become gun-friendly and that the rest of the
students will feel safer. I believe that no areas should be designated as a gun-free zone
because a gun-free zone is a zone where only the ‘bad’ guys will actually have guns.
1
Gun free zones are magnets for mass shooters. The Colorado movie theater shooter
had 7 movie theaters within 20 minutes of his house. He chose the only one that banned
guns. As a former employee of Texas Tech, I have been through the university’s active
shooter training multiple times. The campus police officers coach us to attack a gunman
by throwing chairs at him and stabbing him with pens - do anything to survive. I would
rather mass shooters not come on campus at all knowing there’s an actual threat of
somebody stopping them before these mentally ill people kill as many a possible and
commit suicide when the cops show up (and even if they respond quickly, it’s often far
too late). The benefits of safe, trained, law abiding citizens carrying a handgun legally on
campus far outweigh any costs. Other than peoples’ unfounded fears and
misconceptions, it’s hard to find any actual cost for allowing CHL holders to carry on
campus.
1
Gun Free Zones do not work. The purpose of the legislation was to limit the gun free
zones on campus to selected places. We should abide by the spirit of the law and not
be swayed into further restrictions due to some recent tragic events.
1
The law is written in such a way that designation of any gun-free zones not substantially
impede the ability of a license holder to carry their weapon and travel freely about
campus. Any decisions that violate that will lead to lawsuits against the University. This
law will INCREASE the safety of the student body and faculty if implemented as written.
1
1.CHL holders are 21 years of age, undergone training, have gone to the expense, time
and training to get the license, and know the consequences of sung their weapon
illegally. 2. Check the lack of incidents at the many universities around the country that
currently do allow campus carry. 3. Gun free zones do not stop the criminal element as
shown by the record of mass shootings in gun free zones. Thinking that making areas
gun free zones will stop criminals from taking guns there is like anyone thinking that
making drugs illegal will stop drug abuse. 4. Irrational fear of campus carry can’t be the
reason for keeping law abiding citizens from protecting themselves and their co-workers.
1
I think athletic events are the only place to prohibit license holders to carry. Too much
alcohol coupled with a charged atmosphere - plus there is adequate law enforcement
and security already in place. If law enforcement is not a focused, intentional, and
assigned part of an event, activity, area, etc. then I am in support of licensed carry.
17 1
Anyone that is legal to carry a gun on campus has gone through extensive training and
would be safe carrying the gun. I worry more about the person who should not be
carrying a gun because they have not gone through the training and have it just to do
harm. I feel that I would rather have a responsible person with a gun when the person
to do harm is around so my chances of being protected are immediate!!
1
I do not think gun free zones will prohibit those that are illegally carrying guns already. I
think any persons that have a license to conceal carry have gone through the proper
training and background checks in order to do so, therefore, anyone that is carrying a
gun LEGALLY should be able to do so wherever they feel necessary and in order to
protect those that do not. I would like to be able to conceal carry my gun throughout
campus knowing that if any incident occurred, I would be quick to respond to protect
anyone from harms way. I work in a college that has a very diverse population of
students and though I should be nervous about more guns being carried, I am reminded
that there are already probably students illegally carrying guns, so now this will just open
it to those of us that are willing to protect ourselves and others with our CHL license.
1
There should be a presence of someone who is comfortable with campus carry and
trained to use a weapon located on each floor of ALL buildings on campus. If not one on
each floor, then one person for the building.
1
I believe that the Legislature passed the bill to enhance the safety of our universities.
It’s not the concealed handgun license holders that are the threat, but those who might
carry illegally or those with terroristic intent.
1
In order to better protect our campus I feel it is very important for us to protect ourselves
against imminent danger.
1
Licensed hangun carriers are responsible adults and should be treated as such. Texas
law currently prohibits carrying a concealed weapon at sporting events and says that
campus gun free zones have to be clearly labeled and I have no issues with responsible
licensed adults carrying firearms for protection in any classroom, free speech zone, or
office as most concealed carriers are level headed and avoid confrontation.
1
I would have concerns if my area displays a sign stating this is a gun free zone.
Although my area is not highly populated we are vulnerable with no place to hide or run
to. As history has proven, if I were a gunman wanting to do harm to people I would
certainly choose a gun free zone to conduct my evil doing. In fact, if my area ever
displays such a sign, I will refuse to work in my area for my own safety and life.
1
Historically, guns have not been allowed in several buildings threw out institutes of
higher education. However, as we all know this has not prevented active shooter
situations from arising. I believe that allowing licensed and trained individuals to carry
throughout campus will help deter and possibly prevent active shooter situations from
happening. Individuals who have successfully completed the state required
background checks, course work and field training should be allowed to carry
throughout buildings on campus to protect themselves. I would also think that a
partnership between the TTUPD and licensed concealed hand gun individuals would be
beneficial for the TTU community. This partnership could help the PD identify staff and
faculty members who are currently licensed, and where there duty point is. Also, the
partnership could include additional training in what every the PD feels to be appropriate
18 and beneficial, as well as specific active shooter training.
1
I have feel safer not knowing who has a concealed handgun, but knowing the someone
probably does.
1
The majority of mass shootings have occurred in gun-free zones. Individuals who
commit these horrid acts do not abide by the laws or the gun-free signage. Gun-free
areas are targets for shooters because within these areas there is a vulnerable
population. Locations that should be gun-free are the areas where an accidental misfire
could cause a catastrophic explosion. In these locations, the exponential danger
outweighs the risk of vulnerability. Prohibiting concealed carry at events where alcohol
is served is a moot point because everyone with a CHL knows there is a no tolerance
rule for alcohol when carrying. I have no concerns about concealed handguns in a
classroom setting. In fact, I will feel much safer in my evening classes.
1
Gun-free zones do not save lives rather they put more people at risk. My country of
origin has severe restrictions on fire arms in fact many of it’s cops do not even have
guns (most carry a club and bullet proof vest that’s all they have to protect themselves
and citizens). My cousins have a small business and have been held at gun point 3
times, what should they do tell the drug cartels ‘oh wait it’s a gun free zone put the gun
away,’ sorry but that won’t work, right now while law abiding citizens there cannot carry
guns while the powerful rich criminals have an easy time smuggling guns from many
other countries and are terrorizing my people. Like in Australia my country has also had
a government imposed buy back of weapons, and it has resulted in catastrophic events.
I admire that the US but please respect your own amendments. Strict laws against fire
arms have not helped Chicago’s crime in the least.
1
We know there are already guns being carried on campus. Everyone should have the
right to protection.
1
For licensed individuals to carry concealed handguns on an academic campuses, or
anywhere else in public, they must first be licensed by the State of Texas, have had a
background check conducted by the Texas DPS, and been trained in a classroom on
fire arms safety and fire arms laws. Licensed individuals are usually law abiding
citizens.Law abiding citizens usually obey appropriate signage or inappropriate signage.
Mass murders do not usually obey appropriate signage installed at any location.
1
I appreciate the difficult task you have in front of you, but most of my feedback from
above is based on the belief that ‘disgruntled’ or ‘emotionally/psychologically unstable’
individuals will not care or pay attention to the whether or not an area is considered to
be “gun free”. Therefore, I believe an area should only even be CONSIDERED for
designation as a gun-free zone if there are a sufficient number of armed police officers
present and/or if there is sufficient screening to ensure those entering the area are free
from guns, knives, or dangerous materials such as is done at airport checkpoints, etc. If
there is no way to ensure that NO ONE has a weapon, I would like to retain my right to
19 protect myself.
1
It is very apparent that school shootings are on the rise. It is important that our campus
be proactive, and by implementing the concealed handgun carry on campus policy we
are doing just that.
1
Current Texas laws mean that only a small percentage of students would be eligible to
carry, so it’s primarily faculty and staff who are eligible. As we see with the states that
already allow campus carry, faculty fears of sudden violence from licensed individuals
are groundless. Guns are already on the campus, in the hands of criminals. If a
percentage of campus employees carry, fewer criminals will see campus as a target,
because bullies like vulnerable victims. Also, licensed carriers have a very low
arrest/crime rate when compared to the population in general. As a result, we are all
safer with campus carry. I urge the committee to open the campus as wide as possible.
Having a patchwork of zones is likely to cause problems for staff and faculty who carry
and move about campus. Honest citizens carrying legally are not to be feared, but
rather we will keep the campus safer.
1
Anyone with the proper licensing should be able to protect themselves on campus. The
current legislation simply gives people the ability to protect themselves and others in
these active shooter situations. Whatever areas are determined to be gun-free should
have armed security guards or police officers nearby and these locations should be very
limited, such as an athletic event. Additional training and education in how to handle
active shooter incidents is a must for faculty, staff and students. Additional training for
those with a concealed license permit should be made available as well and possibly
even made mandatory in order to carry on campus. I think that you can implement this
in a way that provides those interested in carrying on campus a legal way of doing so
while making the campus a safer place for everyone. Although I’m not licensed yet, I
would much rather have some of my licensed coworkers armed and able to protect us
as opposed to being a sitting duck in these incident
1
All students will NOT be able to carry under the new law. Most freshman-juniors are
excluded simply on the age requirement (over 21). Most of the questions imply creating
“new rules” that are redundant of other rules already on the books (athletic events,
alcohol, etc), which will not make anyone safer. If these people can pass background
checks, go through training/certifications and meet all of the other state/federal
requirements and be trusted to carry in similar circumstances that are non-university
related, why couldn’t they be trusted to carry on
campus?http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/RSD/CHL/Reports/ConvictionRatesReport2013.pd
f Shows that of all the crimes people in Texas were convicted of in 2013, people with
CHL's only accounted for 0.31% of those convicted! CHL holders are not the ones
committing the crimes and 'shooting people over a bad grade' as some would try to
make people believe. Fear and agendas should not be used to set policies that only
affect law abiding
20 1
I have seen the skill and professionalism of TTU PD and am impressed, but they are
first responders. In the event of an active shooter, safety is each person’s own
responsibility. If a person has proven their competency to the state of Texas and is
licensed to carry a hand gun for personal protection, then that person should be able to
exercise that freedom. This creates a level playing field against the shooter BEFORE
the police arrive. Please do not limit our ability to defend ourselves. An armed society is
a polite society.
1
The open carry guys are a little weird, but I see nothing wrong with a concealed carry
pistol. Keep it to yourself, don’t flash it around the classroom, and just go about life as
normal.
1
I believe a person with a CHL could protect the students/faculty/staff in a threatening
situation, a whole lot quicker than waiting on police response time. A lot can happen in
the 3-6 minutes that it typically takes for law enforcement to arrive on scene.
1
It has become apparent that even though there are ‘gun-free zones’, there will always
be a threat that anyone at any time can open fire on campus and there is very little that
can be done about individual who choose to do so. However, I believe that if there were
an active shooter incident, a person who is carrying would be able to eliminate this
threat if the authorities are not on the scene at the time. I am not against carrying on
campus, I am against the individuals who do not possess the proper maturity it takes to
be a responsible gun owner. As stated before, a person who is carrying and able to
respond quickly, would be the first line of defense until the authorities arrive, thus
minimizing casualties.
1
I feel that if a responsible person is armed it will limit the damage that an active shooter
can do.
1
If you have a concealed handgun license then you already should know what laws to
follow and should not be carrying your gun while drinking excessivly. You have to be
able to pass finger print and background checks and a course in order to get your
concealed handgun license. These people should be allowed to carry their weapon and
protect themselves and others in the event that there is an active shooter on campus.
Not allowing concealed handguns in certain areas will not prevent innocent people from
being shot, it will prevent innocent people from protecting themselves, that is why I do
not recommend vary many limitations. In addition, as a mental health professional, we
need to equipe other mental health professions that may enounter homicidal or high risk
clients seen in the psychology clinic or the student wellness area.
1
‘An Armed Society, is a Polite Society’
1
Having gun free zones will not prevent assailants from entering them with guns but it will
prevent honest citizens from having guns in those areas. This lets the armed assailant
know that they will have less threat when assaulting citizens. However, if the area is not
a gun free zone then the assailant has a higher risk of coming across other threats to
stop them from doing harm.
1
I believe the law currently in place through the state of Texas concerning concealed
carry of firearms is sufficient in it’s scope and should be honored.
21 1
This law is for law abiding license holders. There should be no restrictions placed in
addition to current law. After all, a criminal does not care of a sign says ‘no guns’ or not.
We need law abiding citizens to be able to defend themselves in the event of an active
shooter.
1
There is a lot of worry about students carrying guns on campus. There is a small pool of
students eligible - old enough. Most carrying will be faculty and staff. Those who would
carry guns illegally would do it anyway, with or without the law. There are likely many
concealed guns on campus right now. But because they are concealed, no one knows.
I think that will be the case in the future under the new law.
1
I fully believe in the concealed carry on campus. And agree that we should have this
implemented every where on campus.
1
The only way to stop a Bad Person with a gun is a Good Person with a gun. CHL
people are Good People with guns, because they have been checked out and trained in
the use of guns. The more CHL holders we have on campus, the safer Texas Tech will
be.
1
I hope that members of the committee relay this message to legislators: Let’s establish
consistent norms and agree that concealed weapons should be allowed absolutely
EVERYWHERE: student union buildings, hospitals, labs with dangerous chemicals and
equipment, large classrooms, small classrooms, faculty and staff offices, libraries,
churches, baseball fields, basketball arenas, football stadiums, courts of law, medical
facilities of all sorts, including hospitals. Most of all: anyone should be allowed to carry a
concealed weapon into the state legislature.
1
I agree that this is a huge undertaking for the committee as some feel that legislation
precedes personal opinion. That being said, I am FOR the camps carry, as all holders
must have an active and current CHL, and grateful that this is NOT an OPEN carry. I
have worked in a number of work places where an active shooter was ALWAYS a
possibility and our training was highly thorough and coincided with the local, state, and
federal law enforcement. In my position, I feel that Campus Carry will allow me to
protect not only myself, but my co-workers as well. Our department deals with
controversial research, and though extreme activists are few and far between, the treat
is eminent. Campus Carry gives me the option to have my gun with me while I am at
work, a place where I spend most of my time during the week.
1
Gun fee zones are where the persons wanting to cause harm will go to. Those zones
are like a magnet to them. Why mark them so they are easier to find? Anyone licensed
has been through courses and training. The shootings across the nation have NOT
been by licensed carriers, but those who are licensed could conceivably save many
lives. And frankly, even if not carrying, I would not go down without a fight. History
clearly shows that disarming the populace is not effective in stopping crime.
1
Careful training is required along with a clean record prior to qualifying for a CHL.
Responsible, law-abiding citizens are as qualified as many law enforcement officers to
be well trained in handling a firearm. As educators, we should be prepared to defend
ourselves and other law abiding citizens around us. Again, only responsible, safely
prepared and trained individuals should have the freedom to carry.
22 1
I would feel safer on campus knowing there were people with guns. I grew up with
people in my family carrying guns, and I always felt safe knowing that if something went
wrong, we had a way to protect ourselves, and I think the same thing applies to campus
carry as well.
1
The concealed carry permit is suppose to only be given out to non-threatening
individuals. When going through the concealed carry course they are asked several key
questions to help facilitate whether given individual is suffering from any issues that
would prohibit conceal carry permit. I personally believe allowing students to carry on
campus will be a deterrent for individuals thinking a school would be a good place to kill
people and not have to worry about getting shot.
1
The legislation is bad because schools should be allowed to do what they want, BUT the
right policy for Texas Tech is to allow guns. Students are probably carrying already.
Making it an open fact rather than an open secret allows for a more mature culture of
gun safety on campus.
1
I feel with the recent outbreaks of college active shooter situations, a campus-wide
safety campaign and the ability to carry on campus will increase the feeling of safety for
employees and students alike. I think aligning the campus “no gun” zones with the
established CHL restrictions will be easily respected by all CHL holders. Adding too
much restriction beyond that may cause some push back or negative publicity.
Ultimately, I want to know that I have the ability to protect myself and stop others from
causing harm.
1
From a pragmatic standpoint, the only logical option is to allow legally armed citizens
anywhere in public spaces to discourage mass murderers. From a principled
standpoint, the right to defend oneself is clearly stated in our precious Constitution. The
human condition is not always perfect nor pleasant and cannot be perfected. The best
we can do, in my opinion, is to deal with situations like this relatively new phenomenon
the best we can without removing further liberties.
1
People who are licensed to carry a handgun tend to abide by concealed carry law.
Making ‘gun free’ zones are essentially creating a fish bowl for an active shooter to
come knowing they cannot be taken down.
1
If someone is determined to commit some type of mass shooting on campus, then
maybe others will be better suited to protect themselves with the new campus carry law.
I just don’t like the idea of having guns on campus in general. It’s a difficult situation to
asses.
1
Most of the gun violence that has recently been in the news has been happening in ‘Gun
Free Zones’ IE: Universities, Churches and Movie Theatres, assuring the attacker that
no one has a gun except him. If we allow ‘Gun Free Zones’ then that area will be a
potential target. Allowing concealed carry in all areas will greatly increase the odds of
survival if an attack happens. If in a classroom when an attack occurs if no one has a
weapon to defend themselves then all are vulnerable, If even one person has a weapon
for defense then the odds of survival increase exponentially. Please do the right thing
and allow Concealed Carry at all locations for the safety of all.
23 1
I think it’s both good and bad. If something bad is going to happen, there is little we can
do to prepare. If more sane, legal-carrying people are allowed guns where before they
weren’t, it could potentially avert a crisis because they can now intervene and use their
training. Hopefully.
1
I believe all weapons should be concealed under clothing, bags, or purses when carried
in public. A policy and training w law enforcement should be in place if/when a student
may be forced to defend themselves or others on campus (to prevent an accidental
shooting by police) not recognizing if a student is a suspect or honest citizen. Each
armed employee or student should know what to do when officers arrive on scene of an
active shooter situation when armed. This will help prevent an accidental shooting or
misunderstanding. One of the dangers of having a weapon in plain view is that a
suspect will know who is armed, making them an immediate target or may allow an
unarmed suspect to become armed if the weapon is taken away CH carrier. Training
from police and new policies should be implemented to help prevent a tragedy.
1
My concealed carry license is very important to me. Given the off site location of the
Institute, I have always felt the need for more security. Given the opportunity to carry a
gun would ease the minds of several employees whom I know have concealed carry
permits.
1
I feel that licensed (to carry) individuals are extremely unlikely to become ‘active
shooters’ and so I have no problem with them carrying on campus per se. I also feel that
an individual seeking to harm/kill others with a gun can/will do so with OR WITHOUT
this campus carry legislation, which again lends support to this legislation in essence. In
practice, however, my concern is that legalizing campus carry for licensed individuals
may somehow make it easier for unlicensed individuals to enter campus with a
handgun. Because this legislation is established, TTU must develop & enact
policies/procedures that ensure this legislation does not simplify or enable unlicensed
campus carry. This might include metal detectors at sporting facilities, theatres, etc., &
concealed carry license verification for those found to be carrying. Regarding
gun-free zones”, we will need to be assured that TTU can effectively prevent unlicensed
carry into these areas, & if they can't, they should not ex
1
Last year outside of Juarez, Mexico; which is on the other side of the border of El Paso,
an ISIS training camp was discovered and infiltrated. Inside that camp amongst
explosive materials and blueprints to Fort Bliss were also found detailed terror plots
targeting UNIVERSITIES in the region. If this University concludes it is wise to keep
licensed individuals; i.e. individuals who have proven to the state through an extensive
background check and written and practical carry/shooting proficiency, from carrying a
concealed firearm onto this campus then it obviously does not sustain the authorities in
the Tx Dep. of Public Safety. Remember, psychopaths who attempt the horrific acts that
are becoming commonplace in the world today have no regard for the law, especially
“gun free” zones. “Gun free” is a violation of the 2nd Amendment and should a terrorist
enter he will have power over the area. Student’s/faculty will have to wait for police,
which resulted in 32 deaths at Virginia Tech.
24 1
I’ve gone back and forth about the athletic facilities...but the reason I chose that to be a
gun-free zone is because of the amount of alcohol that is consumed...tailgating is a
sport and while I don’t have a problem with the CHP carriers...I have a problem with a
drunk person noticing a gun imprint or finding a gun in a car seat, or something similar
and doing something dumb. So, I chose this option because of the idiotic ‘non-carriers’.
A CHP holder won’t be drinking legally anyway...so it’s the ‘others’ that cause concern.
Besides that, I can’t justify gunfree zones anywhere else. My life is just as precious to
me in any part of the campus and I should have the right to defend myself in all facilities.
1
I believe that the campus carry legislation is a great movement. Not so much that we will
have multiple “heroes” in the sense of an active shooter, but the thought of thousands of
faculty, staff, and students having concealed handguns would deter a shooter from
becoming active. My concern is that is has become very easy to acquire a CHL and
many of those with the license have not been trained in high-intensity situations. The
thought of having 100 trigger-happy young adults in a classroom when an active shooter
walks in makes me worry that it will turn into a shootout because it might not be obvious
who the initial shooter really was when everyone has their weapon drawn. That is why I
feel there must be more training either to obtain the license or on campus in simulations.
1
I think it is important to have staff members on the committee because they are also part
of the campus community. It is also important to remember that the Tech community
can face an active shooter incident and that the Tech PD cannot always arrive in time to
evaluate the situation, find the active shooter and get everyone out in time without loss
of life. Other school shootings across the U.S. have been examples of how important it
is to give faculty/staff/students across campus an opportunity to save their own lives
when/if a an active shooter is on Tech/HSC campus.
1
For questions 2 and 3, I answered ‘I believe that no areas should be designated as a
gun-free zone.’ However, I’d like to clarify, as there are some places that I’m fine with
them being gun-free. This is at athletic events (where there are armed security present)
and Student Judicial Services, where (I would hope) there’s armed security given that
some students potentially face harsh punishments (suspension or expulsion) that could
cause mentally unstable students to ‘break’. Overall, I am fine with the application of
gun-free zones as long as there are armed security present. Otherwise, I must support
the right of citizens to protect themselves against those who, regardless of whether
there are signs designating a gun-free zone, bring weapons with malicious intent.
1
A gun free zone has been shown over and over to be a place where a criminal is free
from reprisal to use a gun to attack students uninterrupted. A ‘gun free zone’ therefore is
only free of guns that might be used by law abiding citizens to stop criminal behavior
and protect students. Law abiding citizens obey the law and do not carry in ‘gun free’
zones. Criminals and madmen are not constrained to follow laws, in my experience.
My prediction is that if there are no restrictions on concealed carry on the Texas Tech
Campus, no one will ever know the difference, unless (God forbid) we have an active
shooter incident. In that case, the law abiding citizen with a firearm may just be the
difference that will save lives.
1
I support the campus carry legislation, and I look forward to our school supporting this
and educating our entire student body on gun safety and ownership.
25 1
Obtaining a CHL is no easy feat. Those that are eligible should be allowed to carry
everywhere on campus. With the recent school shootings, I believe allowing concealed
carry in all classrooms will make the campus safer. I also believe those with a CHL
should be required to file it with the university.
1
Concealed Carry Permit holders should voluntarily identify themselves in their personal
TTU profile but it MUST NOT be public knowledge. It should be consider the same a
confidential personally identifiable information.
1
It is my belief that the recent shootings have taken place on college campuses and other
education institutions precisely because they are known to be gun free zones. If people
that might carry out these shootings were unsure if others around them were armed,
they would be less likely to choose it as a target. We must allow law-abiding citizens the
opportunity to protect themselves and others. The history of these events have clearly
shown that what stops a bad person with a gun is a good person with a gun and I
believe that just the possibility of a good guy having a gun being present would be
enough to deter many of the shooting incidents. I do not like the language of ‘gun free
zone’ because I believe it places a target on that place and essentially advertises that
this is a place that law-abiding citizens would not be able to defend themselves and
those around them in the case of an active shooter event.
1
Legally Texas CHL holders are only allowed to conceal their handgun unless there is an
emergency requiring lethal force. CHL holders are trusted to carry handguns in public by
the Texas DPS. CHL holders have been statistically proven to be greater law abiding
citizens that Texas peace officers; therefore, they should be trusted and considered
responsible with a handgun in all campus areas. Non-law abiding citizens will not follow
CHL laws when on a mission of terror regardless of the law or signage. CHL holders
carry for the purpose of protecting themselves and others from these non-law abiding
citizens in emergencies. For this reason, areas where handguns pose the greatest
threat should be the most heavily promoted for licensed concealed carry so that we can
be prepared to protect TTU from non-licensed handguns that may be improperly used in
these areas. For this reason I believe all TTU campuses should be very CHL friendly.
1
Much like same-sex marriage and marijuana law liberalization, my evidence-based
prediction is that CHL law liberalization will be similarly boring... such has already
proved to be the case session after session, as the Texas legislature has considered
small steps toward liberalizing the original 1995 CHL legislation. Always to the alarmist
cries of ‘ZOMG, it’ll be blood in the streets!’ Predictions which never come to pass.
Makes me wish I’d put money on it.
1
What the committee has to realize is that the CHL holder has already gone through
proper background checks and is not a criminal, the criminal has not and will not abide
by any policies or signs posted at any particular place. As to question #9. if your asking
about the new passed legislation of campus carry, the answer is yes, totally in favor.
1
Regarding #9, I favor campus carry. I have concerns about some of these questions,
and need additional information for a more accurate answer. I would be happy to serve
on a committee to work out details of this legislation.
26 1
I am in support of campus carry. That being said, it is important to make sure that
students, staff, and faculty still feel comfortable expressing their views openly without
fear of retaliation. This shouldn’t be an issue so long as the emphasis on ‘concealed’
carry is maintained. In terms of the Concealed Carry License, flashing or brandashing
can result if suspension of the license. I do not know to what extent that the committee
can empahsize this through creation of policies, but it needs to be made clear that
flashing or brandashing a weapon is unacceptable.
1
This legislation should protect the lawful right of individuals to carry a concealed firearm
and not limit the rights of many because of the actions of a few and the media. Anyone
not following the law should be punished. The more information and training that people
have the better. Have fun on the committee. I don’t envy you!!
1
As a CHL holder in Texas I’m for campus carry. I think some places on campus should
be gun free as far as when you are in areas that deal with hazardous chemicals and
what not and athletic events. But I’m also cautious in that the more places you designate
as ‘gun free’ the more you are potentially putting students and faculty at risk of
unnecessary violence. I’m not concerned about concealed handguns in the classroom
because by the nature of concealed carry nobody should ever know there is a gun in the
classroom. I think concealed carry on campus will enhance the safety of Texas Tech
students and Faculty, and that is my number one concern as far as the campus carry
issue.
1
I lawfully carry concealed and believe there should be no limitations on where I can
employ my ability to defend myself if the situation arises. Disarming the law abiding
good guys does nothing to disarm someone already committing a crime. By designating
gun-free zones, guarantees employees of that area won’t be armed to defend
themselves, creating an easy target for anyone with bad intentions.
1
It is clear that the bill will raise several alarms, as it should. The bill passed for a reason
and if any school would be in favor of it, I can’t imagine any school favoring it more than
TTU, where ranching, agriculture, and traditional values are a part of many faculty and
student’s lives. However, not just any student should be able to do so on campus even
with a CHL. Further evaluation of persons who wish to do so should be enforced. I
believe this will limit the risk, but let’s keep in mind that law-abiding citizens that acquire
a gun properly and have proper documentation are not likely to be the cause of
shootings or criminal cases. No laws or policies in favor of gun control would reduce the
number of incidents, in large part because we all know who will follow those laws (the
people who need them the most), and who wont (person with bad intentions that likely
acquired the gun illegally). This is a huge step forward nonetheless and should be
approached with much care. Wreck
1
I believe that you will always have to deal with idiots and insane people. Therefor the
policies should focus on punishing the idiots and dealing with the insane not restricting
the law abiding citizens.
1
Gun free zones do not work. It’s that simple. What is the point of this bill if you ban
people from having their guns in the most populated areas where an active shooter
would go too to do the most harm? I get not allowing people to have them at football
games or baseball games etc. If there is going to be an active shooter, signs are NOT
going to make a difference, but someone having a gun just might. An active shooter isn’t
going to go where guns are allowed they are going to go where they aren’t. They aren’t
27 stupid just crazy. Thanks for the opportunity to speak and if at all possible I would love
to have the chance to have a greater part in this discussion with the committee. Have a
nice day!
1
I simply believe that American Red Raiders that have gone through the concealed
handgun licensing process, are truly some of the smartest, bravest, level-headed
individuals on this campus. They are mentally and physically trained to hope for the
best, but prepared for the worst that can happen. They are ready to defend themselves
or anyone else if the time ever comes. I would feel so much safer on campus knowing
that level-headed CHL holders are walking around me just like everyone else, but if
something bad were to happen, I know that people I don’t even know (TTU CHL
holders) are around to protect me.
1
Almost all school shootings happen in “gun-free zones” because those signs might as
well say ‘area of least resistance.’ I oppose ‘gun-free zones’ since the number of people
able to respond to a shooter is reduced tremendously.
1
With the growing population of students at Texas Tech and more and more incidences
regarding an active shooter on a campus it is my right as a student of this college and
as a free citizen of the United States of America to protect myself and my peers that are
in immediate danger.
1
Allow responsible adults to protect themselves and others from potential harm in all TTU
locations and facilities.
1
Those who carry a license for a gun have the right by our amendments. Id rather we
have someone who is trained and knows how to use a gun be around if a shooting
starts because I do not want the person shooting innocent people to gain time to
continue shooting. It is our right to be allowed to carry one and I have enough faith in
our community in Texas to at least know should there be a shooting, there will be
someone to shoot back until the police arrive.
1
In light of recent events involving campus shootings I believe it has become clear that to
prevent as much loss of life as possible citizens who want to carry should be allowed to
carry. High population areas such as classrooms and free speech areas are at the
greatest risk, however being allowed to carry in areas with sensitive substances
provides additional security for those substances.
1
It is our right as Americans to bear arms, and in this day and age always better to be
prepared than not ready.
1
The only instance I can see where concealed carry should be limited are areas where,
due to the job demands it is not a practical option (i.e. working on/in machinery where it
could be a hindrance as a matter of course).
1
I think the times we live in warrants a policy that will grant staff and students the
opportunity to defend themselves in the event of an active shooter on campus or at
other off campus Texas Tech University locations. Currently I do not have a concealed
hand gun permit, but do plan on getting one. I own a hand gun for home defense, and
28 again in the times we live in, I feel we have a right to protect ourselves.
1
Regardless of where a person works on campus, faculty and staff should be allowed to
carry for protection purposes of themselves and others. I think places like the
counseling center, addiction services, etc could be designated gun-free zones with the
exception that faculty and staff in those areas are allowed to carry.
1
I believe we’re fooling ourselves if we don’t think concealed handguns are already on
campus. By legalizing concealed carry on campus, I think it may serve to even up the
playing field as those who are abiding by the law leave theirs at home and are simply
sitting targets in a confined space presently. I think allowing guns on campus might
actually serve to deter those wishing to come to campus to cause harm or help to shut
down a situation if and when it occurred.
1
As a veteran during the two most recent deployment to Afghanistan we had a significant
problem with insider threats. These situations are very similar to shootings in gun free
zones. I know that there might be a misconception that in Afghanistan that all Soldiers
are armed and ready all the time. Once you come back on the base you must clear
your weapon; remove the source of ammunition or magazine. We found the greatest
deterrent and way to stop the insider threat or active shooter was to have a “guardian
angel”. This guardian angel would be one member in the immediate vicinity that was
armed and ready; magazine and ammunition source. Gun free zones limit the ability to
protect ourselves and others and I don’t want a mass shooting at Texas Tech.
1
Criminals will carry, and have already been carrying, weapons into “gun free zones.”
How many mass shootings have happened outside of one of these areas? Allowing law
abiding citizens to safely carry their own weapons will stop the criminals from feeling
safe to pull theirs out at any moment. Take it from an infantry veteran - the fewer gun
free zones that are designated, the safer the students will be.
1
The majority of people who are anti-gun have little to no knowledge when it comes to
people that carry a CHL and what we have to go through to obtain it. More than likely if
someone were to come on campus and start shooting they wouldn’t have a CHL. I
worked hard to get mine and wouldn’t do anything to lose that right. Anti-gun people
need some serious education when it comes to this.
1
There are positives and negatives to this situation. There are places where concealed
handguns should not be for the reasons/places surveyed above; however, the fact that
some bystanders may be armed could limit a catastrophic event if someone began
shooting on campus. The concealed carry permit must include a written and hopefully
use of the gun for proficiency of shot before granting the permit? Most people who
completed the process and wanted to carry a gun on them all the time would respect the
rules and hopefully provide a somewhat safer campus experience. I don’t know how
exactly you keep the guns out of the hands of those who are not capable of using them
in appropriate means. Best of luck to the committee that has to make these difficult
decisions.
29 1
The purpose of the law is to allow citizens to excerise their right to carry a gun for
protection. Limiting certain areas on campus as ‘gun free zone’ would only create a
target for people wanting to cause harm. Thus defeating the purpose of “gun free
zones.” If an individual wants to cause harm no amount of rules and regulations will stop
them. This is why CHL holders should be able to protect themselves while on campus.
1
I feel buy being able to carry, we are able to protect ourselves and those around us, if
we ever have an active shooter.
1
I feel as though campus carry would be beneficial. If campus carry was illegal and
someone were to decide they wanted to shoot some people, it would be harder to stop
that individual. Yes, we have campus police, but response time could never be fast
enough. Also, most people who are going to shoot people will likely not follow campus
carry rules anyways, so why not allow others to carry? Those who go through the
process to be allowed to carry are more likely to abide by the rules and are less likely to
intentionally harm others.
1
I believe that there is a great positive effect having concealed campus carry. If you have
a knowledge of the course that is required before you receive your license, you
understand that is it very extensive and covers many instances on when and when not
to fire as well when and when not to draw your weapon. I believe that the number of
students that actually have a permit is significantly lower than most who oppose the law
think the number is. For one you have to be over 21 to even qualify to receive it.
Secondly there is a very small percentage of people within the average college age that
do have the permit compared to the total community who has one.
1
I feel that if the law allows guns to be freely carried on your person in a concealed
manner on campus there should be very little restrictions as to where you can carry
them. This being said I do believe the consequences for inappropriate use of guns such
as threats should be punished heavily and even minute instances should be
investigated and dealt with. The only places I feel guns should not be allowed are in
sporting events heavy in attendance with heavy police presence and chemical (or other)
laboratories, where an accidental discharge has the potential to be catastrophic. I
believe everyone should be made aware of the potential consequences for misuse of
firearms and more training should be made available on fire arm safety. Lastly if this is
to become the norm I think discounts on special sessions, training and fire arms should
be made available to employees and students.
1
If there is an active shooter and CHL licensees are not allowed to carry, how are we
supposed to feel save. CHL holders go through an intensive training and are
encouraged not to use their gun unless their or a third party’s life is in danger. I strongly
feel CHL holders are responsible enough to carry most everywhere on campus.
1
In my opinion this law couldn’t come at a more needed time. With the number of school
shootings in America on the rise I feel safer knowing that I can carry legally on campus.
It is my opinion that we should have training on campus to prepare everyone in case
there ever is an active shooter at Texas Tech. Training always allows for quicker,
smarter resolution to any incident that arises by preparing all in our community to take
proper action.
30 1
How would “Clear signage identifying gun-free zones” help deterring a mentally aberrant
or evil person from using a gun. The same argument is to be made for all other gun free
zones. Law abiding citizens would follow, leaving them exposed to anybody who has
decided to use a gun for violence. Unless there is police or armed guard presence,
there should be no gun-free zone.
1
Police or private security presence should be stationed in gun-free zones and highly
public areas and events so as to pursue public safety as well as creating a dissuasive
effect on potential conflictive individuals. If no security force is present in gun-free
zones, it creates incentives for troubled persons to try to take advantage of it.
1
ABSOLUTELY NO CONSEALED GUNS ON CAMPUS- ANYWHERE.
1
We should have the right to defend outselves.
1
People who have a concealed hand gun take classes, background checks, and other
precautions to ensure gun safety. They are permitted by the State of Texas to carry a
gun. Those who do not have a license should not carry a gun. This law does not
pertain to those who do not have a license.
1
I am not against gun free zones as long as there are limits. Criminals do not subscribe
to rules concerning gun free zones so, law-abiding citizens should not be forced to give
up weapons if criminals are able to carry them outside the rules.
1
I support concealed carry, not open carry.
1
Gun-free zones only stop law abiding people from caring guns in those areas. A person
with malicious intent will ignore such restrictions, thus I see no reason to have any gunfree zones.
1
I believe that the strenuous process of getting a CHL is a good precursor to a safe
environment. The violent crime statistics are lower with those who already have their
license. However, I do understand the idea of heightened awareness and anxiety with
guns present. Especially in an active shooter situation. I wouldn’t say I am 100% for it,
but I definitely lean more towards it than opposing it.
1
By banning handguns in any location, you are really just opening the door for an active
shooter to have defenseless victims.
1
I feel like you will have an exception to every rule. It has been shown time and time
again in the recent shootings that no one was able to stand up to the shooter, why?
because the people being targeted where unarmed. It finally took a former marine to
charge a shooter, he could not shoot because he had no gun. If the WELL EDUCATED
population knows how to carry, shoot and educate others about guns, shooters will be
less likely to target armed informed people.
1
I would feel much safer if I was allowed to carry.
1
Paranoid PhD’s need to take a basic class on CCL. Several are miss informed.
31 1
The ones who carry guns legally and have a CHL license aren’t the ones that you need
to worry about. I’m currently in the process of getting my CHL and it will take an
estimated 5-6 months to fully complete and get my license. Obviously someone who is
taking the time and effort to go through the government regulations and red tape to
obtain their license isn’t the type of person you need to worry about. Time and time
again, the mass shootings occur by mentally unstable people, who make an irrational
decision. The bill still does not allow ‘open carry’ on campuses, but CONCEALED
CARRY. This means that students and faculty won’t even know that a student has a
concealed firearm on them, unless the situation arrises where they need to use it. I
believe that placing ‘gun free zones’ only creates a target for a shooter. Predators don’t
prey on the strong, they prey on the weak, and if they know that their will be no threat to
them in these zones, these are the ones they are going to go
1
My initial logical thought is this: if you create a ‘gun free zone,’ you’re inviting those who
wish to do harm into a huge space with a captive audience...and the captive audience
has no way to retaliate/defend itself. Posting signs that say ‘Gun Free Zone’ will work for
law-abiding citizens, but someone who’s hell bent on killing a large number of people
will obviously not follow those rules. Gun Free Zones are illogical--they protect an active
shooter by ensuring he’s the only one with a firearm. Do I worry that people who are illtrained will be walking around toting concealed weapons...yes, but that’s already
happening. I like the idea that a student or professor could, ostensibly, take out an
active shooter-- that by allowing campus carry we level the playing field, as it were. We
would probably all be surprised to learn how many people are already carrying
concealed handguns on the Tech campus.
1
I think it would be foolish to create obvious gun free zones on campus in areas where
students frequently travel through such as the free speech area. This would make areas
like this the obvious place to target for those that might commit violent crimes. Clear
signage of gun free zones will only further push potential violent criminals by giving them
the confidence that their violence will not be met with retaliation by those who might be
carrying to stop them. It would leave students and faculty defenseless in these areas. It
would also create a big inconvenience for those like myself that will be carrying. It would
prevent us from being able to walk through these areas and could potentially interfere
with my ability to get to my classes or even carry if carrying is not allowed in high traffic
areas, labs, or certain parts of campus that classes are.
1
A gunman may think twice before opening on a group if he knows he’s just as liable to
be blown away before he can have his 15 mins of fame or death by hail of bullets. And
for this reason I support the presence of concealed handguns in crowded areas of
campus . For the same reason, I believe putting up a sign showing which areas disallow
weapons will mark the spot of fatal campus shootings - we should not mark safe havens
for shooters with bright neon signs.
1
I have never heard of a shooting occurring in a location that allows the legal possession
of firearms, and I believe this is due to the potential presence of an armed defender
1
I certainly agree with faculty and staff being allowed to conceal carry, I wasn’t sure if
students would have this ability as well. I feel most to all legal gun owners learn and
respect their firearms, therefore any incidents whether intentional or accidental are
going to be very limited. I also feel that if conceal carry is allowed on campus, there
needs to be continuing education in regards to safety with your firearm while in public.
32 Online training or classroom training should be required every year. Thank you
1
While I believe in the right to bear arms and the legality of CHL’s, I believe that further
training should be in place for those who wish to carry on campus. The inherent risks
are much greater. Carrying a weapon around such large crowds of people is a
tremendous responsibility. This should not be taken lightly. I do not believe that the new
campus carry laws will encourage gun crimes on campus, quite the opposite. However,
it does increase the danger level when things do happen. Burglaries and robberies on
campus have always been a problem (grant it a small one). Now the danger level when
things of this nature take place increases with the possibility that the intended victim
may have a CHL and is poorly trained. The possibility that more people will be hurt is
greater in such instances. This is a long way of saying I support the new legislation, but I
feel that more training should be required to carry on campus.
1
Statistics show that gun control leads to more crime - I believe that we should offer
classes on the safe use of handguns to our Faculty and Staff with a view to encouraging
them to carry on campus.
1
There is only one way to stop mass shootings. All concealed and or open carry
everywhere on campus.
1
It makes no sense to disarm the law abiding populace on a college campus. Carrying
on campus requires one to have a CHL, which implies the individual is at least 21 years
of age. Intimidation with a firearm is illegal if one is licensed to carry or not, therefore it
is absurd to think that allowing licensed CHL holders to carry on campus would result in
gun related threats and incidents of the like. Also, if there were, that person could be in
violation of the law regardless of if they had a CHL or not. Making any place on campus
a ‘gun free’ zone makes that zone less safe to the student body or anyone that may be
in that area (excluding areas that are already ‘gun free’ zones under the CHL law as it
applies to the rest of the state).
1
As a Texas Concealed Handgun License holder, I can tell you the types of background
checks that are necessary to acquire one of the licenses. Licensed gun holders know
the importance of gun safety, and when it is appropriate to carry a firearm. In my
opinion, gun-free zones do not protect students, they leave them vulnerable, just like the
gun-free zone shooting that occurred in Oregon recently. Licensed CHL holders do not
look for retaliation, they carry for self-protection which is why I feel there should not be
any gun-free zones on campus. The average response time to a shooting is good, but
not great; personally I would much rather be able to defend myself if a shooting
occurred on my campus compared to having to run and hide somewhere and hope that
the active shooter doesn’t see or find me. The students of TTU should have the right,
and ability to take a stand and defend themselves just like our forefathers have before
us.
33 1
My primary reason for favoring campus-carry is simply if an individual intended to harm
other students with a firearm, there in virtually nothing to stop this individual from
concealing this weapon, bringing that weapon on campus, and harming students (the
individual would disregard the laws in place and there is virtually stopping them from
doing so). Although the TTU police I trust would respond quickly and neutralize the
threat presented by this individual, they would be powerless to stop the initial harm
inflicted by such a rogue individual. Therefore, individuals who have received training
and are legally licensed to carry a firearm in my opinion should be permitted to conceal
and carry on campus for their safety and for the general safety of students/faculty
around. Them.
1
The licensed carry of concealed weapons comes along with many State-imposed
restrictions, policy, and regulations. Inherently, those people will have at least some
drive to follow the training and obey policies they’ve learned in the class. Appropriate
policies designed to protect against unlicensed carry should be created and adapted
from current Texas CHL rules.
1
Concealed carry is for protection. I will not be a victim in a campus shooting.
1
I believe that more gun free zones create additional opportunities for criminals or people
looking to do harm to inflict maximum damage before authorities can respond, therefore
giving them more time to inflict damage. Also the recent mass murders have been
committed in gun free zones where lawful people cannot effectively defend themselves,
a criminal is not going to regard the law hence the term criminal. Furthermore based on
studies these mass murderers are looking for the least opposition so as full-fill a sense
of power over individuals, or to achieve a false status of fame and are less likely to
attack a location where they will met will opposition of equal or greater force.
1
I am strongly in favor of campus carry, and when it goes into effect, I will be carrying.
My main concern is that in trying to appease more liberal-minded individuals, that we
end up spending academic funding that should go towards actual education and payroll
for teachers (of all levels: GPTI-full professors) towards some type of handgun
education or similar issues for which those who own guns should be responsible.
1
People with proper licensure SHOULD be allowed to carry wherever they please on
campus.
1
The reason I feel that no zone should be “gun free” is simple: if you disarm honest
citizens, anyone inclined to do a mass shooting will likely start in said “gun free zones”. I
believe one important aspect to these mass shootings that is often, if not always, overlooked is the fact that these incidents are not perpetrated by CHL holding individuals.
Criminals/mass shooters do not care about the law, so publicly disarming honest
citizens creates a balance in favor of would be active shooters.
1
I believe staff and faculty should be able to carry anywhere on campus.
34 1
The past decade has produced a few “mass shootings” carried out by individuals
unconcerned by laws forbidding the act. If you assume 8 “mass shootings”, i.e. 8
individuals out of a population of over 350 million, then you’re focusing on ~2% of 1% of
1% of 1%, or 1 citizen out of every ~44 million, or 1 person out of a city equivalent to
175 Lubbock cities combined. Think carefully before you decide to restrict the rights of
the other 99.999998% that could reduce/eliminate the threat in such an event.
Wherever you designate gun-free zones will be the first target for a shooter - if you
cannot fully staff each of those areas with armed police officers (not security guards that
cannot act but only advise until police arrive), then you put the 99.999998% of us at risk
by not allowing us to protect ourselves or others. Don’t put up a sign if you cannot
enforce it in real time, because we don’t care about your response time being under 5
minutes if the shooter finishes in 2 minutes.
1
I am in favor of following the law as closely as possible and limiting the number of “gun
free” zones. I feel more comfortable with highly trained concealed carry gun owners on
campus and in the event something bad does happen, there will be responsible gun
owners ready to take action and defend the university.
1
I find it disappointing that we would limit the carry and possession of concealed
handguns in the very places where violent individuals target: Large Classrooms,
Counseling Centers, Free Speech zones, etc. I have no problem with those who
disagree with the idea of concealed carry because that is their right to. However, it is
now my right to carry on the premises of an institution of higher education in the state of
Texas to protect myself, and if I can, I will sacrifice my life to protect my fellow students.
I am saddened by the rhetoric that CHL holders, who are statistically proven as
nonviolent offenders in Texas, are viewed as out of control individuals who will use their
guns to intimidate other students, professors, or act with gross negligence. However, all
of us CHL holders are exposed to a background check equivalent to the FBI, and we are
aware of our rules and limitations (§ 30.06 postings). I hope that people give us a
chance to lawfully express our rights, too.
1
I think that guns should be allowed if you do have your CHL. That being said, I believe
that TTU should require those students who have CHLs to identify themselves. Just like
sex offenders have to register at their university with the police department, I believe
that TTU should require the same for students with CHLs. That way, TTU has a record
of how many guns are potentially being csrried around campus.
1
I would feel much safer on campus at TTU if the carrying of handguns was allowed in all
areas. I do not believe that gun-free zones are affective at all, especially after the recent
shootings in gun-free zones.
1
Guns protect and individual with psychological issues use guns to kill. I feel safer
knowing a classmate is carrying a gun.
1
I see little benefit in restricting the licensed possession of handguns in nearly any
location. A person intending harm is rarely dissuaded, but often tends to target areas
that prohibit the possession of weapons.
35 1
I believe that all CHL holders should be able to carry anywhere at anytime on campus. It
is our 2nd amendment right to protect ones self, and that is what a CHL holder has
sought to do by obtaining the license. It is under law that this privilege is given and
already restricted as it pertains to the Texas penal code. for example §46.035, Texas
Penal Code prohibits carrying of handguns and other weapons in certain places.
Concerning the question about allowing CHL holders to carry where drinks are served.
This is already a law and all CHL holders would know this: Texas Penal Code §46.035
states it is unlawful for an individual who is intoxicated to carry a concealed handgun.
CHL holders should be allowed to protect themselves at all times given the restriction of
Law. Depriving a licensed person to carry does nothing to protect their personal
protection rights. It only enables people with mal intent to victimize those who could of
protected themselves.
1
In general, violent crimes have declined in Texas since concealed carry was
established. By having TRAINED individuals carrying weapons, the overall security of
the entire campus would increase.
1
If there were even one concealed carry at the latest school shootings, many lives would
have been saved. The simple fact of it is, a shooter/assailant won’t be so bold when
he/she knows that there can and will be retaliation. Additionally, concealed carry permit
holders took the extra effort to go through the legal process to carry a sidearm legally
and safely as law abiding citizens. Criminals don’t. From what I remember, the vast
majority of firearm related crimes are carried out by unlicensed individuals. I trust a
concealed carry permit holder with my life, they took an oath to protect his or her fellow
man. We should let them protect us when other agents cannot be there in time (police
officers, etc). I think it should also be allowed to carry within most campus buildings, if
not what’s the point? In my opinion there are buildings that concealed carry is not
appropriate, such as where there are children or mentally unstable individuals.
1
I urge that Texas Tech consider NOT putting in gun free zones. By establishing those,
an active shooter would be more likely to cause harm in those areas. consider this
example: when those two religious extremists come annually to visit Tech (I believe his
name is brother Jeb?) they sit in the free speech area and purposely insult people.
Imagine if he set someone off too far. If guns were banned there and someone listening
him had the intent to cause harm, there would be no way of stopping him unless
someone with a concealed carry license ‘broke the rules’ and entered that zone. I think
the zones are a poor idea. If it’s legal, let it be. No gun free zones.
1
It is statistically shown and factually backed that Concealed Carry License holders
commit less crime (General), less violent crime, and less gun crime than almost any
other demographic of society, yet this University, this place of freedom and
intellectualism wants to treat these citizens and their rights as criminals. The focus of
these policies should be informing the students and faculty that the introduction of
campus carry is increasing safety, not diminishing it. It has become abundantly apparent
that 'gun-free zones' are inherently less safe due to that restriction.
1
When a shooter comes into my classroom hell bent on shooting as many people as
possible, I want to be able to shoot back.
1
Open-carry law is not going to have any effect on people who intend to use guns to
harm innocent people (they will bring guns on campus no matter what the law says), but
36 it might allow law-abiding citizens to minimize violence carried out by others.
1
I feel that we should either all be able to legally carry guns, or no guns should exist
period. Since the later is currently impossible, I am all for on campus carry. While it is
unlikely that I may never need to use a gun for personal safety, I feel much better
knowing that it is an option. We have seen many instances of dysfunctional individuals
shooting up schools. This law does not increase that likelihood, however, it gives
potential victims a better opportunity to defend themselves. Proper training for students,
faculty, and police should be a strong focus to make this a beneficial law.
1
i believe in allowing campus carry , i believe everyone is more vulnerable with out some
form of protection, Texas Tech police response to emergency situations is not as good
as it should be. and people that are going to be carrying weapons are required to have
gun safety/gun use training and have to pass background check so I think there are
more pros than cons in the campus carry debate.
1
The state and Texas Tech University should allow all eligible and licensed students to to
legally carry a concealed firearm on all premises of the university.
1
If someone intends to harm others with a firearm, will a law saying they cannot carry a
firearm on campus convince them not to? Of course not. Should students and faculty
have the right to protect themselves from a person who intends to harm them? Of
course.
1
A person is not allowed to obtain a concealed handgun license or purchase a gun until
they are 21 years of age. If a person is going to come into a classroom and harm/kill
their classmates, they are not worried about having a CHL. As a CHL holder, I should
have the right to carry a gun and defend not only myself but those around me.
1
I believe campus carry is necessary to be able to help protect students in case a
gunman is on campus. If no one has a gun to stop a shooter then more could be hurt.
Also, if a shooter comes on campus with a gun then gun free zones will not matter
anyways to that person.
1
Like the recent Oregon shooting, most of these incidents have occurred only in ‘gunfree’ zones. The establishment of ‘gun-free’ zones has only disarmed law abiding
citizens and prevented them from being able to legally defend themselves. Any active
shooter intent on inflicting harm will not abide by ‘gun-free’ zone signs.
1
I do not believe that any area should be designated as a gun free zone. As a faculty
member of texas tech, I believe that my fellow faculty members should be able to equip
themselves in a classroom or a counseling center, if they so choose.
1
I am extremely pleased that this law has been passed. My belief is that bad people will
have firearms regardless of what the law says, so law abiding citizens should not be
prohibited from arming and protecting themselves (within reason). This law has the
potential to create backlash from students and faculty who are uncomfortable with
firearms, but I am impressed with how Texas Tech is handling the implementation so
far. I hope the university continues to be clear on the law, what the restrictions are, and
helps educate students who are currently uncomfortable with firearms altogether. This
will provide a smooth transition and make Texas Tech an even safer environment than it
already is. Guns Up (in a concealed manner) and Wreck ‘Em!!!
37 1
I believe that licensed carry of a firearm by educated and trained individuals with
increase the security on campus. The individuals that express harmful intent to Texas
Tech inhabitants will do so regardless of policies for licensed carry. In the event of a
catastrophic event, time is crucial. If students, faculty and staff are given the freedom to
protect themselves, I believe it has the potential to save lives. However, in addition to
training that is required to obtain a concealed carry license, I believe the university
should offer additional training to better prepare people for an emergency event.
1
Any gun free zones you create will become higher risk targets for potential “Active
Shooter” incidents.
1
If there is any way to identify who wrote this, please don’t let my professors or fellow
graduate students know I’m for being able to carry on campus. It would be a hassle for
responsible gun owners with a permit if they can’t allowed in normal places like the sub.
For example, if I get my CHL license, and want to carry when it’s allowed, it would be a
hassle to not be able to go to the bank in the SUB, or not be able to get food, without
first having to put my firearm somewhere before going to the SUB. The same with the
athletic facility etc.
1
For the idea behind this legislation (e.g, people having guns in classrooms and on
campus will make people safer) to have any chance of being valid, the University must
adopt policies which support it. Simply assuming that the presence of unknown numbers
of ostensibly well-intentioned individuals that possess concealed firearms will make a
positive difference in campus safety without the University implementing appropriate
training and carefully-crafted policies is naive at best, and grossly negligent at worst.
People who carry concealed weapons on campus should be either required or highly
encouraged to be trained by the University in its policies regarding the use of firearms
for personal protection in different potential scenarios. Teachers should be notified that
concealed handgun carriers are in their classes. Lastly, there should be an aggressive
campaign to prepare everyone on what to do, and what actions to be expected from
police and gun-carriers during incidents.
1
I can’t believe we are having this discussion when vulnerable students and faculty are
being targeted and killed all over the US. I would not set foot in a designated gun free
zone. This is the United States of America. We have the right to protect ourselves. Our
students are paying too much money to be here on campus with seemingly NO
protection. The TTU police force is tiny and the LPD is useless as our crime rate rises
in this diverse city. Who is going to protect us if we can’t protect ourselves. Additionally I do not feel safe having this conversation with my faculty colleagues. I have over heard
them making remarks about people who support campus carry. I do not trust that many
of my colleagues are approaching this with an open mind and I do not feel safe against
serious professional repercussions if my views become known. As someone who
supports campus carry, I feel as though my professional life is in danger. Campus carry
has highlighted what is a hostile work environment.
1
Gun free zones should have signs that read ‘Only illegal guns are permitted in this area.’
To make an area gun free it requires physical detection of guns and arrest of violators.
We are fooling only ourselves if we believe that ‘Gun Free’ really produces an area free
of guns.
38 1
Posted signs and designated areas will not prevent someone from doing harm, if they
are determined to do so. It seems pointless to have off-limit areas for exactly that
reason. If we do have off-limit areas, would a sane person with a gun really avoid such
an area & take a different route, or, take time to secure their gun somewhere so that
they could enter into the area? I doubt it, because that is not convenient to a reasonable
person, especially if the gun can be concealed, who would know. To a shooter intending
harm, ‘off-limits’ has no meaning. I am in favor of guns being allowed anywhere so that if
a shooting incident happens, there is at least a chance that a sane person with a gun
can respond and perhaps save lives. If a rampage shooting happens in an off-limits
area, and a sane person with a gun has obeyed that off-limits rule and is without their
gun, then there is no chance for a reaction to contain the shooter and that is most
definitely a scenario for tragedy.
1
If you are licensed to carry a hand gun, there should be not restrictions as to where you
can carry one on Campus unless it’s where alcohol is served.
1
Educated, licensed to carry individuals should be able to carry their gun. All the
regulations in the world will never stop crazed individuals. Most of the shooting incidents
could have been stopped or prevented had individuals in those venues been able to
protect themselves. Not many random shootings occur where demented people know
there are armed individuals present, ready to defend themselves and others.
1
I am concerned about how many temps we employ in our area. Without this sounding
like discrimination, do these temps receive a background check? They are in the
halls/office areas without a badge or shirt identifying them. Most are dressed in dirty
clothes and tattoos. One punched his girlfriend out in our parking lot. I am also
concerned about family members of employees coming to work areas and bringing with
them domestic disputes that they have amongst their families, or partners, etc. I had
someone show up in my office looking for their dad (which had taken a long lunch)
because she had been physically fighting with her partner and her phone was crushed
and wanted to talk with her parent. For all I knew, who she was fighting with could have
followed her to my office and continued the violence there. This is a big reason why I
want to carry on campus. Obviously, I work with someone that has a lot of traffic from
his family and I’m usually the one to encounter them first.
Oppose
Comments
2
People kill people with guns. Those who wish to harm others will always find a way to
do so.
2
No guns!!!
2
I think it will be a potential danger to all if guns are allowed on campus. What if two
students argue and one shoots the other? or, If someone feels they were wronged by a
staff member in a certain department, they could cause injury or death to that person if
they are angered.
2
Guns on campus is the worst idea ever.
2
Guns do not have a place on campus.
39 2
I believe that the state, the university, and its governors have a fundamental ethical
responsibility to protect students, faculty, and staff from deadly violence AND ALSO
from conditions that permit concealed handgun carriers implicit and special rights to
intimidate others. This is a violation of academic freedom, a violation of the university’s
fundamental educational commitment to open discourse, and a violation of the state’s
responsibility to its citizens.
2
I believe guns should not be allowed on campus.
2
I think this legislation is ridiculous and a set-up for trouble. As a faculty member I feel
less secure teaching and on campus
2
This is a horrible idea and will end poorly.
2
I hate the idea of handguns on campus. I know that prohibiting guns on campus will not
keep people from bringing them onto campus, but I think an institute of higher learning is
a horrible place for guns - licensed or not!
2
On question 9, what is the current policy? If it is to allow guns, then I oppose. If it is not
to allow guns, then I favor. Please convey to the legislature that many faculty members
are quite distressed by this heavy-handed and politically motivated dictum, especially in
light of recent campus shootings.
2
What has happened in schools is sad, but I feel carrying will only allow negative events
to become much worse. I carry, but not here at work.
2
Put up all possible resistance to this horrible law.
2
The idea of guns on campus is very frightening and worrisome to me. I do not believe
that a University campus is a place for guns of any sort. Students are students,
teachers are teachers, we are not police men or militia.
2
We have an armed police force and that is enough. Guns intimidate, frighten, and
weaken people’s sense of self security. If guns are a vital part of democracy and safety
for all, why not allow guns in the state capitol building?
2
I hope the Texas legislature reverses this decision at some point in the near future. One
of the worst ideas of all time.
2
I know the law states that we cannot be gun free on campus, but as a grad student and
educator, I feel this drastically impacts my feeling on teaching other classes or dealing
with students. I would likely no longer be willing to teach on this campus when guns are
allowed in classrooms. Guns should be limited as much as possible. They serve no
purpose on this or any campus.
2
I would be supportive of policies which are as restrictive as this ill conceived and
dangerous law would allow.
2
Given what has happened on various campuses nationwide over the past two years,
including what happened in Oregon last week, I believe it is foolhardy to allow students,
immature for the most part, to bring weapons to campus.
2
The state universities need to ban together and make it clear to the state government
that most faculty and students don’t want guns on campuses
40 2
The university should do everything in its power to oppose the implementation of this
horribly misguided legislation. I realize that it is legally obligated to follow the law, but it
should make nearly all areas on campus gun-free zones.
2
Like the faculty at University of Texas, I really feel that students and professors would
be at a greater risk if guns were allowed on campus. Free speech, grading autonomy,
and general discussions would all be at risk. Please do not allow weapons on our
campus.
2
I believe guns should not be on campus at all. There are too many opportunities for
injury with people who are not responsible.
2
People are frightened by this legislation and I know many who have expressed their
desire to quit teaching in person, and perhaps leaving academia all together in the state
of Texas. It is hard to attract good faculty to our campus, open carry will make it even
harder.
2
The idea that students in classrooms can have guns in scary. I think it is bad legislation
and will lead to bad consequences.
2
Most people who develop schizophrenia do so during their college years. Thus,
numerous undiagnosed schizophrenics are wandering around a campus of this size at
any one time. I think arming them is probably a bad idea for campus safety.
2
TTU Campus must be safe for students and employee. I want the whole campus to be
gun-free-zone
2
Allowing guns on campus, whether concealed-carry or not, is asking for trouble.
Students get depressed, students get in fights, students get mad at their professors,
and, above all, students do not always make rational decisions on the spur of the
moment!
2
I will be very uncomfortable being on campus knowing that anyone could be carrying
weapons. It is difficult to know which of these people could be doing so for the wrong
reasons or what their mental state is that might cause any incidents.
2
As a Virginia Tech alum, I’m appalled that guns will be permitted on college campuses.
You have young adults navigating new challenges, often with alcohol involved, living in
close quarters, and now they are able to have guns on campus. I worry more about
individual safety from concerns such as suicide (more likely to attempt with deadly force
when it’s readily accessible), and intimate partner violence.
2
Considering the campus already has its own branch of the Police force, I see no reason
to allow laymen to carry concealed weapons. Please deliberate seriously on whatever
legislation you decide to put in place. Thanks
2
If possible, handguns should not be allowed within the academic environment
2
I will now be taking online classes due to the fact that I think having guns on campus is
DANGEROUS.
41 2
Both my parents are retired police officers with 45 years experience between them.
Having grown up around guns and the knowledge of how people use them makes me
firmly against both open-carry and concealed carry on campus. Yes, in an active
shooter event it is possible that the right person with a carry permit may be in the right
place with the proper training and skill and frame of mind to do some good, but it’s more
likely that lapses in judgement, hasty actions, hot tempers, lack of training, gun theft, will
create more nightmares than the open carry solves. I’d create gun-free zones in ANY
place there are families with small children, alcohol being served, or places which lend
themselves naturally to a raised spirits or heightened stress.
2
Keep those guns away from the campus. I support second amendment but this is really
nuts. I can’t wait to graduate and get out of here considering that I stay alive from
another one of those mass school shooting.
2
Campus carry is a bad idea.
2
Do you really believe that allowing more guns on campus would make TTU a safer
environment? Recent tragedies in Oregon, Arizona, and Texas Southern University -which had 3 gun violence incidence THIS WEEK -- should be a clear warning that guns
should not be allowed on or near campus.
2
How will a student with a gun react to poor course performance? How will a student
who’s views and ideas are challenged react? The university is supposed to be a setting
where people are challenged by new thoughts and ideas, some of which can be
uncomfortable for some. Will professors and students alike feel free to have hard
discussions knowing that someone could potentially have a deadly weapon on them? I
think that allowing campus carry challenges the very basis of higher education and is an
issue which we should stand firmly against.
2
DO NOT ALLOW GUNS. IT WILL KILL THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
2
I find the open carry legislation to be poorly thought out and I hope it is repealed. As
someone with a concealed carry license, I don’t think academic campuses are suitable
environments for general concealed carry. There should be more restrictions for these
environments since there is a high density of different cultures and age groups here.
TTU isn’t all made up of Texas residents who learned to shoot as children and have a
healthy respect for what those weapons can do.
2
Having any handguns on campus, even if they are owned by licensed individuals who
have received proper training, makes me feel uncomfortable and unsafe. I think this
threatens a safe learning environment. I am personally against campus carry all
together.
2
I do not belief that this legislation is a good idea. More guns will only lead to more
violence
2
It makes me uncomfortable knowing this is our reality and it doesn’t make me feel safer.
But I feel a little better knowing we will have a plan in place.
2
An educational campus is not a place where we need everyone armed.
42 2
There have been increased school shooting across the United States, more recently the
Umpqua Community College shooting in Roseburg, Oregon. How can you ensure
students safety? How can you ensure faculty safety? Unless you are professionally
trained to carry guns, like a police officer, I believe students will feel unsafe if
surrounding classmates are carrying weapons. I STRONGLY oppose this.
2
I think this law is a complete mess, and dumbing down Texas to a lower level than ever
imagined. The Republicans are nuts, racist, and out of touch.
2
Personally, I would not like to see any guns on campus except for the law enforcement
officers.
2
I fear that it will be impossible to enforce restrictions, no matter how carefully the gunfree zones are chosen and how well they are identified with signs. Our campus police
force is not large enough to be in all the places that should be off-limits for concealed
carry. The whole situation is a disaster waiting to happen.
2
In light of all the shootings in the U.S. of innocent people in the past couple of years in
such presumably innocuous settings as schools, churches, and movie theatres, which
part of ‘no guns’ doesn’t compute? The campus is not a war zone. People so in need
of power that they cannot be out in public without a firearm need rehabilitation, not
license to carry. Imagine who would NOT send his or her child to such a campus. The
Ivy League is so much safer....
2
I would feel much safer if no guns were allowed on campus.
2
The day students start carrying guns into my classroom is the day I go on the job market
to look for a job elsewhere. It’s as simple as that.
2
I’ve had a concealed carry license since before I first came to campus. I DO NOT carry
on campus. It’s stupid to do so. First rule of firearms safety is always having it in your
personal control & when it’s not, that it be locked with the safety on & chamber empty.
Neither of those is practical, so I don’t carry on campus.
2
The presence of handguns on campus, be it open or concealed, is of great concern to
my personal safety, and is a factor that will determine my choice of where I want to be in
the future in pursuit of a career. I was brought up in an environment and a society that is
relatively gun-free, and while I can respect the views of the locals with regards to
possession of handguns and what they use handguns for, I don’t believe that handguns
have a place in the academic environment except for law enforcement personnel. The
increased presence of handguns does not make me feel safer.
2
There is not a single valid reason on the planet for guns to exist!
2
Just because the Legislature and the Governor are crazy doesn’t mean that we have to
be crazy, too. Guns have no place on any campus. They will provide absolutely no
protection to anyone, and, by there mere presence, escalate both the potential for and
the level of violence.
2
Handguns shouldn’t be carried within the confines of the university.
43 2
An institution of learning is no place for firearms or any other potentially lethal weapons.
As a Teaching Assistant who is in charge of my students’ grades, I do not feel safe
awarding my students the grades they may deserve knowing that there is a possibility
that they might retaliate with a gun. There has been a spate of campus shootings in
recent weeks, including one that took the life of one of Texas Tech’s former professors,
and I find it outrageous that anyone can argue that more guns on campus will make
students, faculty, or staff any safer.
2
I am really not comfortable with conceal and carry allowed in such a public space.
2
The entire university needs to be a guns-free zone for the faculty and students to feel
safe.
2
How would allowing students/employees permission to carry loaded weapons help
anyone? Just because someone has a gun, even if they have training, doesn’t mean
they would be able to use it in a high stress situation. The are policemen, and military
personal who aren’t capable of properly handling guns in stressful situations, much less
your average Joes. How about the issue that there are many, MANY people who aren’t
even responsible enough not to not allow their gun to be lost or stolen. Too much credit
is being given to Joe Q. Public to use or take care of a weapon that can be used to kill
people. It is not a question if some idiot kills someone on campus after this law takes
affect, it’s when.
2
The whole idea of handguns on a university campus strikes me as sheer lunacy.
2
Even though I have a concealed handgun license, I am opposed to this legislation.
Among other concerns, in an active shooter situation, how are first responders going to
know which person with a gun is the ‘good guy’ and which is the ‘bad guy’?
2
As a student the doubles as both an undergraduate student and a staff member, I do not
feel safe knowing guns are on my campus. Guns have no place in the learning
environment which extends from just the classroom, to the entire Texas Tech Campus. I
believe anyone who has spent time on this campus and among the student body should
be able to realize these students are way too out of control to allow guns on campus.
The students on this campus cause fights when the football team loses games, do you
really think allowing guns on campus will better the emotional responses of these
students? Security will need to be increased on campus significantly for me to feel safe
on this campus anymore. I would rather transfer schools than continue obtaining my
education in an environment that I feel is no longer safe for me.
2
I do not believe guns have a place on our campus. It is a place where students should
be able to learn without the fear of violence.
2
Knowing that concealed carry will be allowed makes me feel very worried and
uncomfortable. I would not have chosen to come work or study at a school that allows
this.
2
No guns should be allowed in any classrooms. No guns really should be allowed at all.
This law is one that should be challenged all the way to the Supreme Court. The thought
of Guns on campus is frightening and very stressful.
44 2
Having concealed carry on campus is a huge mistake. We know as educators that
mental health issues, including depression, are on the rise on college campuses.
Having guns in classrooms and, especially, in the residence halls is a dangerous
situation. It is unfortunate that our legislators have made this unwise decision. I fear
that having guns on campuses in Texas will swiftly result in more campus shootings and
more suicides. This is extremely disappointing to me as a Texan. I also fear that Texas
universities will see a large number of star faculty and staff members leaving for states
where this nonsense is not happening. It is hard enough to get faculty to come to
Lubbock without this. If I were a doing a faculty or staff job search in higher education
right now, I would cross Texas right off my list. If I were a parent looking for a safe place
to send my children to college, I would not send them to Texas, either. What a shame.
2
I realize there is nothing to do about the legislation, but I have a great concern for the
safety of our students and faculty because of this law. As the shooting outside a dorm
at a college in Arizona shows, there is no place that is safe for students if guns are
allowed.
2
Allowing guns on campus is absolutely ridiculous. As a Community Advisor, I am
extremely concerned with incoming freshman thinking a gun in their residence hall room
is acceptable. I feel very uncomfortable seeing students, RED RAIDERS, have weapons
as I walk to class. Unthinkable and absolutely IDIOTIC.
2
This is just asking for an unfortunate shooting on campus, or an accident due too poor
firearm handling.
2
Instead of spending money preparing campus police on how to deal with students
having guns, use that money on the police force and make it bigger. Guns should not be
on campus. If there are guns on campus by the time I have children, they will not be
attending Texas Tech University.
2
I am actively seeking a new job outside of Texas because I am extremely concerned
about the future of higher education in this state. I would not be attempting to leave
Texas Tech if it weren’t for the implementation of this Campus Carry law.
2
No. NO CAMPUS CARRY!!!! Guns must NOT be allowed on university campuses.
There are other solutions to this epidemic of mass shootings.....more guns is NOT the
answer. Mental health evaluations, more thorough background checks....but what you
propose is NOT a solution. ‘A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a
free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.’....WE
ARE NOT A MILITIA!!!!
2
The carrying of handguns on any college campus is insane! Especially in light of the
recent and past shooting incidents on college campuses. It is beyond me that Texas
Tech would even be considering instituting such a policy, which would put their
student’s, faculty and staff at risk.
2
Under no circumstances, a gun should be carried by other than police anywhere near or
inside campus. If we allow more guns, it will mud the water instead of making it safe.
Also, it is a common sense that shooting the shooter to neutralize him/her will be very
much difficult for someone who does not have a training similar to law enforcers, and in
such an event police will be confused to find out the real shooter!
45 2
This is an insane decision and there are no reasonable solutions except to keep guns
off of campus.
2
There have been three campus shootings in the USA in the last week alone- does
Texas Tech intend to be the next? “Guns Up”, indeed. Science has clearly shown that
a community with more guns suffers from more gun-related deaths. If this institution
allows guns on campus, it demonstrates contempt for statistics and other related
sciences that have proven this fact beyond a doubt. Allowing students, faculty, or staff
to carry guns on campus creates an unsafe working and learning environment for
everyone because it dramatically increases the likelihood that these devices will be
used. No one except licensed, registered peace officers should have firearms on
campus, period.
2
I don’t believe that handguns should be allowed at a University. This makes it very
unsafe in my opinion.
2
This law will hurt the faculty, staff, and student recruiting efforts of this university and
other Texas universities. This is a higher learning institution, how can this be
accomplished if you are busy worrying about being shot intentionally or unintentionally?
Just check the news about all the ‘good’ people with guns accidentally killing innocent
people, because more lead in the air is always a great idea.
2
Please do not allow weapons on campus. I just got to the school and I would like to
leave alive.
2
Okay, I’m gonna be the big mouth that gets herself in trouble but I think this is going to
be a huge mistake as college kids as a whole are emotional, hormonal and following the
latest ‘gangsta’ mannerisms......I am a 48 yr old Texas Tech student currently attending
to pursue her Masters .............I am also a 20 plus yr Security Enforcement personnel
WHO IS TRAINED TO HANDLE GUNS .........I truly feel that the horror of allowing
‘twenty something’ age students to have guns on campus is going to turn out to be a
HUGE nightmare .....too many of them will try to ‘act out’ the now rampant ‘gangsta’
videos when someone looks at them the wrong way, says something they don’t like,
etc...........You will end up doubling your Campus Security force to deal with their
immaturity.......and it scares me to know that this is coming to our campus......we will end
up having ‘shooter’ issues because of impulse, emotionalism and stupidity.
2
This is a bigger problem than TTU. Gun violence on campuses is a true and present
danger. Allowing such weaponry on campus as a ‘right’ is an outdated and arrogant
notion of individual liberties to risk the physical safety of innocents. More guns does not
prevent gun violence, it just means there are more bullets flying around. I am disturbed
by the state legislation and the gun culture in Texas in general.
2
I believe no one should be allowed to carry handguns on campus except Uniformed
Police officers. My idea would be to have more police officer on staff so you could see
them more often not jus in there cars patrolling. I know this would be an added expense
to the university but that would be better than have more handguns on campus. Where
the university should be a safe learning environment for everyone.
46 2
Humans do not develop adequate impulse control until they are in their mid 20’s. You
are putting guns in the hands of people that are not developmentally able to always stop
their impulse in an environment that is already highly stressful. This is a recipe for
disaster. All the science on humans and risk say this is a really bad idea. Why are we
being forces into this risky environment. I am looking for jobs elsewhere because I will
not put myself at the risk that the state is asking me to take.
2
I do not support the current campus carry legislation. I think it is a horrible idea. The
answer to this horrible situation with campus shootings is not allowing more guns on
campus. Hire more police officers or security personnel. Allowing a student that has
received their concealed carry permit to carry on campus, does not make our campus
safer and does not mean they are in a state of mind to make a responsible or correct
decision to discharge their firearm. Just because they paid the money to get their
handgun license does not mean they are educated in these types of situations.
2
Guns should not be allowed on campus in any way. Statistics clearly show that more
guns equals more gun deaths, and that the presence of people with concealed
handguns does not necessarily prevent an active shooter scenario. And people just go
crazy sometimes. Let law enforcement have the guns.
2
Guns have no place in an educational environment. If guns are allowed in classrooms,
there will be no more free discussion of ideas and no more honest grading. I would like
to see the TTU policy make all classrooms gun-free, safe spaces. At the very least,
faculty must be allowed to designate their own classrooms gun-free.
2
This is a dumb idea. The upside is minimal and the downside could be quite dangerous.
2
The concealed carry law will go into effect on Texas campuses on August 1, 2016. This
exact date will be the 50th anniversary of the clock tower shooting at the University of
Texas, one of the first mass shooting in the US and the first on a college campus. It is
ridiculous that the suggested answer to the staggering amount of gun violence
(particularly on college campuses) in this country is MORE GUNS! It is unconscionable
that university employees and students in Texas have to be afraid for their lives on a
daily basis, because some disgruntled individual may be armed with a concealed
handgun.
2
DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO PROHIBIT GUNS ON CAMPUS AT ANY
LOCATION.
2
This law puts all your students in danger..... The worst decision that could have ever
been made.
2
I am not against concealed carry; however, I do not think it is appropriate on a university
campus.
2
Within the last week there have been NOT 1, NOT 2 but THREE campus shootings in
our country. I believe it’s absurd that we would EVER allow handguns on campus.
2
Statistically having more firearms available would seem to transfer to a higher likely
hood of shootings. I’m not nearly as worried about a mass shooting incident, but
accidental shootings or intentional shootings from a dispute.
47 2
Police officers receive specialized training on when to use guns and still make mistakes.
Adding guns, in the hands of untrained people, creates a more dangerous and stressful
environment not a safer one. Weapons detectors (to prevent campus shootings) would
be more sensible than allowing random individuals to carry guns. Part of my
administrative responsibility is dealing with angry or distressed students. I need to know
that it is more likely they are not carrying a gun because it is prohibited, than knowing
they might have one. A university is about the free exchange of ideas, and learning to
use words and data to make one’s case and not resorting to anger and intimidation. The
free exchange of ideas between students, and between students and faculty depends
upon the expectation that force is not an issue. Most campus shootings involve mentally
unstable people. To end gun violence on campuses, we need to deal with that issue not
arm faculty and students.
2
I can’t think of a worse idea. The last thing any campus needs is angry students having
easy access to a gun.
2
College is a high-stress situation at a developmental and emotional volatile point in
many people’s lives. Allowing freer access to easy to use, but difficult to control
weapons puts the entire campus at risk.
2
This is a bad law. Guns do not belong in classrooms. There are other, safer means of
dealing with active shooters besides throwing more guns into the mix. This law is
political pandering to a minority fringe.
2
I am opposed to having my workplace and the students’ learning environment subject to
this law without input prior to the legislation being passed. I believe this legislation will
create a high potential for a hostile environment that is not conducive to safety. I also
have concerned that will be difficult for law enforcement to be able to act in a
threatening situation if multiple people in a given area are armed. I have full respect for
those who are licensed and for the right to carry, but I am opposed to this legislation that
infringes on my work environment.
2
I am completely opposed to campus carry. We live in a world that is very volatile and
tempers often run high with both students and staff. Adding a deadly weapon option is
asking for trouble. A shooter on campus should bring a person carrying to only be on the
defensive when/if in danger. My fear is that a person who is carrying may want to go on
the offensive to serve and protect and hurt himself or herself and possible others while
partaking in a situation that is best fit for trained officers. Worst of all, a person who is
upset may use the weapon as a simple of power over a colleague or a student to
faculty. I am glad I am not the one making these decisions. God help us all!
2
I believe the ENTIRE campus should be a gun free zone, this is a place of learning and
guns have NO place in it. I will not feel safe if people are allowed to carry firearms on
campus, willy-nilly. In part, because I am not in control of their actions, and their actions
with weapons may result in misuse, abuse, death, harm, etc. I don’t ever want to be in a
situation where there is an active shooter, and adding multiple shooters can create (at
least increases the number of bullets shot) even more chaos, granted someone else
may be able to stop a rogue shooter - this is NOT A guarantee simply because more
people have guns. The reality for this university, and I feel the country, is stricter gun
laws. Only when there is a real discussion on gun safety, laws, distribution, & permitting
can there be real change - and this will mean restricting some guns. However, it will take
getting the gun market (profit) out of the picture and looking beyond what is the easy
48 answer to find a real one.
2
I am not in favour of the campus carry policy because I will not feel safe at all knowing
that my classmates have guns, regardless of their disposition. I feel like it can
potentially hinder the learning process and expression of ideas. However, I am aware
Americans generally favour guns, especially in this part of the country, and so I feel like
some sort of compromise could be reached on the issue. On the other hand, allowing
students to carry guns is not a feasible solution or compromise.
2
I believe this is a monumentally bad idea and will lead only to tragedy.
2
I teach at the university. Knowing that handguns may be present on campus makes me
want to leave my job. Texas may not be able to recruit the best and brightest to
campuses where handguns may be present.
2
Guns have no place in a learning environment. Their sole purpose is to kill. This is
dangerous legislation that I hope will be overturned by legislators with some sense when
we vote the present ones out of office.
2
I believe that allowing concealed weapons to be carried on campus is an unnecessary
right that will impose more fear than safety - especially for those that are out-of-state
students, staff, etc. Not saying that it will be more violence evoke due to the ability to
carry concealed weapons, however for areas where there is frequent debate and
controversial conversation there is an uneasy feeling surrounding these events.
2
Campus is peace zone. NO GUNS should be in Campus. GUN is always made to kill
either defense to attack. Those who use it in Defense is also killing.
2
As a person who works daily with students who present a potential threat to themselves
and / or others; I am opposed to allowing weapons in places where emotions can run
high and good judgment may be lacking. I worked in a correctional facility for 6 years
and guns were not allowed in the building for safety purposes. I think that this argument
should be considered here. Current events on campuses across the country need to be
looked at closely before this legislation is acted on. Safety should be the issue.
2
School area is supposed to be purely safe, no guns are allowed strictly.
2
I think I have gotten my opinion across. This is terrible and it makes Texas look like and
is bringing us toward third world status.
2
I’m very opposed to this legislation and considering looking for a job out of state as a
result. Guns have no place on a college campus.
2
I couldn’t object more strongly to open carry of weapons/guns on any campus. PERIOD.
Especially ours. This is the most asinine legislation of which I’ve ever heard. Absurd. My
classes depend upon a safe environment; one of trust and respect. Students/young
actors must be able to access their emotional lives; that vulnerability has to be protected
49 and respected. You can take me to jail, sue me, and/or make an example of me but I
WILL NOT ALLOW GUNS IN MY CLASSES. Believe that.
2
I am afraid to come to work next year. A proliferation of guns on campus does not make
me feel safer -- just the opposite. Please, please, please do everything you possibly can
to keep as many guns as possible away from my body. Mass shootings occur literally
every week in America: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/thefix/wp/2015/10/01/theres-been-no-calendar-week-without-a-mass-shooting-duringpresident-obamas-second-term/ We have to debate the definition of ‘mass shooting,’ for
God’s sake: http://www.newrepublic.com/article/123027/heres-why-no-one-can-agreenumber-mass-shootings This is the only nation where this happens, because it is the
only nation without gun control: http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-leads-world-in-massshootings-1443905359
2
I am appalled that the legislature has chosen to enact this legislation. Beyond retaliation
for poor course performance, I am concerned about the threat to the free exchange of
ideas that will accompany the knowledge that one’s peers are potentially carrying
firearms. I am also concerned about the potential for accidents. In light of recent events
in the U.S., I think it is ridiculous that we are moving toward having more guns on
campus. This is a tragedy waiting to happen.
2
While there are merits to arguments supporting concealed carry on the college campus,
such as ‘any resistance to a threat is better than no resistance,’ to invite minimally
trained, and often overconfident, marksmen into our classrooms is to disregard common
sense, and irrefutably opens the entire University to a greater threat of mass violence on
our campus.
2
I think that allowing guns in to a school setting is a terrible idea.. people are emotional
and sometime really young and inexperienced.. I want to feel safe when I am in school..
by bringing guns in to school you/ we are creating an hostile environment.. school
should be a place where one can express their ideas freely and without fear of
repercussion.. not all of us believe in the same religion or ideas.. by allowing guns in to
a school setting you are putting a lot of peoples lives at risk. It makes me sad to see
how our school systems are changing. guns should never be allowed in schools! putting
more guns in a school settings is not the solution to defend against active shooters.
2
The thought of guns on this campus absolutely frightens me. I do not feel that it is a
good idea. I feel like it is just opening us up for an incident.
2
The entire campus must be gun-free zone
2
I do not know of any situations where a weapon of any kind would be necessary to have
on campus.
2
GUNS are not belongs to Educational facilities...
2
I am dumbfounded by the entire concept of the legislation; as a 20-year veteran teacher,
the fact that we must even consider these questions is unbelievable to me. Guns have
no place in school settings, whether public school, private school, grade school, or
university/college settings.
50 2
The more weapons on campus, the more potential for harm. Let’s allow our current
safety forces to do their job and be mindful of mental health disorders that might bring
someone to want to act out with a weapon.
2
Texas Tech should oppose to allowed gun carrying on campus
2
I understand that the law of the land has changed, but the idea that guns will be
permitted in more areas than not is terrifying. I just want it known that in both of my roles
as student and faculty, this scares me.
2
Honestly, this is terrifying. I don’t think the solution to the prevalence in campus
shootings is to permit guns on campus. I do not feel confident enough in the gun
regulation laws of the state of Texas to trust ANY faculty member or student to carry a
weapon. It’s potentially dangerous to the individual and dangerous should someone else
obtain the weapon. I’m a graduate student. Next year I’ll be teaching in the classroom. I
wouldn’t feel comfortable and wouldn’t expect my students to feel comfortable if one of
the students (or multiple students) were armed. When you enter a military base, for
example, you accept that you’re entering into a specific, weapon-heavy context. I do
NOT believe that we should have to accept a similar mindset on a college campus.
None of us as students have agreed to enter an environment of violence. Rather than
arming our students, we should be making all efforts to protect them.
2
Large public institutions that have free access to large concentrations of people are
attractive targets for disturbed individuals. The only people who should be allowed to
carry firearms in these areas should be trained professionals who are members of a
police force or a private, licensed security agency. Allowing large numbers of people to
carry firearms in these public spaces make it much more likely that accidents and
spontaneous ‘moments of passion’ incidents will occur (as happened today at Northern
Arizona University), and in the event of an active shooter attack it will make it much
more difficult for the police to determine who is a perpetrator and who is an innocent
bystander if everyone has a gun drawn. Given the large number of accidental shootings
that take place in homes across the country, one has to wonder if the proliferation of
guns on campus will lead to more injuries and deaths from accidents than the ‘active
shooter’ incidents they are designed to prevent.
2
I think this would give anyone the reason to harm someone else if they were allowed to
carry a gun.
2
I do not think concealed guns should be allowed on campus. The only people who think
concealed guns should be allowed on campus are politicians and a small but very vocal
minority of other people. Our politicians caved to this small minority and the NRA. It is
time to consider stricter gun laws seriously. Two shootings on or near campuses today
alone. The only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun, a catchy
slogan, but not reality based.
2
I believe that should Texas and/or campus legislation allow for campus carry to pass, it
will cause chaos and even more potential for dangerous situations to occur. Students,
faculty and staff should not be allowed to have guns on any part of campus due to the
nature of the guns and overall culture of violence. We have too many campus shootings
as it is, and it is preposterous to think that a civilian will be able to stop an active shooter
with their own gun because it causes doubt of who the actual shooter is and allows for
retaliation to take place. No person on a college campus will be able to feel safe in a
51 supposed inclusive and developmental environment should guns be allowed on a
college campus, regardless of the accreditation and reputation of the institution.
2
With the number of campus shootings per year in this country, allowing any firearms on
campus at all seems like a really stupid idea in general.
2
As an African American homosexual, this campus carry legislation makes me even
more worried for my personal well being. Many of the students and faculty at this
university do not agree with my race nor my sexuality, and all it takes is for one with a
gun and hate on his mind to potentially kill me. I am all for the right to bear arms, but it
just does not seem appropriate to be able to carry a gun around a learning institution
that should be promoting a comfortable and safe learning environment.
2
Despite the tragic news of frequent mass shootings in the nation, the administration of
Texas Tech should come together with other universities in the state to push for a ban
on any type of weapons on educational campuses. Prevalence of guns does nothing but
increase the likelihood of tragedies to increase. Please focus to prevent tragedies by
banning guns on campus. Even without guns on campus, a lot of faculty members are
bullied by some students and are afraid for their safety. Any type of classroom should be
totally out of limit for any type of weapon, including concealed guns.
2
Majority of students are not mature enough to handle campus carry policies and the
responsibility that comes with it. The idea that anyone has a gun on campus does not
make me feel safe.
2
I think this is very harmful and dangerous legislation. Once, a police office told my class
that he personally does not support concealed handguns on campus, especially if there
were an active shooter, if police come on the scene it would be like that they would
shoot anyone they see with a gun out, even if that person is trying to use the gun in self
defense. This is a terrifying law
2
I have both carried a weapon daily as a sworn federal and municipal law enforcement
officer. I am also a certified expert on a wide variety of small arms from pistols to military
long guns. So, I am not “afraid of guns” as anyone opposed to this idiocy is always
labeled. But, I call this legislation “Teaching at Gun Point” and “The Everyone Gets an
‘A’ Act.” The idea that some individual who is not at all (or who is barely trained with
some 4 hour course) in “situational shooting” is going to be the “hero” is ridiculous. The
idea that a population largely comprised of 18-25 year olds with a regular high intake of
alcohol ---and who often see a break-up or low grade as the “end of the world” should
be encouraged to carry guns is just plain crazy.
2
Campus carry is the single most dangerous law of my lifetime. It may very well be what
drives me away from academia (at the very least in the state of Texas) just as I am
finishing my phd and beginning my career. Guns do not belong on campus. Period.
Much less concealed weapons. It is an absolute outrage.
2
I am strongly opposed to having any guns on our campus. I feel it especially important
to empower teachers to prohibit concealed carry in their classes if so desired. Some
classes have a higher potential for heated debate than others, particularly those which
52 touch on topics of ethics, law, and religion.
2
I do not feel safe with students being allowed to carry guns (or anyone else). I feel
allowing guns on campus will not deter crime and will raise chances of violent crime or
theft of firearms. I am concerned teachers will feel a threat that they could be shot if they
give a low grade or say something the student doesn’t agree with. College is a place of
learning and personal growth. How can people grow and be exposed to new ideas of
everyone is afraid?
2
Weapons should not be allowed anywhere on campus, whether concealed or not.
2
No guns on campus.
2
There is no evidence/data/studies of any kind which show that additional guns on
campus increase campus safety. It is fantasy for people to think that the average person
with a gun will be able to stop an active shooter.
2
Campus carry shouldn’t be allowed on campus at all. It puts students at risk, because
any little thing I feel could trigger someone to shoot.
2
Guns have no place on campus.
2
This is an idiotic piece of legislation that makes me feel unsafe on campus. I am a
faculty member who is considering seeking employment elsewhere in the country as a
result of this legislation.
2
I anticipate suicides on the campuses’ of Texas schools to increase. “Guns are more
lethal than other suicide means. They're quick. And they're irreversible. About 85% of
attempts with a firearm are fatal: that's a much higher case fatality rate than for nearly
every other method. Many of the most widely used suicide attempt methods have case
fatality rates below 5%.” The fairly minuscule chance of campus carry in anyway
lessening causalities from a mass shooting are dwarfed by the very real odds that
adding guns to our campus will lead to more access to the means for our students to
take their own lives. I wish our legislature would look to another people with an
indomitable frontier spirit and see who the country of Australia handled its mass
shooting problem and lets compare which produces better results and fewer unintended
consequences. I love my school and my state but decisions like this make me hope the
impending progressive changes will arrive soone
2
As I said earlier pool all the ideas from all across the country and stand up to your height
and say “enough is Enough” and appeal. Write to your congressman and explore every
which way to stop this gun carrying business.
2
Allowing guns on campus is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard and I’m embarrassed for
Texas and Texas Tech.
2
I strongly oppose the current campus carry legislation.
2
I don’t think carry a gun on campus is such a good Idea. Recent incident with late prof.
Ethan Schmidt proves that gun on campus is not safe for anyone.
53 2
The more we can limit concealed carry on campus, the better. Let’s have a campaign on
understanding the reasons US citizens believe they need to carry guns on their person
to ensure their own safety (or that of others).
2
I am concerned about the reaction of people possessing guns in a stressful situation.
Law enforcement personnel are continually trained to handle firearms in stressful
situation; how an untrained person with an handgun reacts in an emergency is a matter
of concern. Other factor is the slow erosion of trust between people in a large institution
where everyone cannot know everyone else, and the appearance of gun is bound to
have unintended psychological effect.
2
I feel this is an incredibly dangerous and tenuous proposition, the unrestricted allowance
of concealed weapons on our college campus.
2
There is no place for guns, period, on a college campus. I feel very strongly that more
guns will only bring more deaths and injury to students, faculty, and staff. No good can
possibly come from this ill-advised legislation. The rights of potential victims far exceed
the rights of gun owners who cling to the second amendment. The stress and alcohol
use on a college campus along with the brains of teenagers and young adults that are
not fully developed yet until the age of 26 increase the potential of more violence, more
accidents, more misuse of guns, and I see nothing good that can possibly come from
this legislation. I think it is a crime to allow guns anywhere on a college campus.
2
I do not believe the introduction of campus carry will create a safer environment.
2
We should not allow any guns on our campuses at all.
2
The guns do not belong in any campus. We had for a long time having a campus free
gun and never had a problem. I feel if we have handguns in the campus their is going to
be disaster waiting to happen. The students are here to learn the academia that Tech
has offered for them, Every student will be to worried about who has a gun and if this
person won’t be a shooter. The guns should only be carried by police officers not the
students. Some of these students will think having a gun is cool and being showing off
to their friends and then suddenly the gun may go off. As is we have a lot of problems
with alcohol and drugs. now we are going to add guns to the pot. That will be a disaster
to happen.
2
I think if guns are allowed on campus students may feel scared to be walking on
campus. It will always be in the back of my mind whether or not people around me have
a gun and if they plan on using it.
2
I cannot foresee a legitimately safe way for this new legislation to be carried out. To
hear the concerns of our students, even from some veterans in our student body, is
beyond concerning. If ever there were an active shooter at the law school, I do not see
having more guns on campus to be any sort of safety net or protective measure. I see it
as being a risk to more students. It’d be more likely that in the midst of all the action and
chaos, a bystander would be shot by a student trying to help out. It’d also create more
chaos for police showing up and trying to neutralize a situation. I can’t imagine any of
this matters much anyway, this is Texas and the people have spoken.
2
I actually do not want to teach in an environment that allows guns. Adolescents’ brains
are not really that mature to make knee jerk decisions. With a gun in hand things can
54 escalate.
2
I’m not personally opposed to firearms or concealed carry. However, I don’t believe that
weapons belong in a university setting. I feel that carrying a weapon at all times shows a
paranoia with the world around us, and the inability to see other people, places, and
ideas from a different perspective. This belief is completely opposite of the views that we
aspire to teach our students. We, as a collegiate unit, should espouse to introduce
students to differing ideals and perspectives versus those located closely around us.
2
This legislation is ludicrous. Any environment where weapons are allowed will endanger
the students, faculty and staff. There is absolutely no reason for anyone to carry a
concealed weapon on our campus. I am so thankful my children have already
graduated.
2
The Campus Carry Law makes the issue of a campus shooting when, not if. I do not
believe that we are making our campus safer by allowing guns on campus. Instead, we
are possibly putting ourselves and our students in more imminent danger. Many police
officers and military personal are unable to react properly with their weapon when under
duress, how do the politicians think lesser trained individuals will react? I understand it
is not TTU that passed this law, and I also understand that most educational institutions
are unhappy or uncomfortable with the law, and I appreciate that. I sympathize with the
administration for having to implement this.
2
Academic areas should remain weapons free zones. College is a very stressful time in
a young person’s life and providing an area where ample people have firearms at the
ready is a disaster waiting to happen. Impulsive, young, under-developed minds should
not be worrying about beings shot or shooting someone on campus or a
professor/teaching assistant should not have to worry about being shot for providing a
poor grade to a student. I do not wish to have office hours or be near undergrad
students when this legislation takes effect. One should not have to wonder if a student
has a handgun in their jacket and will they use it if I refuse to change their grade. The
only people who should have firearms on campus are the police. If you are worried
about armed persons coming onto campus hire more police.
2
I am concerned that angry or upset individuals may threaten the safety, academic
learning and discussions of anyone who may disagree with them. I am also concerned
about the accidental harm to students, faculty and staff if guns are carried in backpacks
or other inappropriate ways that the gun my discharge in a accidental or unintentional
way.
2
This is stupid, don’t you ever read the news? Why would you allow concealed weapons
in a campus located in a country where school shootings are very common. I thought
y’all were smart. I hope we never have an active shooter, but if we do, shame on you.
2
I think the legislation is a mistake
2
I dislike the idea of having guns on campus. It makes me feel very vulnerable as an
international student. there are many problems that can occur with the presence of
guns.
55 2
Guns should not be allowed on any college campus. The safety of people is at risk
whenever firearms are made more accessible. This is a serious situation and
establishing “gun free” zones will not be effective in limiting access to or potential use of
firearms. How many campus shootings have to take place in order for us to realize that
this is a serious situation? The only effective measure is to ban them completely from
anyone other than a police officer on campus. I hope the committee will work to protect
the faculty, staff, and students by banning firearms from our community.
2
I do not believe Texas Tech University as a campus should have anyone carrying a
weapon, unless he/she is an authority. (police officer, security, etc) I personally would
feel unsafe otherwise.
2
I am a gun owner, I am working on getting my CHL. I however do NOT believe guns
should be allowed on campuses. When I have my lisense I will not carry at the campus
because of this. While I have been trained about firearms and have handled them for
years, those around me have not. I do not trust necessarily the people around me.
There is the distinct possibility for the campus to become the Wild West with everyone
shooting if there is an incident. There needs to be education on what to do if there is a
shooter. The police need to be educated as well. My fear is the police seeing a person
with a gun and expecting the worst. Also that the police will shoot someone who is trying
to protect.
2
I do not believe that handguns should be carried on campus!
2
The idea that a campus should be a place for guns so irrational I am left with only
sadness--for TTU, for TX, and for our country.
2
We need more gun control, not more ridiculous chances for more people to bring guns
to public places.
2
I recognize that guns don’t kill people, people do, and they will find the means to do so
even where guns are more restricted. However, guns + hormones + alcohol is a recipe
for disaster and should not be allowed on campuses anywhere. It should also be at least
as difficult to get a gun license as it is to get a driver’s license. One should have to pass
a safety test which includes a few psychology questions, the answers to which would be
reported to authorities.
2
institutions of higher education are learning environments. the best thing we can do is to
challenge students and push them out of their comfort zone. this creates dissonance for
growth- but it also create friction and distress, i do not think that adding weapons into
the mix of a emotional adjustment period is a good idea. i have also experienced a great
deal of racism, homophobia, and hate speech in general on this campus from these
students. it would seem a poor idea to allow weapons in the hands of such people in a
close community where persons from all walks of life are bound to interact.
2
In the event of an active shooter incident, additional handguns on campus complicates
the duties of officials in locating, isolating, and resolving the issue. They will have to
“clear” additional potential suspects, thus adding to their response/resolution time. In
addition, the potential for additional injury/death to bystanders is increased when you
have untrained individuals believing they can utilize their concealed weapon to resolve
the issue more quickly. These situations are difficult for trained personnel, non-trained
citizens potential to do more harm and be harmed is a concern.
56 2
This new legislation is extremely dangerous, and is a threat to our personal safety,
mental well-being, and to academic freedom. While it is true that no laws can prevent all
tragedies, this new legislation serves to encourage the use of deadly weapons amongst
students who are barely beyond adolescence. The more guns we have on campus, the
greater the chance of their use, either accidentally, premeditated, or in a spontaneous fit
of anger. We were trained as educators, scholars, and artists--not as security guards or
military officers. In this current environment, many of my colleagues are becoming
fearful every time they enter a classroom. It is the responsibility of the state, its
legislators, and the university administration to protect our students, faculty, and staff. I
believe the university communities in this state should speak up strongly to repeal these
laws.
2
I only slightly oppose. I, like many, am torn on the issue.
2
I am very much opposed to guns being allowed anywhere on campus. I don’t like guns
in general, but I think there is a special reason not to have them in classrooms where
students affectively must go and have no reasonable alternative.
2
Universityies fall into the category with places like hospitals, museums, churches, etc.
These places should be gun-free.
2
It will do considerably more harm than good. It will affect every single interaction
between every single person at TTU. It is a small step to jump from
intimidating/deterring an active shooter to intimidating and deterring learning in the
classroom. A 21 year-old undergraduate has no need to carry a gun to class, period. I
would not be able to pay attention in class, wondering who next to me has his hand on
his/her gun, stroking an ego. Concealed carry licenses do not screen for personality,
and simply put, some people will abuse carrying on campus.
2
Campus carry is a generally poor idea, but both the dangers it may create and the
dangers it is supposedly intended to address can be ameliorated to a large extent by the
increased presence of armed uniformed police officers.
2
I am strongly opposed to this legislation and I am disgusted that the universities are not
doing more to fight it. Students have the right to feel safe on campus and numerous
studies have proven that more guns do NOT make a place safer. I am both a teacher
and a student and my students and I have the right to feel safe in our classrooms! My
students need to be able to speak freely, otherwise their education will be compromised.
There is no reason to allow guns on campus--in the situations proponents cite as why
they are necessary, they actually make things WORSE. It is important, if this law cannot
be overturned, that the university extend its limits as far as possible, especially in those
areas that are particularly vulnerable, like health centers, residence halls, and
laboratories/research centers.
2
The right to keep and bear arms “shall not be infringed.” I take this overwhelmingly clear
articulation of our right to own, carry, and use all manner of arms (not necessarily limited
to firearms) quite literally. Please do not contravene national and State law, and policy,
to cater to the interests of interests of gun control proponents. The police are neither
omnipotent nor omnipresent, and generally act only after a crime has occurred; indeed,
active thwarting of threats accounts for an incredibly low percentage of law enforcement
activity. In this light, the veracity of the old maxim that “the only thing able to stop a bad
guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun,” is undeniably true. Recent events have time
57 and again shown that “gun-free zones” actually operate to further the ill motives of
troubled individuals: shooters are drawn to such zones precisely because no one there
(legally) has an effective means of defense. Please protect my rights, and do not limit
them due to politics
2
I believe that there should not be handguns on any campus in the U.S.
2
Guns should not be allowed on college campuses. If the answer to gun safety was more
guns then gun safety wouldn’t even be a topic of discourse because we already have
many guns in society. Young people can become unstable for unreasonable reasons
and they should not have easy access to weapons.
2
I do not see any reasons for allowing guns on campus. It will create an hostile
environment. I do not feel comfortable in teaching to people who carry guns and grading
their work, or engaging in classroom discussions with guns around. I am sure that many
people will be thinking of leaving this campus.
2
I am glad that we get a chance to provide feedback. I wish that I could go somewhere
else if this goes into effect, or teach all my classes online. I’ve already had a close call
with a student in my neighborhood whom I had been threatened by (along with other
students) and in whose “voluntary” leaving of the University I played a role. That student
did not find me that day, but was later found dead in his car--I assume from a selfinflicted gunshot wound. So it can happen! I’m less afraid of the rare than of the
ordinary, however--the same impulsive young men that are causing us so may problems
in the fraternities with their binge drinking, macho mentalities, and the sexual assaults,
hazing, and car accidents that accompany this. Adding guns is a recipe for disaster. And
many shooters did not become criminals until they decided to shoot people with their
legally obtained weapons. No sensible person, including highly regarded administrators
and law enforcement, think this is a good id
2
I realize that campus carry is being handed down from the state, but we at TTU can
send a strong message to current and potential future Red Raiders (and the world) that
we do not condone the fear-mongering that this legislation feeds upon and that we
recognize that having more guns does not create safety (and that on the contrary, there
is proof that the reverse is true). We can be leaders, not followers, in this.
2
As a community advisor, I believe having the open carry law encourages students and
residents who do not hold a license are still encouraged to keep a gun on them. Also,
although the majority of residents are under the age of 21, there are still those who are
not. I believe this poses a threat to the rest of the residence hall. This puts people who
work in housing in danger. As enforcers of rules, we are constantly on the “bad side” of
residents and one wrong move with a gun could be harmful.
58 2
In my own field (philosophy, ethics, law), the proper learning environment requires that
controversial issues be discussed openly and without the implicit threat that the
presence of guns would present. Moreover, for any faculty member who evaluates
student performance (and we all do), the appropriate critical stance will be undermined if
students are permitted to carry weapons into faculty offices when conferring with their
professors. The increase in the presence of guns on campus that will result from the
permissive new state legislation poses a severe threat to the effectiveness of higher
education at Texas Tech, and there is absolutely no evidence that more guns in the
hands of young people will make the campus any safer.
2
Considering the recent mass shootings at colleges and universities, I think allowing any
guns on campus is criminally irresponsible. The constitutional right to be alive and safe - especially in heavily populated areas like college campuses -- GREATLY overrides the
right to carry guns. It’s not 1789, and the British are not coming. It’s 2015.
2
I am strongly opposed to Campus Carry. I reiterate, again and again, there is nothing
“creative” about carrying guns as a response to intimidation and fear. Our students,
faculty, and staff have a job--and it ISN’T to protect the university. That job belongs to
trained professionals, and it is the job of the university to hire those individuals, and pay
them well for that responsibility. You would not send untrained civilians into a war. Why
would you expect them to be successful in preventing an “Active Shooter” situation? The
thought is insane. CHL ‘training’ is an insult to everyone’s intelligence. It was never
intended to be training that enabled a civilian to become a “hero with a gun.” I will not be
intimidated by guns, or the people who use them as a dangerous substitution for “safety”
and actual intelligent thought. If I am shot and/or killed at this university, my blood will be
on the hands of this state, this university, and its governors. Not my colleagues’ and
studen
2
This is not a good idea. POC students are uncomfortable and so are others who are
uncomfortable around guns. With the amount of shootings going on today, this is a very
nerve-racking thing to think about.
2
I oppose any and all firearms on campus...without exception.
2
This will affect a professor’s ability to challenge students, give them the grades that they
deserve . . . Ultimately it changes the power dynamic in the classroom.
2
Gun laws and gun prohibition imposes the idea that there are no such civilians or no
such human beings that are selfless or responsible enough to take affirmative, noble
action to help and defend others. It appears as of late that officials believe making laws
prohibiting freedoms, such as firearm carry, has a significant effect and control on
people’s choices to follow and respect that law and prohibition. Since when did criminals
and law breakers start caring and having any respect for the law? Good citizens /
Heroes can be anybody just like bad citizens / criminals can be anybody. The good ones
need to have the freedom to take affirmative, noble action to minimalize damage and
threats to public safety and save more lives than freedom-prohibitive laws ever could.
2
I would like Texas Tech to make a statement opposing the current legislation. William
McRaven a Navy seal and Chancellor of The University of Texas System made such a
statement. I also would like the committee to put in place a harsh penalty for any
accidental discharge of a firearm on the campus. It is only a matter of time before
59 someone is hurt as a direct result of allowing open carry on campus.
2
I am strongly opposed to the campus carry legislation, which in many ways is going to
create an “every man for himself” mentality. It is NOT the student’s responsibility to
provide security for himself and those around him. The answers to campus violence is
NOT more guns.
2
What possible reason makes it necessary for a person to carry a gun to school?
Personally, I feel safer in a gun free environment.
2
I would propose that TTU should remain gun-free institution. To say that potential
shooters can be stopped by allowing people to carry guns for safety is like bringing the
wild-west back to Texas. In my opinion, carrying guns (which will mostly be by students)
will only enhance violence (which presently is low at TTU).
2
I have anxiety that is being treated with medication on a daily basis. However, when I
feel threatened or uncomfortable, there is a high chance that I will have a panic attack. I
do not feel comfortable when I see a firearm because I do not know if the owner is
educated with firearm safety, has a license, is emotionally stable, etc. And because of
this unknown information about strangers, I fear open carry because I cannot trust
people I do not know if they can properly take care and precautions of their weapon.
One single bullet is all it takes to dead a life. The threat of that single bullet being fired is
the ultimate force between life and death if the person shooting the bullet is not sane.
Their is no need for guns to be on campus excluding law enforcement. Guns do not
provide safety. Guns provide a power that is not necessary for citizens to have on
campus.
2
No guns on campus. This is shameful. I was once a staff at Texas Tech, and when
Sandy Hook happened, several supervisors said at our office Christmas part that that’s
too bad but that’s the way it goes. What a thing to say and believe. The same mentality
applies to campus carry. How will we teach students to that we as a society need to
keep our fellow citizens safe? Texas Tech is a ripe environment for mass shootings and
gun violence=conservative environment, lots of guns around. Pleas no guns.
2
As long as guns are allowed, the potential for causing harm is much higher. Restricting
them to only specialized security persons like police would be the ideal thing.
2
This is an absolutely ‘wacko’ issue. Let me put it very simply: GUNS SHOULDN’T BE
ANYWHERE NEAR A COLLEGE CAMPUS! I’ll also reveal an out-of-state impression of
this whole issue: it freaks me out. It’s bad enough that you drive up to campus and the
signs say it’s unlawful to carry a gun without a permit (why should anyone be carrying a
gun anyway?) and now we have to tolerate the idea that anyone, including some not so
well balanced undergrads, are going to have the right to pack heat, potentially in our
classes. It’s a demotivational development, one that would prompt me as a faculty
member to start looking around at other opportunities. With all this gun talk, it’s really
only a matter of time before there’s an active shooter situation on campus. And then
how many non-Texans are going to want to stick around here long term? I find it all very
disheartening and dangerous. It gives campuses in the state an even more parochial
feel, not less, moving things in the wrong direction.
60 2
I DO NOT WANT MY SECURITY OR THE SECURITY OF MY STUDENTS IN THE
HANDS OF ANYONE BUT TRAINED, OFFICIAL SECURITY OFFICERS OF THE
UNIVERSITY. THIS IS A DANGEROUS AND FOOLISH PIECE OF LEGISLATION
THAT ENDANGERS THE LIVES OF THE ENTIRE TTU COMMUNITY.
2
As a faculty member, I want to voice my opposition to having guns of any sort on any
square inch of the campus. Why we are being forced, in the midst of a week of three
campus shootings, to implement such a wrong-headed, unsafe policy is beyond the
means of any sane person to comprehend. Guns and learning have no place being in
the vicinity of each other. Texas Tech’s desire to become a first-tier institute of higher
learning is diminished by this action.
2
I am a member of the US Army Reserve (12 years’ service and counting). I have a
decent amount of experience with firearms. The idea of campus carry - after Oregon,
NAU, VA Tech, and violence other schools - scares the hell out of me. Has the state
legislature never heard the term ‘negligent discharge’? Do they not realize that
students do sometimes lash out in retaliation for poor grades? There is no earthly
reason for students to carry firearms on campus. Campus carry will not make anyone
safer. The only students I’d trust with firearms would be those with extensive combat
experience. Campus carry at other universities has not led to violence. . . yet. Do we
want to be the first exception?
2
I’m simply heartbroken to even have to take this survey. I wish the politicians on TV
would realize that the what they consider a political debate is meanwhile a real issue
and fear of many of us educators. I don’t know how I wound up in a high-risk career - it
is a tragedy of monumental proportions, and I’m frightened by the lack of real
discussion. It seems we are becoming numb to it.
2
I will absolutely not feel safe if I knew that any room I walked into potentially had a gun.
The solution to gunmen on college campuses is not to arm the rest of the population. I
would seriously consider another university if Texas Tech allows my peers to carry their
guns on campus.
2
This is a horrible piece of legislation. Learning environments of any kind should not
allow for firearms. This will create unsafe situations. Campuses are ‘safe’ zones and
allow for ‘tolerance’, but when we allow firearms to infiltrate these ‘safe’ zones, people
become afraid, scared, and not tolerant. This will hurt all Universities and Colleges
across Texas.
2
As much as I support the second amendment of the Constitution of the United States of
America, I do not wish for guns to be on campus except for the Lubbock and Texas
Tech police. The last thing I want is another school shooting.
2
If we do not take a more active stance in opposition to this law, I (and the majority of the
colleagues I have spoken to in recent weeks) will actively seek to leave this University.
Moreover, I think that faculty and staff will consider striking in protest of this law. We
aim to engender in our students the primacy of thought over rash action, the word over
the sword, to instill in them the notion that debate, even when vigorously pursued, is the
only way to reach mutual understanding and, ultimately, the progress that has made this
nation great. If we allow guns in our classrooms, on the hips of students and faculty
alike, we are reneging on this ideal and creating a new one its place, one based on the
threat and fear of violence. A University, even if mandated by the state, governed by
61 such an ideal will alienate myself and, I envision, many others as well. I urge this
committee to do more than limit the application of this law; I urge you to reject this law.
2
In the grand conversation of conceal and carry on campus, no one has first
acknoweldged that school shooting are happening in states with conceal and carry
legalization on campuses. Further, educators (those who work every day on the ‘front
lines’ of education) have not been asked what would be most beneficial to creating a
safe learning environment for them and their students. To suggest some buildings that
serve the university (i.e. makes them money such as sports arenas) are more important
to protect than classrooms is insulting to educators who work extremely hard and don’t
get paid nearly enough to protect their students and themselves. And, of course, this
creates a situation where I not only have to worry about an active shooter on campus
(as I do know), but I also have to worry about my students putting themselves in harms
way if they do have a concealed weapon. I stand with UT faculty--there should not be
the acceptance of an ‘armed’ environment in learning spaces.
2
I do not believe that a gun should be allowed on campus. Only law enforcement officials
should carry a gun.
2
There should be no places where guns are allowed on campus at all. This is foolish
legislation and our campus response should be to refuse to allow guns on campus.
Additionally, there should be metal detectors at all building entrances and distinct alarms
that require evacuation of buildings if weapons are detected. This is a public health
disaster, and as a matter of safety we should refuse to cooperate with this dangerous
and misguided legislation.
2
As a professor, I would not teach or even guest lecture on a campus which permitted
students to carry concealed weapons, and I believe that many ‘Tier 1’ level faculty feel
the same. This decision will be detrimental to TTU’s ability to recruit the best faculty and
researchers.
2
I feel less safe knowing that there are more concealed weapons in my work
environment.
2
THERE SHOULD BE NO GUNS ON CAMPUS WHATSOEVER. This legislation is
heinous and stupid. You would opening up the faculty, administration, and students to
being possibly murdered.
2
I do not feel safe at all when this campus carry act is in effect
2
Allowing anyone other than police officers to have guns on campus is allowing inviting
disaster.
2
Please do not allow weapons on campus. If the past college campus shootings haven’t
been an example to deter it then I don’t know what will!!!
2
I think this is creating a potential threat to all students on campus. I am strongly against
62 this.
2
Guns should not be allowed inside any educational or research facilities on campus. It is
threat to academic freedom and safety and will create a more stressful environment on
campus.
2
Had this law been in effect when I was seeking employment I never would have
considered a job in Texas. Due to its passage I am seeking employment outside of
Texas and I encourage other faculty to do the same. Evolution will eventually take care
of the rest.
2
Seriously! With all these campus shootings we can’t ban them 100% from campus?
2
The thought of any academic environment allowing individuals to carry concealed
handguns terrifies me. There were 3 university shootings that I heard about this week,
two of which took place just today. Giving individuals the option to freely bring handguns
on campus seems will only likely exacerbate the problem. I am terrified of a shooting at
Tech, so much so that I am not sure that I will continue my studies at Tech should this
legislation be put into action next year. I really don’t like the thought of being scared to
set foot on campus, knowing that anyone around me might be carrying a concealed
handgun. I would not feel safe in class, which defeats the purpose of why I came to
Tech in the first place: to learn, inquire, express my thoughts, and advance my career in
a safe, supportive environment.
2
I highly oppose this legislation. I think a decision to allow campus carry would be a
decision to expose students and faculty to unsafe, unpredictable and dangerous
circumstances. By enacting this legislation, the university is relinquishing certain control
over the safety of its academic environment. I would suggest that a University enact
programs to combat gun violence and teach students and faculty what to do in the event
of shooter threats, rather than allow for a way to legally bring guns onto the campus. In
sum, I believe in order to keep an academic environment as safe as possible,
universities should not encourage anyone, even hand gun licensees, to carry guns in an
academic environment.
2
UNIVERSITIES MUST BE GUN-FREE ZONE!!!
2
I urge you to prohibit guns on campus to the maximum extent allowed by this misguided
and fatally dangerous legislation, and to install metal detectors where guns are
prohibited. The State of Texas has shown utter disregard for the safety of educators,
students, and staff. It is the ethical role and responsibility of both the state and the
university to protect students--our children!--faculty, and staff, and NOT to facilitate the
gun culture that has overtaken this country and now threatens to hamstring academic
freedom. There should be NO guns in classrooms, labs, health facilities, faculty offices,
libraries, auditoriums, theaters, sports arenas, or rec centers. A university is supposed
to be a bastion of open communication and the exchange of ideas; a prime upholder of
the first amendment. This will no longer be the case. The disincentive to both faculty
retention and student/faculty recruitment is very real. It gets harder every day to do our
jobs.
63 2
I have been on the faculty for over 25 years. During that time, I have seen a number of
students, graduate students, staff, and faculty who were on the edge of being able to
function due to extreme stress. I am an avid defender of the right to bear arms.
However, I am at a point where I am not sure that I will feel safe on a campus with an
undisclosed number of people carrying weapons, often at times when they are under
stress, angry, and sleep deprived. I am actively seeking employment elsewhere, and I
am considering sending my children to a private school environment, because I cannot
guarantee my or their safety. I would encourage the administration to aggressively
pursue the addition of online courses to make it possible for those of us who do not want
to be shot while attempting to do our jobs to teach in a safe environment. Thank you for
soliciting feedback.
2
This new law increases the possibility of violence exponentially and protects no one
2
I do not believe concealed handguns should be allowed anywhere on campus. I believe
the more guns on campus, the less safe we all are.
2
Would be nervous having guns allowed everywhere on campus, spaces MUST be
limited.
2
All of the Texas Tech campus should be designated a gun-free zone with the exception
of active police officers. The University, as a liberal arts institution of higher education,
should strive to be a safe space for students mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Bringing weapons into the area is anxiety-inducing for many people for a number of
reasons (for me personally, i lost a loved one to gun violence), and it puts those who do
not choose to carry weapons at a fearful disadvantage. TTU should strive to cultivate a
society of diplomacy, tolerance, and peaceful resolution, including how to respond
effectively to disable an assailant without the use of an automatic weapon. The
sensitivity, vulnerability, and mental and emotional instability young people face in
college should not also include fatal assault weapons; inevitably weapons will be
shared, stolen, and be the cause of injury or even death in cases of even accidental
misuse. Please do not allow campus carry on the TTU campus.
2
Do all that is possible to minimize the possibility of guns on campus. No guns should be
around, it is really insane to have guns anywhere.
2
I realize that the state has imposed restrictions on the university; however, I am simply
not willing to answer questions that accept the premise that guns will be allowed on
most areas of the campus and enforce selection of a few areas in which they will not be
allowed. Texas Tech and other universities in the state should work together to oppose
this legislation. Because of this situation, I am considering applying for jobs outside the
state of Texas.
2
Part of me says, if you are going to allow guns in my classroom, they should be allowed
everywhere else on campus. In reality, wall off as much of campus as you can justify.
Keep as many people safe from the chaos of poorly trained gunslingers as you can.
2
Allowing students and anybody to carry out guns in campus is a deal breaking for me as
a faculty deciding to stay at TTU.
64 2
As a member of an entire family that work and get education at Tech, I am horrified and
disturbed of the fact that weapons will be on campus among young men and women.
Do we really need one or two or three or fifty dead students to decide that this is a bad
idea. This is a place for education. I respect the first amendment right but I also want to
work and have my kids educated in a safe environment.
2
Campus, including the classroom, will no longer be as safe to teach and work in. I plan
to seek employment elsewhere.
2
Guns should not be allowed on campus PERIOD.
2
More guns on campus = increased odds of an incident, either premeditated or
spontaneous. I’m in favor of restricting campus carry as strongly as allowed by law.
2
Stronger, wiser and more informed representation in Austin, would have negated the
need for this discussion. I believe that other than for a militia, the second amendment is
misinterpreted.
2
I am seriously considering leaving this University over this policy. I cannot comprehend
how a gun is ever justified in a classroom or educational setting, and the new law upsets
me very much.
2
There should not be any guns on campus. Period.
2
College should be a safe place where students are allowed the ability to be educated
and advance their knowledge. Allowing young, students with poor decision making
skills to have guns on campus threatens the safety of all faculty and students. You want
to decrease the likelihood of a shooting occurring, allow for easier access for students
who feel threatened or fear that one of their classmates may need psychological help do
so. Allowing people with minimal training to carry weapons on campus, only turns
campus into the wild west and not a hub of knowledge that it should be. By allowing
weapons on campus, you are decreasing the likelihood for good faculty to desire to stay
here or introduce new faculty here. You seriously harming the image of this university
by endangering all of your students and faculty members.
2
Weapons have no place on a college campus. Three students were injured and one
student died following an altercation in a residence hall parking lot at Northern Arizona
University. A gun was the deciding factor in that argument. College is about verbal
debate and enlightenment through education and I do not believe that weapons have a
place in this institution.
2
This is academics, there need not be any gun related incident! The first amendment
comes first, then the second amendment! Guns on campus does not make any sense!!!
There should never be guns on campus, this whole debate is because a black person is
president!! If a white democrat or republican is president, then this would not even be
brought up! This is because no one is taking away their rights!!!
2
While I understand that the legislation does not allow the prohibition of guns on campus,
they should not be allowed in large public areas, in classrooms, or in office buildings.
Having a high number of untrained or barely trained gun carriers on campus is a recipe
for disaster of epic proportions.
65 2
I do not support any campus carry whatsoever. It is a danger to everybody on campus,
prevents honest and free exchange of ideas, generates fear and discomfort in many
professors and students that detracts from a positive learning environment, creates
more danger to bystanders in the event of an incident, and many many other reasons.
2
Texas Tech University and the state should pursue and exhaust any means available for
prohibiting guns on university campuses. Regardless of policies, the university should
pursue a proactive, mandatory training and plan for all faculty, staff, and students to
learn the campus protocol and procedures for dealing with an active shooter situation.
2
Students, especially undergrads, can be very volatile. The young adult prefrontal cortex
is not fully developed until about age 24. I am so disturbed by this turn of events. I plan
to leave the university before fall 2016 due in large part to this law.
2
Fear does not create an atmosphere that is friendly to learning or maintaining an open
mind. Allowing concealed carry in classrooms introduces an unacceptably high level of
tension & watchfulness in both students & faculty. It will inevitably have a chilling effect
on open discussion and critical evaluation & exploration of ideas.
2
Texas Tech should find every way to circumvent this law be severely limiting where
guns are allowed on campus. Texas Tech has an opportunity to show and lead the state
and the country that this law is not necessary and potentially very dangerous. I am
looking forward to being in a place where guns are controlled logically and responsibly,
and Texas campuses don’t seem to be that place.
2
I believe that campus carry legislation is a mistake and that it will eventually be changed
after a few campus disasters. I just hope that these disasters do not happen at Texas
Tech University.
2
I believe there has to be way to prevent guns on campus. If we can regulate
where/when people drive and park we can surely find a way to deny people permission
to bring guns to class/work/visits.
2
As a student I feel more unsafe having people around campus carry guns. It is
something unnecessary. Focusing in the college of Engineering alone, there is a very
large amount of students that deal with so much stress, in many cases they tend to
make decision without thinking about consequences. Allowing them to walk around
campus AND IN CLASSROOMS with a gun makes me feel more threaten than actually
walking around without a gun. Imagine how students are going to feel, siting in a
classroom next to guy with a gun. This might not only hurt us physically, but it is also
going to hurt us psychologically.
2
I do think carrying handguns on campus will not be useful in any way. On the contrary,
that will mean creating a dangerous environment for all students.
2
The entire campus should be a gun-free zone
2
I believe this law is an extremely dangerous step. As it is, we lack proper laws to ensure
that only people with proper (and periodic) training and background checks own guns.
Under such circumstances, we need to be *very* concerned about allowing people to
carry concealed firearms on campus. It significantly threatens academic freedom and
the free exchange of ideas on campus, where highly stressful situations and
66 disagreements are a very common occurrence.
2
Allowing concealed carry in areas where learning and free exchange of ideas
(classrooms, libraries, performing arts venues, faculty offices) should take place won’t
just have a chilling effect on free speech. It will undermine Texas Tech ambition to
become a top tier university. Parents will do the math and send their students outside of
Texas. Who wants their kid to have a roommate who might bring a gun in the dorm
without even having a say on the matter, when every day we have a new school
shooting (two today)? The best qualified job candidates will go elsewhere. I honestly
won’t be able to recommend Texas Tech as an educational institution or as a workplace
to anyone. Is this what you want for Texas Tech?
2
Personal safety on university campuses is paramount. Multiple campus shootings in the
past month has shown us this. It is in severely poor judgement to politicize this issue at
the state and then expect all campuses to comply. Please, no guns. Not on our
campus. Every potential life lost is a loss for us all. This ruling severely impedes my
right as an academic and an instructor and makes it impossible be effective due to the
fear of retribution, the threat to academic freedom, the violation of the respect for
persons, and the creation of an environment of fear for all campus personnel.
2
I truly believe that concealed carry on campus is problematic. It concerns me as a
graduate student, an undergraduate course instructor, and a psychologist-in-training at
mental health facilities on campus. I am concerned this about being able to adequately
discuss controversial or uncomfortable topics knowing that some students may be
armed. Gun violence has been of a huge concern in the United States, especially in
highly-trafficked areas like campuses. This conceal-carry bill is concerning to me.
2
Campus is the one place that should always be gun-free. Campus is an environment for
learning and engagement...not defense and fear.
2
I personally think it’s a tragedy and huge step backwards for TTU to allow concealed
firearms on its campus. I’ve not spoken to any instructor or student who supports this.
More guns on campus can only breed more violence. I beg you to fight this legislation.
Otherwise, I can guarantee you’re going to lose a lot of exceptional teachers and
students to safer schools. I also feel that the concealed carry legislation would be a
deterrent for new faculty.
2
This law is making me look for jobs on campus outside of texas where handguns are not
allowed on campus.
2
I am extremely concerned about this bill. It will allow guns into classrooms and dorms. It
will not only make the Texas Tech less competitive by discouraging faculty to relocate
from other states and also will encourage current faculty move to other states. Who can
say that we are surely safe with a zero possibility for the tragedy that happened in other
campuses. It will happen again and again anywhere anytime unless we really do
something rather than just talking about it. If establishing the ‘off-limits’ areas is the only
thing we can do, please consider having those areas as many as possible.
67 2
Considering everything that is occurring in the country now, with gun violence and such,
I don’t think it is wise to implicate this new law into colleges and universities. By doing
so, many people’s lives are constantly at risk because of the many weapons that are
going to be in the hands of impulsive students. I personally feel threatened and unsafe
in the presence of a weapon such as a gun, and college is supposed to provide a safe
learning experience.
2
In light of recent, tragic shootings at several university campuses across America, Texas
Tech should seriously consider highly stringent measures that would limit the carrying of
firearms on campus.
2
No guns on campus!!!!!!!!!
2
Again, the idea of handguns on campus is absolutely ridiculous and dangerous. Thank
you Tech for at least having enough concern about this dangerous regulation for
creating a survey.
2
This legislation makes me fear for my life as a classroom and one-on-one professor at
Texas Tech. I may have to find another state in which to teach, or change my career
entirely.
2
I know that TTU cannot oppose the law, but my biggest concern with open carry is
retaliation by students for grade issues (bad grades, didn’t make the grade, etc). I’ve
seen and heard stories about some students’ behavior, especially during finals. If
students get verbally mad at teachers over grades and other stresses, I don’t want to
know how they would respond if they can carry guns. It concerns me greatly as an
instructor. You also have the potential for more injuries and deaths from accidental
discharge. I really wish TTu could opt out of the closed carry. I do not feel comfortable
knowing there’s more guns on campus.
2
Concealed carry is a good thing, but I do not believe it should be on campus. Campus is
a place where we can all feel safe, but it wont feel that way if you guys allow concealed
carry. I believe the only people who should carry on campus should be the policemen.
2
These laws create an unsafe space for teachers. Students are emotional creatures and
it’s unfortunate politics has put us in a situation where we feel less safe, just to appease
certain groups of people.
2
The university should challenge this law by making the entire campus gun free. Allowing
handguns carried on campus by anyone other than law enforcement will be an
infringement on my right to a safe working environment. It will be an infringement on my
freedom of speech. It will breed a culture of intimidation that will most negatively affect
women and minorities. According to the Texas Department of Public safety, in 2014
62% of CHLs issued were to white men and 85% to whites in general. I will not feel safe
in my classroom, my office, the library, or anywhere on campus where guns are allowed.
I will go so far as to remove myself entirely from Texas Tech University if this law is
enforced on any part of the campus. This law directly conflicts with diversity and
freedom of expression which should be encouraged to flourish at Texas Tech not
intimidated and suppressed.
2
I disagree with this legislation--not in that there should be designated gun free zones,
but that ALL areas should be gun free zones.
68 2
I am extremely concerned give recent events of campus shootings. I am very concerned
for my safely and others. I oppose this legislation.
2
Face it, most in the age group considered do not have the level of maturity to
comprehend the consequences of guns on campus. At the same time most faculty are
not of the right mind that they would likely respond inappropriately if they carried.
2
I really don’t think people need to have guns on campus, I feal threatened knowing that
some of my students might be armed in the classroom.
2
I understand that the implementation of Campus Carry is state mandated legislation that
Texas Tech must comply with, however, if Texas Tech is genuinely concerned for the
safety and well being of it’s students, faculty, and staff, more should be done to reduce
the potential for violence rather than just allowing the ‘good guys’ to carry their guns on
campus as well. I don’t agree with the Campus Carry legislation, but I think that it can be
used as a platform to discuss the ways in which we can make our campus safer overall,
rather than just complying with a state mandate. I think the most important and effective
means of preventing violence on campus is to identify and diffuse potentially violent
situations before they arise through the increased availability and decreased
stigmatization of mental health services.
2
As a faculty member, I am extremely concerned and fearful. As research indicates, the
adolescent brain is not fully developed causing young people to make irrational
judgments. Coupled with the need for thrill-seeking sensations, this creates an accident
(or many accidents) just waiting to happen. On top of this, there is even more concern
for situations where there are disgruntled students. I have heard faculty say that if this
becomes a reality, they will resign and/or retire. Does anyone consider or even care if
faculty feel this way (i.e., so afraid of what may possibly happen by giving young people
this power and having to deal face-to-face with students who don’t receive the grade
they want?) Something terrible is not only likely, but will happen on our campus and that
is terribly overwhelming and concerning.
2
Given what has and continues to happen around campuses in the US, the fact that the
typical gun owner does not train nearly enough to be a safe effective deterrent to
shooters, and the relatively fragile psyche of most Gen Zero students, this law and the
level of discussion surrounding it are at the same time mind boggling and often tone
deaf. I’m upset that I’m being forced to choose between leaving a job I love and going to
work someplace where firearms are being formally allowed in an environment that is
horribly suited for them.
2
I am also equally concerned about there being a threat to the free exchange of ideas,
specifically in courses that are more ‘controversial’ for the student. Often times students
have not been exposed to differing view points and when this happens at the university
level there can be a lot of resistance and feelings of being upset, angry, or frustrated.
2
The statistics are very clear - the presence of a firearm, regardless of the degree of
responsibility applied by its owner, increases the chances of a weapons discharge accidental or otherwise. Despite recent events, the threat to personal safety requiring a
weapon for self-protection are small, and the chances of the weapon being used
successfully for self-defense are also not particularly high. Chances of serious injury and
death to someone with a firearm when the attempt self-defense are also high. On the
other hand, the chances of firearms related injuries and death drop to 0 if there are no
69 firearms present. I would like to see a strong statement by the University that declares
that the TTU System disagrees with the statutes and most strongly and vigorously
encourages individuals that, although they have the option to conceal carry on campus,
that they actively choose not to.
2
I’m in opposition to guns on campus in any manner other than the police. I’m retiring
soon, however if I were not, I would not wish to work on a campus allowing guns in the
classroom and other areas of learning. I believe this legislation is misguided and radical
and will only promote violence.
2
The right to carry a concealed handgun on campus is potentially dangerous for
students. The only necessity for a concealed handgun is to protect others from another
concealed handgun--something only a trained professional, such as police, should
handle.
2
We should not allow the carrying of handguns on campus, especially with all the events
that have happened recently.
2
I don’t understand why a student would need a gun on campus. Please rethink this
before TTU becomes the next campus to be on the news.
2
Please, don’t allow guns on campus.
2
No guns on campus
2
Oh dont do it
2
The idea that an unidentifiable number of guns in an educational and developmental
environment such as a major university makes anyone safer is the most asinine idea to
come out of a legislature since the Jim Crow laws.
2
Ban campus carry
2
I am completely, utterly opposed to allowing guns on a college campus. It will inhibit the
free exchange of ideas and put all members of the campus community at risk. It will run
off good faculty and discourage potential new hires from even applying, and the same
will happen with students. I can’t think of one place on campus for which one could
make a good argument that guns are a necessary accessory. This is a terrible idea, and
I wish that our tenured faculty and administrators would speak up about it.
2
I do not support campus carry. The presence of arms on a university campus will
undoubtedly make an unsafe environment for all persons. Special care should be taken
to protect students and the free exchange of ideas.
2
I think this us a terribke law and violates my rights to feel safe in my workplace, inhibits
my authority in the classroom and stifles free speech.
2
NO GUNS ON CAMPUS PLEASE! SOME PEOPLE ARE CRAZY! DRY CAMPUS SO
PLEASE NO GUNS TOO!!!
70 2
I oppose the need for guns on campus. Academia should be liberating, not expensive in
money and loss of life. Swift and severe punishment for misuse of firearms on campus
is necessary to avoid sending the message that firearms provide solution to common
disagreements. If the state is going to allow firearms on campus, the state has an
obligation not only to regulate their use, but to provide training, guidelines in
responsibility, counseling to students/faculty/staff who live in constant fear of being
targeted by campus terrorists, and to provide alternative forms of personal defense.
2
I find it insulting that a group of politicians who walk through metal-detectors on a daily
basis to go to their own offices believe that forcing universities to allow open carry of
weapons is a good way to support their constituents. I also find it disturbing how
successfully the NRA and gun sellers have hoodwinked the public, particularly
politicians in Texas, realistically to sell more weapons--by making gun carrying into a
creature approaching extinction by creating this environment of fear and retaliation
against gun ownership (not just gun carrying); well done, capitalism! I am also agog that
open carrying of weaponry on a campus is considered to be a solution to the problem of
gun violence in schools. Abuse defines itself by creating an unsafe atmosphere for its
victims, and since this law’s passage, I have mentally begun to concoct hiding strategies
and exit routes to plan for scary what-if scenarios. In short, this law makes me feel
unsafe in the academy.
2
To have guns in the university is just a step back. They shouldn’t be allowed anywhere
on campus.
2
I think it is completely insane to allow guns on campus. The state legislature got it
wrong.
2
The concept of allowing arms on a campus which should promote an atmosphere of
trust, intellectual growth and an environment that welcomes free thought and discussion
is, on the face of it, both ridiculous and abhorrent. This is a failure of the legislative
system, and I urge that the TTU administration unite with all higher-education institutions
to lobby for the repeal of the concealed-carry law, or to minimize its effects on our
campuses.
2
I think that the new bill allowing concealed carry on campus is terrible and terrifying. I
will no longer feel safe on campus thanks to this bill. I hope that all areas that treat
mental health issues are labeled as gun free zones. I also think that the student union
building should be a gun free zone since there is a large population of students there.
2
I am really disturbed by the state legislation. No mass shootings have ever been
prevented in this way. I will never understand this neurotic obsession with weapons
among conservatives. What would Jesus do? More guns do not make a safer campus.
The mentality that they would is foolish and ilogical. In the highly unlikely event that it
would ever be absolutely necessary to shoot a person on campus, those law
enforcement officers with the appropriate training would be responsible for it. You are
not John Wayne and life is not a movie.
2
I know it’s a state law, and all Texas universities have to abide by it. However, there
have already been several campus shootings around the country, which makes it
impossible for me to understand how allowing students to openly carry weapons on
campus makes sense. School used to be one of the safest places, and now that is being
endangered by violating students’ rights to peace of mind and a safe environment as
71 they pursue their education. I know nothing can be done at this point to prevent it
completely, but I just wanted to voice my opinion.
2
I think this institution should work on changing the bill. It is through education that we
can keep peace not through guns.
2
Guns should not be allowed on campus, period. Allowing guns in campus buildings is a
huge mistake. An institution of higher learning should not need firearms as a means of
protection nor conflict resolution. This is a terrible mistake.
2
As I mentioned before, I am truly concerned with this legislation. I think it is a really bad
idea in the first place, and frankly, the idea of students or anyone else carrying guns on
campus scares me. I always thought of Texas Tech University as an amazing university
offering incredible opportunities and learning experiences for my out-of-state students.
And, now I’m praying it won’t be one of MY students that I recruited getting shot while
trying to achieve their educational goals and future dreams. I’m not sure I could live with
the guilt, if it was. Just the thought of one of my ‘kids’ being involved in such a situation
simply breaks my heart.
2
I strongly disagree to carry handguns on campus. It only makes me hesitant and feel
much more un safe to be on grounds. Putting Gun Free Signs will only give an active
shooter the ability to target easily. I am furious over the decision of allowing this and will
not feel comfortable going onto the grounds for anything.
2
The presence of a weapon in an area massively populated is a problem. Texas Tech
University should remain a prohibited campus for concealed handguns. I am concerned
about the presence of any type of weapon in the hands of any one. Why risk feeling
responsible for an accidental shooting because we granted people the right to carry a
concealed weapon on campus.
2
Allowing an open-carry environment on a college campus is dangerous. It’s obvious in
the classroom, alone, that these students are not displaying enough maturity to handle
such a responsibility. Yes, people will argue that allowing guns on campus will protect
students from an active shooter, but it will also endanger other students, faculty, and
staff. As a veteran, I understand the responsibilities of carrying a weapon, and I still
choose to remain gun free. This is not because I am anti-gun; it is that I know the
dangers of handling guns, and I am not willing to take that risk. These kids are not
emotionally stable and mature enough to carry guns in the real world, and allowing them
to carry guns on campus is an accident waiting to happen.
2
I think campus carry will harm free exchange of ideas and impose potential harm to
academic freedom and an imminent threat to minorities.
2
I strong oppose and think no one should carry a gun on campus.
2
Trying to fight the idea of an active shooter on campus by adding more guns to the
equation is like nuclear proliferation, Russia has nukes, so we need nukes in case
Russia decides to nuke us. The better alternative is to just remove the weapons from
the equation entirely. While this obviously isn’t 100% possible with firearms and active
shooters on campus, the fewer guns that students have access to, the better.
72 2
Guns do not belong in institutions of education.
2
Texas Tech is already having a tough time attracting top faculty and top students
because of its location. Gun carry laws on campus will just make it worse. TTU will have
to spend more money to attract talent than other places. Now with gun carry laws being
so publicized, more money may not cut it anymore.
2
no guns!!!!
2
I do not have any suggestion for gun safety inside the campus, except that they should
not be allowed, by any means or excuses, inside the university. The sole idea of guns
inside a school degrades and offends the university and its students, staff, faculty, etc.
Universities should be and should remain as a knowledge temple, where people
interchange ideas without worrying about who might be carrying a gun.
2
I am dismayed that Texas Tech University is considering allowing ANY space on
campus be a place where handguns could be carried. I do not believe that having
concealed handguns on campus in any place will make TTU safer, nor do I believe that
not allowing concealed handguns on campus is a violation of anyone’s rights. Having
such guns on campus will make many of us afraid of coming to work/school, and I
strongly urge the committee to consider restricting allowing concealed handguns to
either nowhere on campus or to as few places on campus as possible.
2
I am seriously concerned allowing guns on campus, both for my safety and student
safety. I hope Texas Tech will find loop holes in the law to stop this insanity. In the future
I may consider to move in another State/University if this madness is not stopped.
2
I believe that the campus carry policy is highly detrimental to the morale of students and
staff, and I strongly oppose Senate Bill 11. However, the more relevant issue is how
TTU can respond by supporting and empowering its student body, staff, and faculty in
every way possible with increased resources in the following areas: vigilance in relation
to/support for mental health issues, active shooter training, the strongest possible
restrictions as to where guns are allowed, and severe ramifications for anyone found in
violation of these restrictions. These proactive steps would help me feel less
psychologically impacted when going to work. As a new hire, I am enjoying my work at
Texas Tech but am considering whether the ramifications of Senate Bill 11, which
directly impact my psychological well-being, make it worth my continuing . However, I do
feel that TTU has the opportunity to
2
As an adult male, who is over the age of 21, I vehemently disagree with campus carry
legislation. I can think of few more volatile areas than a college campus. The young
people who attend Texas Tech are under a level of pressure and adjustment that they
have never encountered before when arriving on campus. With shootings on college
campuses across the country I simply cannot understand how one could think that
adding more guns to the situation would be a good idea. I have serious concern about
my own safety and that of my fellow Red Raiders. We are taught to go forward into the
world and drive change. I beg of our administration to make the choice to make Texas
Tech a gun free campus. Our campus police force does a wonderful job at keeping us
all safe and these people are the ones responsible for keeping campus safe. This is not
the responsibility of 21 year old students.
73 2
I do not support open carry- only concealed carry: no one can claim intimidation factors
when no one knows who could be carrying, as the law requires. When Texas passed
the CC law in 1995, the predictions of every city becoming Dodge City never came to
pass. Criminals don’t want to submit biometrics and/or a ballistics sample, so this limits
the pool of CHL holders to narrowly qualified individuals. Also, this is a huge
empowerment to preventing campus rape: not every victim had the chance to make it to
the blue-light emergency speaker-boxes.... now (mostly, but not exclusively) of age
female students can feel confident about walking across campus alone at night because
their right to self defense will be statutorily protected. Let the Economics professor at TU
(who spoke out on CNN) resign- if he cant subdue his ideology with the facts (Mr.
Dodge City), then he was never qualified to teach economics anyway!
2
I know the law is the law but I already feel very unsafe as an instructor and a student
with this law allowing people to carry guns. It doesn’t even make sense at all. In all
places, schools MUST NOT be the place where people carry guns. As stated before, I
already feel unsafe with this issue and the numerous regular killings taking place on
U.S. campuses. Also, I feel hopeless, not sure what to do, how to protect myself. I can’t
carry guns myself as a foreigner. This is so wrong to carry guns in places that are
supposed to be the safest in the world. NO GUNS ON CAMPUS/SCHOOLS. This is so
common sense.
2
I do not believe guns belong on a college campus. Period.
2
I don’t think there needs to be guns on college campuses. There is a time and a place
for guns and this is not it. I don’t care if someone is worried about their personal
freedoms. And I don’t think having someone with a concealed carry weapon would stop
an active shooter. I think emphasis should be on mental health services not guns and
concealed carry to limit gun violence on campuses.
2
Given the constant reports of gunfire deaths on campuses coast to coast, and given
Texans’ love of fire arms, it’s amazing that TTU has not yet had an active shooter on
campus. We are a powder keg waiting for a match. Opening our campus to concealed
handgun carry is just asking for it. In NO way will this make us safer. It will open us to
more danger. Are the legislative buildings in Austin open to handgun carry? If not, why
not? As a faculty member, I consider that I will be amongst those most at risk with this
foolish legislation. I know of one colleague who took early retirement this year
specifically because of this legislation. Apparently there is nothing that can be done
about the stupidity and political cowardice of our legislators, but I plead with the
committee to make as many places on campus as is legally permissible off-limits to
firearms.
2
open and concealed carry threaten the safety of the school population
2
I would like the University to refuse to agree to any areas where guns are permitted and
to resist the new law in the courts. I would respect and support the University saying
‘no’ and joining together with other Universities to fight this. The same authority that
supports laws preventing guns from certain businesses and schools should apply to
protect the University in justifying its refusal to blindly adopt these rules. The new law
violates the equal protection clause of our constitution in exposing the rest of us to such
inherently violent activity.
74 2
I do not believe guns of any sort should be allowed on campus. It is a distraction to my
education and does not make me feel safe as a student and a resident on campus.
Therefore, campus carry should not be allowed on the Texas Tech campus.
2
I genuinely do not see how allowing guns on campus, even licensed concealed carry,
can make the campus safer. Nor do I believe banning guns on campus violates
anyone’s rights. I think it will just make police officers’ jobs more difficult. How are they
supposed to know if someone is licensed to carry a weapon? There’s no way they can
know them all by sight. If they notice someone has a weapon (and it they’re any good at
their jobs they should be able to detect concealed carry with some regularity), how are
they supposed to determine if that person is a potential threat? If there is actually a
shooting, how are the police supposed to tell the difference between the shooter and
someone who has drawn their gun? For that matter, if there is a shooter in a crowded
place, like a classroom, who can possibly expect to fire at the shooter and not hit
someone else? I don’t want my life in the hands of such an arrogant and foolhardy
person.
2
With the number of college shootings that have happened in the last year, no one
should be allowed to conceal carry on a college campus. I understand the purpose of
self-defense but not everyone who owns a gun has the ability to shoot someone.
2
I feel that as a faculty member it will be difficult to maintain high standards in the
classroom in an environment of fear and distrust which concealed weapons create. How
can we as faculty maintain rigor when we have to be concerned that a disgruntled
student may have a gun? I have already had a student expressing worry that in voicing
an unpopular opinion she is at risk of escalated tempers and possible retaliation. And as
a person with a family, I am unwilling to place the rigor of my students education and the
risk of retaliation above my own life and the peace of my family.
2
Tech needs to have NO guns... have we not seen the history from UT, to FSU, to Delta
State, to Umpqua, to TSU... can we simple fund more campus police?
2
Adding guns to campus through arming students will not make the campus safer. It only
militarizes responses. The addition of guns on campus can be seen as a form of
intimidation to teachers. What should their recourse be - to carry weapons themselves?
Their weapons could easily be seen as intimidation to students. This could potentially
lead to a lack of trust and educational discourse - or worse.
2
Concealed carry on campus is unnecessary; i.e. no valid reason to have a handgun on
campus at any time. Plenty of police officers on campus (quick response time), therefore
any ‘defense against active-shooter’ reasoning is invalid due to unlikelihood of actually
working.
2
I am a huge supporter of Texas Tech and what we do here. Texas Tech needs to worry
about how the guns on campus will affect potential recruitment and enrollment retention
rates of future Red Raiders. Active subliminal messages being sent to our community
that advocates this the campus is permissive to an ideology of violence and fear. As a
father of two daughters, I will not be sending them to a campus with an active carry
policy. I believe that all parents fear for their child's safety. My large family structure
(Grandma, Mom, Dad, and 10+ brothers/sisters) promotes gun safety, sportsmanship
and all conceal and carry certified. We believe college is a unique place in which words
need to be used to win fights, not an overt threat violence. Best results would be no
75 guns on campus, or adamant require each person undergo extra training about how to
handle and defuse a situation before they become violent. Despite my own training - I
will not be carrying while
2
Should not be passed, currently considering on transferring since it will be passed. You
never know what someone will do and I don’t want to be here just in case! God bless.
2
This new law is ridiculous, and no policy can make it right. Texas is chasing away many
talented faculty members, staff and students with a law that is absolutely unnecessary.
The wrath of the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob will descend
upon this State and its leaders with such force that they will neither know nor
understand what hit them. Before it is too late, stop this madness; let there be no guns -concealed or open -- on this or any campus in the State of Texas. Repeal the manmade law that has allowed this travesty to move forward.
2
I think that the idea of students carrying concealed weapons to class is absurd and feel
that faculty/staff are being offered only limited protection.
2
Only law enforcement officers on duty should be allowed to carry handguns on campus.
Campus carry is a disaster waiting to happen.
2
The policy shoud be NO guns. Why do we need to carry fire arms in an educational
institute? This is pure stupidity and will hurt academics. Does Texas Tech University
really need this - NO.
2
I am (an employee) here, and I was a student at UT Austin in 2010 when an active
shooter on campus killed himself in the library, which I know was the impetus for all this
‘campus carry’ discussion. There is nothing about this legislation that makes me feel
safer. University campuses are uniquely high-stress environments and the libraries even
more so. I realize that the university only has so much leeway in instituting these
policies, but please do all you can to protect the library as a safe community meeting
spot ultimately dedicated to peace (and quiet).
2
Concealed permit or not, guns should not be permitted on any campus location.
2
I pray that this open carry doesn’t cause TTU top end up on the news because we have
an active shooter on campus. I feel less safe than I did before.
2
In my opinion there is no reason to carry guns by faculty, students, or staff to carry guns,
concealed or otherwise, on the campus of Texas Tech University or any other
educational campus. The State is misguided in passing the law of allowing guns.
Instead of going forward toward society of understanding and tolerance we are going
backward toward society of revenge and fear. I would like committee to consider
seriously to declare the entire campus gun free zone and challenge the State in
misguided legislation.
2
AGAIN, I CAN’T EVEN BELIEVE WE ARE DEBATING THIS. NO GUNS ON CAMPUS,
EVER. PERIOD.
76 2
My responses to the survey questions have no relevance in helping to determine safe
areas at TTU. They do however give those of us who oppose the open carry of
handguns a voice. Even the most diligent and informed committee cannot avert
tragedies caused by the use of firearms on a college campus.
2
I do not feel safe and am glad I graduate before campus carry is in place. If I weren’t
graduating I would transfer to another school where campus carry is not even a
question. I think that Texas Tech is a place where students shouldn’t have to be worried
about firearms in classrooms. We should be able to learn in a safe environment without
worry that opposing ideas could lead to violence. Since Texas Tech has already said it
will incorporate the law into its campus, I believe that no guns should be allowed inside
dorms, in cafeteria settings (Sub, the Market, etc.), or in classrooms (no
minimum/maximum of students present).
2
I think our university will go from being safe to being dangerous if concealed weapons
are allowed to be carried by anyone that isn’t a security officer.
2
Guns have no place on college campuses
2
The Texas state legislature passed the campus-carry legislation without regard to the
effects it would have upon Texas universities, colleges, faculty, staff, and students, but
only to accommodate a minority who feel (incorrectly) that the 2nd Amendment should
be applied in this manner. Following this legislation beyond the bare minimum required
is unsafe and will be very costly to the overall success of Texas Tech, its faculty, staff,
and students.
2
Please ban guns from classrooms and increase TTU PD presence on campus. Officers
in plain clothes would be preferred.
2
Please do not allow guns on campus except for police.
2
Guns have no place anywhere on campus.
2
It is frankly moronic to think that allowing guns on campus will make anyone safer. Why
are we even having this discussion? It will only encourage increasingly dangerous and
violent behavior. We are creating a discourse that identifies campus shootings and
vigilante justice (‘personal security’) as normal phenomena.
2
Change the law! There is a big difference between shooting on a gun range or in a live
life or death situation. This is setting some campus up for an even larger disaster.
2
Fight this bad campus carry law with all that you got
2
I believe that all of TTU should be a gun free zone. People will always behave
irrationally and that posses a treat to everyone else.
2
Limit gun carry on campus when and where ever possible.
77 2
I am opposed to this law, and to TTU implementing this law. The research says that
concealed or unconcealed carrying of guns by citizens does not reduce gun violence.
Guns have no place in education. You, reading this, already know this to be true. Please
do the right thing, the ethical thing, and stand up against this law. If this law is
implemented, the best faculty will leave Texas Tech. The best staff will leave. The best
administrators will leave. The best students will leave. Please do something to help the
university remain great--lying down and accepting this law is not it. There is nothing in
this law that will benefit the university. Please, for once, stop chasing money and
growth, and make the university better. Stand up against this law. We need our
president and our chancellor to represent the interests, lives, and futures of its students
and employees, not support the gun lobby, nor the fear mongers of our society. Please,
make our university safe by standing up.
2
Allowing guns on campus risks the safety of students, faculty and staff. The average
concealed carrier of a gun will not be properly trained to handle a violent or massshooting event, and will only increase the amount of gun activity on campus. If we are
relying on ‘helpful’ students with guns for our safety, what is the point of campus police?
They are actually trained to handle violent situations about should be the first
responders, not students. As a professor, I know that college can be a stressful time and
many students do not handle the transition from high school to college well. If the stress
of college was to culminate with a student receiving a bad grade from me, I should not
have to worry about that individual carrying a gun in the classroom and retaliating. It will
impact how I handle a classroom, especially one-on-one meetings - I will no longer meet
with students alone due to the possibility of them having a gun and them wanting to use
it to intimidate a certain result
2
TTU should stay a gun free university.
2
I believe turning out campus into the ‘old west’ is antithetical to our safety
2
For me this is shocking that something as possibly harmful to us all has gotten this far.I
agree that guns have their place but not in an academic setting.
2
If I get shot or if there is a campus shooting because of this ridiculous legislation I will
take my family from Texas Tech and move to safer, more friendly university.
2
I have a CHL, but I do not carry a firearm. With that being said, I am extremely
concerned about the pending legislation and the increasing incidence of campus
violence. As an instructor, I am responsible for my students while they are in my
classroom. But where I am currently concerned about my students learning from an
academic perspective, the legislation will require me to also play a new role of sheriff
and not just police the use of electronics, but also the presence and use of firearms.
Also, it limits my ability as an instructor to discuss topics that might lead to retaliation. It
seems it would require me to start carrying a firearm and be prepared at a moment’s
notice to use it to defend myself and other students. This completely changes the
academic environment, my job expectations, the level of skills I must master, and the
stress level for me and my students. I cannot see how this can have a positive impact
on higher education.
78 2
WE HAVE A POLICE FORCE ON CAMPUS. WE HAVE THE CITY OF LUBBOCK
POLICE FORCE. THE CARRYING OF GUNS BY NON-POLICE FORCE, WHO ARE
THERE WITH THE EXPLICIT TASK OF PROTECTING US, IS A GREAT DANGER TO
ALL WHO STUDY AND WORK ON CAMPUS AND I STRONGLY AND VEHEMENTLY
OPPOSE THE BILL THAT ALLOWS IT. IT WILL BE A GREAT DETRIMENT TO TTU,
NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE CLEAR DANGER IT POSES, BUT ALSO BECAUSE IT
GENERATES REASONS FOR FACULTY AND STUDENT EXODUS TO OTHER
INSTITUTIONS, AND THAT RIGHT AT A TIME WHEN TTU IS ENGAGED IN MAJOR
EFFORTS TO INCREASE ITS STUDENT POPULATION AND TO ACHIEVE TIER 1
STATUS. I CANNOT STATE IN STRONG ENOUGH TERMS WHAT A TERRIBLE,
COUNTERPRODUCTIVE IDEA THIS IS. EVERY STUDENT, STAFF MEMBER,
FACULTY, AND ADMINISTRATOR AT TTU SHOULD OPPOSE IT.
2
I HATE the idea of a campus carry law. I have experienced severe distress after school
shootings in my hometown and the thought of students carrying guns on campus is
horrific to me. I understand that it is a freedom granted to us, but I don’t think schools,
universities, and public domains are an appropriate place to express that freedom. I am
absolutely opposed to the campus carry law and hope that TTU decides to revoke this
law for the protection of their students, faculty, and staff.
2
College is a unique time for young adults. It involves extreme social influence,
stress/anxiety, sleep deprivation, and substance abuse. It is often the first time they
experience others dissimilar to them and that hold/discuss different beliefs, feelings of
being alone, high needs to belong, heavy pressure to succeed, and responsibility over
themselves. Here are some stats to educate you on your students (ACHA, NIH, NAMI,
& NEDA): 50% of students rated their mental health below average or poor; 57% F 40%
M reported episodes of overwhelming anxiety; 33% F 27% M felt so depressed it was
difficult to function; 36.4% report relationship problems; 1 in 4 have suicidal thoughts; 4
of 5 students drink; 1/2 of those binge drink, which increases death, assault, sex abuse,
injury, & suicide attempts This makes them a population of unstable adults who should
not have access to a gun or be around guns and other unstable people with guns. NO
BENEFIT; INCREASING DANGEROUS RISKS TO EVERYO
2
No evidence that (more) guns on campus will facilitate learning or increase safety.
2
I do not understand why you believe more guns on campus will prevent campus
violence. I am adamantly opposed to this law and am considering leaving my current job
because I do not feel this would be a safe environment for students/employees to have
guns.
2
No campus carry!
2
I have enjoyed my years at Texas Tech. Very rarely have I felt intimidated and I have
always felt that this campus has been a good forum to share my ideas and learn from
others. Adding guns to a college campus will only make me feel less secure. I live in a
country, that although not without its problems, is one that I feel safe traveling without
being armed. Our social contract here is strong enough that I do not believe we should
resort to the medieval state of carrying our own arms. I do not fear being attacked, and
anyone who does should seriously consider the amount of paranoia that they consider
healthy in their life. I have previously lived on campus, and there was never a question
of me needing to defend myself against others, and nothing has changed that would
change my opinion on that. Unless there are massive changes within the culture of the
79 United States, I do not feel it necessary to carry protection against other citizens, and I
do not believe that others should either.
2
As an employee, I do not feel safe knowing that a disgruntled student, employee, or
member of the public could easily walk into a building on campus and seek retribution.
The potential for harm is far greater than the potential for good.
2
I think the concept of allowing students/professors /staff/ etc. to carry a concealed
weapon on campus and into a learning environment is the very opposite of ‘creating a
safe environment for learning.’ Students and staff will feel limited in their ability to speak
freely in a class where weapons are allowed. Especially if difficult topics are being
discussed. Controversial speakers and lecturers will be limited in their perceived/ real
safety. Any threat to one’s perception of safety greatly diminishes the ability to learn.
Guns in the classroom do not make it a safer space. In fact there is a lot of research to
prove otherwise. As a parent I would be reluctant to send my child to a school that
allows weapons in the classroom. In addition, I would be reluctant to work at an
institution with this policy in place.
2
I personally will not feel comfortable or safe in large group settings where there is an
increased likelihood that one or more individuals is carrying a concealed gun. Basic
mathematical reasoning leads me to believe that I will be at a greater risk of personal
injury and/or being shot than if guns were expressly forbidden. I have not once been
exposed to a logical extrapolation of concrete data that demonstrates otherwise.
2
Please let Texas Tech remain a gun-free school. Especially with as many recent
shootings that has been going on, more guns is not the solution.
2
I am much more concerned about the potential for accidents because of this law than
the potential for intentional shootings that wouldn’t happen without a campus carry law.
2
There is no research that indicates allowing concealed hand-guns on campus reduces
crime or mass shootings. In fact, there is plenty of evidence that suggests it leads to
more incidents of harm. Texas Tech University should be progressive and find
alternative and more effective ways to minimize harm of students, faculty, and staff.
Allowing campus carry in public areas on campus is a step in the wrong direction, and I
am saddened that the administration is even considering it in such a large scale
capacity. A person’s vehicle is an extension of their home. It seems more appropriate
that if people MUST have firearms on them on our campus, that it be limited to their
vehicle, and not on their person. I will absolutely feel less safe and uneasy knowing that
anyone around me might have a firearm on their person. Just because they are ‘lawfully’
carrying a firearm does not mean they will use it ‘lawfully.’ They could just as easily use
it to harm someone. TTU’s logic is simply unsound.
2
I imagine I am one of many tenured or tenure-track faculty members who will likely
consider leaving because of this abhorrent legislation.
80 2
Guns have no place on campus. Period.
2
There have been about 5 campus shootings that have occurred with 3 of them being
right here in Texas. Do you want Texas Tech to be next? I oppose with the decision to
allow guns on campus. People can’t even be safe in church, now schools. Like really
use your head people.
2
If all classrooms are not designated gun-free zones, I will start looking for another
faculty position in another state. I teach large lecture courses. Have done so for close to
20 years. On at least two occasions, students have stood up and angrily cursed me out
in front of the class when they received poor grades. I hate to imagine what would have
happened if they had guns. If I ever notice a student with a gun in my class, even if the
student is not disruptive, I will cancel class, walk out, and seek refuge in the dean’s
office. I cannot imagine speaking freely in a class when I know students who carry guns
are in attendance. The next thing I would do is start looking for another job in another
state.
2
I’m a lawful gun owner, but I would want concealed carry on campus to be as restrictive
as possible.
2
I think its a bad idea to allow weapons on campus. Instead of making the situation
better it might in fact make it worse. There is no proof that the knowledge of concealed
weapons would improve safety. In fact it may have the opposite effect for the following
reasons: 1. Law enforcement will not hesitate (nor should they) to shoot ANY ONE who
has a weapon visible during an attack. Therefore those carrying will not help others in
those situations - they will only defend themselves. 2. Students can get quite
emotional over grades and they could in a moment of despair brandish a weapon. 3.
This will hurt the recruit of both students and faculty to the institution. Faculty (I would
not have come here) will go elsewhere where the feel more safe. Parents of college
students (I am one of those) will be reluctant to send their children to schools that allow
weapons. I would not send my children to such institutions. 4. Who will inspect the gun
permits?
2
Allowing guns on campus is a frightening prospect. I’d feel safer if this was as limited as
legally permissible.
2
Campus carry is not a good idea. Most students are simply too immature for a situation
they might encounter where deadly force would be needed. They will not have any
special training on how to deal with threats in the classroom or on campus. As a
student and local police officer this is a recipe for disaster. Tech needs to bring back the
Peace Officer Scholarship which would bring more law enforcement into the
classrooms. There is a college campus shooting every few weeks in America. Arming
students is not the answer. If the students were put into an active shooter situation, I
would feel extremely uncomfortable with them trying to eliminate the threat. What if they
shoot an innocent student or professor? Leave it to us professionals to be armed and
deal with the situation. Again, these kids are too immature (especially undergrads) and
untrained to carry a handgun on campus.
81 2
GUNS DO NOT BELONG ON CAMPUS- the volatility of the student population, the
reckless nature of said student body, the density of people in any given area-- all pose
risk for danger where guns are concerned. In addition SDS Center and the Technique
Center have populations at risk for threats and unlawful use of guns. Please see to it
that at least the SDS and the Technique Center falls under your category for NO GUNS
PERMITTED. NO GUNS ON TEXAS TECH CAMPUS WOULD BE BEST- we haven’t
needed them so far... why do we need to have them now?
2
Students take their aggression out on TA’s and Professors on a regular basis. I have
had students scream, shout, throw chairs, cry, e-mail/call/text, and numerous other
avenues of retaliation. If those student possessed a gun, what would stop them from
shooting at an instructor that they disagreed with? How safe would you feel as a student
if a teacher had a gun on them or the student next to you had a gun on them? Guns
have a time and place, but a school is not that type of location. Alternatively, pay to have
more guards that are trained on campus, give instructors the right to know which
students are carrying a weapon, require them to register on campus, do not allow guns
during final exams, provide better training for faculty, staff, and students on gun
awareness, etc. There are many alternatives to try to make this a safer plan, but the fact
is NOT allowing guns on campus would be the safest option. More public information
about what the campus is planning to due about carrying.
2
The stats are clear: more guns means more deaths. This is not difficult to understand.
College-aged students are hormonal, unpredictable, and emotional. They are different
from grown adults who can responsibly carry guns among them. Now the government
thinks they should throw guns into that stew of issues. Not to mention a minority of
students are on some sort of stimulant beyond caffeine, and the side effects of those
can be equally alarming as illicit drugs.
2
At the law school, we frequently discuss extremely fraught issues: rape, murder, civil
rights violations, global warming, fracking, the death penalty, abortion, gun control, etc.
We have these discussions in extremely high pressure settings. Our students, as a
whole, have a more substantial workload than perhaps any other group of students on
campus, and the intensity of the curriculum has proven impacts on their mental health.
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown, for instance, that law students have
significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression than other people their age. Having
respectful and yet in-depth classroom discussions about many parts of our curriculum is
already difficult given the subject matter and the pressure that students are under. My
strong fear is that concealed weapons in the classroom will chill that speech further on
the parts of both students and professors. I, for one, am strongly rethinking portions of
my courses out of safety concerns.
2
The idea that armed students can help stop active shooters is ridiculous. There is not
even any anecdotal evidence to support such a claim. My biggest concern is the
student who turns 21 next year and asks for a gun on his/her birthday, takes the CHL
course, and begins to carry. They will likely drop their gun at some point, lose their
backpack/purse, shoot themselves in the foot, or some other crazy thing. I’m also
concerned about an increase in the number of suicides because there are more guns
available from friends-in dorms. This is a terrible thing to do to a very safe university.
2
i dont think its a smart idea to have open carry on any campus !!!!!!!!
82 2
With the increased number of school shootings and the knowledge that anyone could be
carrying a gun without me realizing it, it is a scary thought. I don’t know if someone will
decide to pull their gun out while I’m in the classroom or while the teacher is in the front.
I find teachers are left vulnerable since they stand at the front of the classroom
completely exposed. If anything happens, it is highly likely that the teacher will be shot
or anyone else at the front of the class assisting the teacher.
2
I don’t think that people are knowledgeable enough about gun safety and feel as if guns
are present on campus it will just lead people to think they can use it for any reason.
2
Do I want 21 year old people to be on campus with guns? NO! I do not like going
hunting with people I do not know. Why do I want people to have guns around me I do
not know? Guns are easy to obtain and you can be a nut and get gun. Is the USA going
back to the wild west days?
2
I am an advocate for the Second Amendment for the protection of our homes vs an outof-control government; I do NOT advocate allowing students to carry guns on any
college campus as a means to protect themselves from other students. Brain research
suggests that the ability to make sound decisions is not fully developed until age 25. I
feel having many 18-25 year- olds walking around campus with guns is asking for
disaster. In every previous incident of campus shooting, if all the other students would
have been armed, I feel the incident still would have happened, but with far more
casualties because it would have turned into a free-for-all shootout. I will NOT feel more
secure on campus once I know students have guns. In fact, I may resign my position as
a result of it.
2
I’m deeply saddened and disturbed that we even have to have this discussion given the
recent events with other active shooter situations. Prevailing research shows that it is
very rare that other people with guns are able to take town active shooters before they
do any damage. Fighting fire with fire is not a good option here. It angers me and
honestly makes me feel ashamed to be a native Texan. I wonder how state legislators
would feel about an angry constituent coming into their office (not knowing whether or
not they have a weapon) for a personal meeting if they enforced an open carry policy in
their place of work? Making it legal to carry lethal weapons in any capacity in our
academic setting is wrong. Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong
Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong
Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong
Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong
Wrong Wrong Wron
2
Please take a stand against this bill.
2
I don’t believe the ‘good guy with a gun’ argument is strong enough to warrant the right
to carry a gun on campus.
2
Guns should not be on campus in an environment dedicated to learning.
2
The public university system in this state stands to lose a lot with the passage of this
legislation. Allowing concealed handguns anywhere on a college campus does not
promote the free exchange of ideas or student success. It only promotes the idea that
this country is unsafe and our society will be continually corrupted by such practices.
83 2
Universities should absolutely be safe. I commend the Texas legislature for trying to
make campuses safer. I do not believe allowing people to carry guns on university
campuses is going to make campuses safer. Many young adults have hero complexes.
This complex is dangerous to the safety of everyone involved with on campus life. I do
not believe that guns being on campus will make me safer. I am truly afraid of the
consequences of allowing people to bring guns to the law school. I appreciate Texas
Tech providing this survey, but I truly oppose campus carry.
2
I feel less safe knowing that we are allowing more guns knowingly on campus. I
genuinely feel less safe knowing more people feel the need to carry weapons to school
or work.
2
Nothing good will come of this.
2
There appears to be no educational reason for bringing a handgun to class. Seems at
the very least we should insist on a criminal background check confirmation to be
carried on the person toting a gun. How about a bright orange shirt required to wear if
toting a gun. We would then be able to decide who to avoid if threatened. Ridiculous
law. Academic people did not sign up for this kind of forced abuse and added danger.
Further diminishes the work of the academy. A disgusting situation.
2
Given the rate of accidental discharges and the proven increase in violence (against self
or others) when guns are readily available, it boggles the mind that anyone could
consider allowing fire arms into some of the facilities listed above. Even barring
intimidation or heated arguments, there are numerous places on campus where an
accidental discharge could cause an explosion. This is after all a research university.
We have an armed police force trained to deal with threats to safety that mass shooters
pose; adding tacit approval of vigilantism to the campus will assuredly lead to more
accidents for no increase in safety. There is always risk in having firearms present,
period, and even more risk around some of the locations on campus. (Pick only 3,
really? Should we allow guns at the daycare center or the addiction center, then? Maybe
in the counseling areas?) Subjecting other students and faculty to increased risk for no
pragmatic (i.e. non-ideological) reason is insane.
2
I strongly believe that the Administration of TTU should actively push the legislators to
reconsider this ridiculous policy. The TTU administration should actively consider the
loyalties they enjoy from students, staff, and faculty before agreeing and acquiescing to
the legislature.
2
Campus Carry scares me, personally. I am a retired veteran and do not think that the
college environment and guns will mix well.
2
Unfortunately this new law will make it harder to attract top faculty and students to
Texas Tech, particularly those who reside in other states/countries. I would have liked
to see TTU and other Texas institutions stand up to the law and fight to change it, rather
than our current course of action.
84 2
I believe that the concealed carry law violates my right to attend school and to work in a
non-hostile environment. Additionally, it violates the basic rights of anyone who wants a
non-hostile campus. There is no way to know what people may be adversely affected by
the presence of firearms in the classroom. We will be infringing on those individuals’
rights, which I believe supersedes the rights of individuals who wish to carry on campus.
People who object to the law may simply decide to work elsewhere or to forego their
education at this level or to attend school in a state that dis-allows concealed carry on
campus. For me personally, the idea of faculty, staff, and students carrying firearms in
their backpack or on their person while on campus suggests an inherently hostile work
environment; otherwise, why would they need a gun? I thought we lived in a civilized
society. And even if society has regressed to the point of being uncivilized, why should
the university follow suit?
2
I do not agree with the decision to make college campuses open carry. I do not have a
problem with guns or handguns, but I do not feel the academic setting is the appropriate
place for weapons. I believe a college campus is a confluence of exploration, high
emotions, and drug/substance abuse (whether right or wrong) which is a potent mix.
Discussion, even heated discussion as long as it is respectful should be encouraged
within the academic inquiry process both in class and out of class, but I believe that will
be tampered if individuals are allowed to open carry. Personally, I no longer feel safe on
the campus and am glad I am in a small graduate program with small classes with
people that I know. Having areas that are not gun-free will certainly affect my decision
to participate in on-campus events. Neither a student nor a professor should have to
worry about whether a person in the room has a gun and will use it out of anger, that is
not the mission of education.
2
This is a very poor decision on the part of Texas representatives, and it does not make
outsiders feel comfortable or safe. This will only add to the statistics concerning guns in
this country.
2
I pay lots of money to this school, and now my life could be threatened by some idiot
with a gun and a problem. This is the most idiotic idea, and it will only resulr in danger to
society. If I get hurt cause of this I am sueing your ass off Tech!!! This school is a terrible
example of safety!
2
I have grave concerns over the open carry legislation. The group of students I serve is
made up of a large number of students with psychological disabilities, such as bi-polar
disorder, PTSD, chronic depression, and extreme anxiety. All of these students pose a
potential risk to my staff as we have to determine what services are appropriate and
what requests must be denied which often causes extreme reactions and frustration. My
population of students also includes a rapidly growing number who are diagnosed with
Autism Spectrum Disorder. They often have very strong, irrational reactions to social
situations such as seeing an open weapon and could exhibit behaviors that might easily
be construed as aggressive by the weapon holder. I could see these confrontations
rapidly esculating into a disastrous situation on campus.
2
More guns on campus will not make us safer. I, personally, would feel less safe. How do
you know who has a gun and who doesn’t? How do you know someone won’t get ticked
off during a class and pull out a gun because something about the discussion
displeases them? It is not a good idea, although I know since it’s the law TTU doesn’t
have any choice but to comply with the law. All I can say is that with any luck I’ll have
85 graduated before this law takes effect.
2
I am the first in my family who attends Texas Tech. My whole family is american born
living abroad for more than 10 generations. TTU was the school my parents and uncles
planned to send my two nephews and 2 nieces next year. They are not coming here
under any circumstance now. Like my case I bet there’s many more. Maybe if thr
president hangs out with the students on the weekend to see the level of alcohol and
drug abuse this school has he could have a real perspective.
2
Action needs to be taken not only by TTU, but by all Texas schools to repeal this law. I
do not believe campus carry will make us any safer. There’s a new shooting every
week. We don’t need to enable these people. I personally would NOT feel safe
attending class knowing that there could be multiple guns inside the room.
2
I believe that this law will create opportunities for mass shootings on our campus.
2
I am extremely uncomfortable with the idea of allowing guns on campus. Adding more
guns to an already deadly situation is not a solution, it can only make things worse.
Campus should remain a gun free zone, god forbid something terrible happens,
statistically no good guy with a gun will save us. The potential for collateral damage is
immense. I cannot express enough how unhappy I am so the decision to allow guns on
campus coming year.
2
Welcoming guns on campus may come back haunting TTU.
2
Welcoming guns on campus may come back haunting TTU.
2
I don’t highly suggest this because sucidal people can take it from the people carrying it.
Also how uncomfortable it be with a person sitting next to you with a gun. Not knowing if
the safety is on. Also dorms issue such as Roomate being anger or sucidal.
2
I don’t believe open carry should be on campus. I’m concerned that people may flash
their weapons to intimidate others with opposing views or grades they don’t agree with.
I’m concerned for people of color that may be misunderstood or mislabeled. What’s
going to stop a person with a concealed handgun from using it inappropriately again
them? What is the protocol if there is an active shooter on campus and what is
communicated to individuals with concealed handguns? Will we have a lot of vigilantes
taking the law into their hands because they have a CHL? Education is going to be key,
so use all available mediums to educate the Tech Community.
2
I think it is important to consider, when making these decisions, that the carrying of
firearms, or any weapon for that matter, is not in line with the spirit of an academic
intuition (with respect to scholars). In keeping in line with the law, we must remember
the over two thousand year legacy of institutions of higher learning in addition to the
safety of students, faculty, and staff. The primary goal of students and professors is
scholarship, and the goal of the institutions is, and ever should be, the proliferation of
the free exchange of ideas. This should be taken into account.
86 2
Thank you for allowing us to give our concerns and feedback. I am very opposed to this
law in the first place and as an advisor have great concerns regarding it. In my building,
we do not even have a way out. We have a door that we hope locks and hide under our
desk. I would ask that we definitely get an active shooter training from somebody who
can access our building and our area as we tend to get the most wide range spectrum of
students on campus. Thank you!
2
Thanks to the State Legislature’s utter incompetence my life and those of my colleagues
have been placed in jeopardy, in essence my safety has been perceived to be a lower
priority than the rights of gun owners to carry firearms on a college campus. I would say
‘for shame’ except that I believe these people to operate in such a partisan bubble that
they feel no such emotions. Texas Tech must make clear that any intimidation of a
faculty member by a firearm carrying student will result in the immediate removal of that
student from this institution, never to return. I would very much a representative from the
legislature to explain to me why I should ever give any student in my class a failing
grade given that they could very well have a firearm on their person when I deliver the
often very upsetting news that they will not pass.
2
I am firmly against the carry legislation. Our institution should be more careful in
admitting individuals that may have psychological problems or have any other
background history. I recently had a student that had been convicted several times in
the past, with a poor performance in class. How was this individual admitted? I would
feel safer if more campus police would circulate all areas, they should be the only ones
carrying a handgun, as they work for the general population’s safety.
2
gun-free zone for entire campus
2
Allowing the carry of handguns in campus (either concealed or not) is absolutely
ridiculous. I teach graduate students and have no interest in walking into a classroom
wondering how many of the 40+ students sitting there are carrying guns.
2
I completely oppose this policy. I feel allowing guns on campus will decrease safety.
2
A university is a place for teaching, learning and research. It should never have guns of
any type allowed on it’s campus for any reason other than for law enforcement by
trained professional employees
2
The School of Law in particular is vulnerable to active shooter situations given the
material that we cover, our pedagogical methods, and the age of our students. We
intentionally engage in policy and legal discussions on highly disputed and controversial
issues. Personally, I am terrified that there may be law students in my classrooms with
a concealed weapon. It will act to censor what I teach and how I teach in ways that are
detrimental for everyone.
2
The African American community is terrified because of this. We are now afraid that the
racism we already face on and around campus will turn violent.
2
There is no reason to allow guns on a university’s campus. There is no reason anyone
other than Law Enforcement should be allowed to carry guns. We are here for our
education and that alone. In the event of an active shooter, having people with
concealed carry may cause further confusion and unnecessary harm to themselves or
others.
87 2
Having people at school carrying guns all the time scares me more than the small
chance of an active shooter. People are idiots.
2
Scares me to death
2
I see no positives for allowing ‘open carry’ on campus.
2
As faculty, I am terrified at the idea that my students will be carrying guns in my
classroom. I believe in pushing my students to better themselves and to achieve to their
highest capacity, but that comes with stress during finals and midterms. I am truly afraid
that a student will retaliate and shoot me if I am too critical or too honest in my review of
their work. This new law might affect the intensity and honesty of my teaching, my safety
comes first and I hesitate to risk my life in order to improve a student’s learning capacity.
2
This idea of allowing guns in/on certain designated areas is all together wrong from my
perspective. Guns do not belong on a University Campus such as TTU who strives for
Tier One Status. Thank you.
2
I totally disagree about carrying gun (even concealed) in the campus. People who carry
guns think about their safety but not all of them can think properly and rationally. Most of
people cannot think properly during panic situation. They will create another chaos.
Thank you.
2
I think this is absolutely absurd, but then again, I’m not from Texas.
2
Please reconsider. We don’t need more guns, especially on campus.
2
I’ve had some very disturbed students in my class so the notion that they could be
armed is frankly terrifying.
2
TTU already is viewed nationally as a backwater university in a backwater town. We
should be known for our scholarship and contributions to society, not as a haven for red
neck gun nuts. Way to go. Tier 1 babay....
2
I would like to, once again, state my total opposition to this law
2
I believe that no guns on campus is best for faculty/staff/students.
2
I don’t want guns anywhere. This is not needed on the TTU campus.
2
it would be a grave mistake if guns were allowed on campus. you need to survey the
faculty of how many would not want to teach in a class where guns were present. this is
very concerning.
2
I worry that no amount of learning resources or signage would prevent gun violence if
this law passes. I really worry about students with anger issues having guns in the
dorm. Thank you for listening to faculty and staff concerns.
2
Weapons of any kind have no business in academic classrooms. Speaking only for
myself (as a professor), I know that it will curtail my speech and create a hostile/unsafe
environment. It will significantly abridge/suspend/override my rights to academic
freedom and a non-hostile working environment.
88 2
I am extremely opposed to campus carry. I will not feel ‘safer’ when there are guns on
campus. I believe that minority groups of all types will experience a decrease in their
baseline feelings of safety. Not just during disagreements with people on campus but
also throughout the course of normal activities. I do not believe that guns have any
place on a college campus other than in the hands of trained law enforcement officers.
That being said, I understand that this will happen anyways. I believe the university
should increase or highlight it’s support for students, faculty, and staff and many of the
services it already provides as campus carry rolls out. There should be explicit ‘safe
zones’ that have bigger signs than just a gun-free zone sign.
2
Guns and books do not mix.
2
I believe that all areas should be designated as a gun free zone.
2
if you allow guns on campus, you are allowing something to happen. I understand it is
needed for all the things going on now days but maybe limit who can have them, life
staff members only NOT STUDENTS and only after classes are taken for those certain
staff that do have them, they are just too dangerous period and you can never trust
anyone
2
No guns on campus.
2
The whole campus should be gun-free zone!
2
The educational environment is not a place for weapons. Students should feel
comfortable around their peers, faculty/staff should feel comfortable relaying bad news
to anyone, etc. In no situation would a gun on campus in a non-officials hands be
required.
2
Strongly opposed to guns on campus. I am considering of moving to another university very seriously. Every faculty member who has the option to find a job to another state
with more gun control ... will. And the hiring will be strongly affected. No good quality
faculty in their right mind will want to come to TTU anymore.
2
The whole campus should be gun-free.
2
I trust no one to always use a gun for good. I am not convinced that anyone licensed to
carry a concealed weapon has had the training to the extent law enforcement and the
military have had.
2
I am a teaching assistant, and I no longer feel safe while talking to students. Knowing
that the student might be carrying a gun affects my ability to discharge my duties
effectively. Gun violence can occur for poor performance or for petty issues with the
academician. However it should also be noted that use of a gun may not occur but the
threat perception is far greater for extracting undue favors directly or as a psychological
effect. If we can ban food items and use of tobacco in the classroom, why can not we do
the same for guns!
2
I am licensed to carry but am adamantly against carrying on campus. I believe that
around tests and finals, stress is building, add lack of sleep and a ton of coffee or ridalin,
then handing somebody a gun is just asking for trouble. This is why I voted, at a
minimum, no guns in the library. I believe Texas Tech should do more to oppose the
implementation of this legislation.
89 2
While active-shooter situations are a real threat, I believe there is also a threat from
persons on campus, particularly students, carrying a concealed gun and using that gun
in an unplanned ‘spur of the moment’ fit of rage, whereas these same persons may
never ‘plan’ an attack (i.e., they would not normally become enraged at something or
someone, then go home, get a gun and come back and attack a person or persons).
However, if some students or others carry a weapon on campus, then become enraged,
I believe it is more likely than not that some will pull their weapons and fire upon
innocent people.
2
Since I am from New York, and witnessed the travesty of 911, campus safety is always
a concern. Since Texas Tech University is an open campus it does ‘invite’ a certain
amount of unsafe situations to this campus. I am not opposed to owning a gun. Really,
people kill people, not guns. In light of recent school shootings, theater shootings and so
forth, why give permission to carry a gun in an extensive learning environment and give
a person an option to take matters in their own hands?
2
I hope the concealed carry law does not go into effect at Texas Tech. And if if does, I
hope the administration will make intelligent choices as to where restrict gun access.
2
I understand that the 2nd amendment to the Constitution is important and I support it as
well. However, I fear for my life now that a policy allowing concealed handguns can be
brought to Texas Tech University. I would only like the law enforcement to be the only
people carrying handguns and other weapons.
2
For the safety of all faculty, staff, and students, I do not think guns should be allowed on
the college campus.
2
In my time here at tech, I’ve seen colleages leave campus and refuse to return for a
week after finals, because they have had students come into their office and intimidate
them for poor performance in the class. This has included episodes where articles of
furniture were thrown at them. While I haven’t done this in the past I will be when the law
takes effect.
2
Allowing handguns on campus and in our classrooms worries me due to the fact that as
an Engineering Student, I know how disgruntled some students can get over low grades
since many Students are stressed out about making it through the degree plan, and
some have an entitlement issues. I am worried that teachers will be afraid to say the
truth to students and give out these low grades, and students will be afraid to disagree
with someone or correct someone in a classroom setting. We also have so many
laboratories in almost every building that could potentially harm a lot of students if
misused. While we have a large campus, we also have a lot of areas that students and
faculty congregate, also allowing for that gathering to be used for a mass shooting. One
also needs to take into account that accidents happen -- allowing a larger amount of
guns on campus is going to lead to a potential misfire, regardless of these precautions
taken. Education should be gun free.
2
Considering recent national events regarding campus shootings, I believe that non guns
should be allowed on campus!
90 2
While I do not condone this law for Campus Carry at all. I cannot imagine being in the
situation where any angry individual could walk on campus with the idea of validation in
their minds because it is allowed and others could be armed. I know it can happen no
matter what, but when you ALLOW these things you are validating so much more in the
minds of individuals who might not have otherwise ever considered doing so before. I
would strongly urge that any and all buildings that can be restricted should be, no matter
what. The life that might be saved by doing so could be your own.
2
As both a student and an instructor, I believe that the university would be making a
grave mistake by allowing the possession of firearms on campus. All of the issues
outlined above are at risk (threat to the free exchange of ideas, potential harm to
academic freedom, retaliation for poor course performance, etc.). As a responsible gun
owner, I find no need for the possession of weapons on our campus, and am completely
certain that the overall safety of the campus would diminish. As an instructor, faced with
the potential of my students carrying weapons, I would begin exploring the possibility of
leaving the university. I really hope that this is read, and that my concerns are taken
seriously.
2
Past instances of gun violence have occurred on campuses that prohibit guns and it is
normally not those with CHLs that commit these horrendous acts. If someone is going to
commit a shooting on campus, they are going to whether they have a CHL and allowed
to carry legally or not. By allowing CWs on campus, I believe it gives a person who is
thinking about committing a mass shooting something to think about when they know
they may be confronted by someone who is also armed, not a group of defenseless
people who these shooters have unfortunately targeted in the past.
2
I am vehemently opposed to campus carry. I understand the mixed bag of research on
gun safety. However, there is substantial research that shows that guns do not prevent
violence (Kellerman et al., 1993; Miller et al., 2002; Branas et al., 2009; Sorenson &
Wiebe, 2004). Notably, Branas et al (2009) found that the odds of a person being shot is
5x greater when s/he possesses a gun. The most deadly time in American history was
during the Wild West days where everyone was carrying guns. This new legislation has
resulted in me searching for employment outside of Texas public universities. I sincerely
believe that more guns on campus will result in more tragedies, not prevent them.
2
This legislation is a joke, and you know it. It’s intimidation of faculty, it’s endangering the
campus and all who work here and go to school here. Is this really an argument I need
to be making? That guns ought not to be allowed in classrooms? Have we become so
depraved that we cannot see this for the inane culture-war bullshit that this is? This is
entirely out of line with the TTU Core Values. Woe to you if you entered into this foolish
and dangerous compact with smiles in your heart. If you have any intellectual integrity at
all, you will have read the statistics and see this does nothing to aid us, nothing to make
our campus better. I don’t expect much from the administration, but I do expect you to
maintain at least the bare minimum of vigilance for peoples’ safety. With guns on
campus, you can do neither. This is collusion with wickedness of the highest order. I
eagerly await Tech’s decision to allow rocket-propelled grenades on campus.
2
I am absolutely against campus carry on public universities. It will lead to more mass
shootings, a diminished sense of safety for students and employees and an overall
unhealthy learning environment.
91 2
I am not a supporter of an open carry campus.
2
One does not carry a weapon without the internal resolve to either use it, or threaten to
use it. This can be used for good, but I feel it is more likely that it will be used to
intimidate others in situations of interpersonal conflict and public debate and
disagreement. Universities are predominately populated by young people, some getting
their first taste of a world where people think differently from them and theirs, and I don’t
feel that this is an environment in which widespread, faculty-permitted carrying of
weapons is a necessary or even advisable policy.
2
In my opinion, TTU should be a safe place to learn, conduct research and exchange
ideas. Instead of allowing people to carry guns in the campus, University or State should
invest more on the campus law enforcement for managing the active shooter situation
and keeping everybody safe in the campus.
2
I personally feel that only law enforcement personnel should be allowed to carry guns
2
I think this whole thing is a TERRIBLE idea. I know the law is now passed and we have
to live with it, but I think Tech should be as restrictive as the law will allow. Any office or
space where students frequently don’t get the answer they want should be restricted.
Advising offices, Financial Aid office, registrar, etc....
2
I don’t think guns should be allowed on campus at all. However, I think it is most
imperative to keep places where therapeutic services are provided (e.g., the Psychology
Clinic, Family Therapy Clinic, Student Counseling Center) gun-free in order to ensure
both therapist and client safety. As a doctoral student, I would not have chosen to attend
TTU if I knew that guns were allowed on campus.
2
Clearly I am in a minority when it comes to this issue in this part of the country, and like I
said before I am all about making campus a safer place. But all this law does is force us
to put our trust in the hands of people who in many cases are still learning to be adults.
Every shot taken will be a shot to kill and not just disarm, every person with the gun will
have them out at times of shootings which make it impossible to decipher who it was
that took the first shot. At the end of the day it’s not that I don’t trust our lawmakers
abilities to make the campus safer. It’s that I don’t trust the young, alcohol-fueled, and
sometimes irrational culture that comes with college campuses to wield a deadly
weapon for ‘my protection’. If it is about feeling safer than many students on campus
who are afraid of guns instantly feel much less safe. God help us if there is ever a
drunken shooting .
2
I believe that Texas Tech should be a gun free campus.
2
Odds are that someone with a gun, good or bad intentions will cause more harm than
good. You are more likely to have an accident that protect someone with a gun. GUNS
SHOULD NOT BE ON CAMPUS PERIOD. What could happen when someone with a
gun, who tries to protect innocent lives comes face to face with the police. They put
more danger on themselves and others that for protection. Guns complicate the problem
not solve them.
2
Universities should 100% remain gun-free.
2
University is a place to learn, there shouldn’t be any guns. Students shouldn’t carry
then, there is no threat for them. It should be mandatory for every student to go to
92 workshops about civil behavior.
2
No guns should be allowed on campus.(period)
2
I think our student’s safety is the top priority of the university. The presence of guns in
any environment over time statistically leads to more injuries and deaths from accidents
and impulsive use, than that they prevent injuries and death by using them against
perpetrators. Therefore limiting their presence to the minimum allowed by law is in the
best interest of our students’ safety. If guns cannot be removed from campus altogether
because current lawmakers apparently do not share our respect for human life, then it is
our duty to least keep guns away from campus locations with the most students and the
highest risk of them being used.
2
Personally, I feel that most CHL individual are not trained in case of a major incident on
campus. And should be left for the professional that a very well trained.
2
I would never feel safe with guns carried inside campus.
2
There is no reason for anyone other than trained police officers and security officers to
carry guns on campus.
2
This legislation is absurd and will not serve to reduce the threats to safety on campus. It
violates the rights of our students to be educated in a safe environment.
2
I believe there should not be guns allowed on any parts of the campus
2
Guns are the problem so why let more people carry them? I think is a terrible idea.
2
As an employee on the campus, I am concerned about handguns or any other
weaponry being allowed on the campus. With over 30,000 students, there are volatile
situations all over the campus on a daily basis. Allowing guns on the campus is just
inviting unexpected violence and daily anxiety for all persons on the campus.
2
I personally do not think guns (any firearm) should be allowed on campus.
2
I strongly oppose the concealed handguns to be open carried in the classroom setting. I
will start looking for a new job in other states because I feel the policy diminishes my
teaching effectiveness and creates a hazardous working environment.
2
I do not support the idea of being able to carry concealed handguns on campus. There
will be a constant threat to the students, faculty and staff 24/7 throughout the year!!
2
This is bad for the university in so many ways. See my text answer for #8 above for just
some of the ways this will hurt TTU. We will lose some potential faculty candidates and,
depending on the consequences of this policy, we may lose some of our current
superstar faculty. Given that we already lose nationally recognized faculty due to pay
differentials and policy problems, this just adds one more layer of poor working
environment for the faculty. The state of Texas is creating a hostile working environment
for us.
2
With more guns allowed on campus, more shootings will occur whether they are
accidental or intentional. The requirements to legally carry a handgun are not rigorous
enough to teach an individual how to handle a gun safely if they have not had prior
experience. Our job is to protect the students on campus and we cannot even
93 guarantee that because of alcohol and physical abuse. Let’s don’t add guns to the mix.
2
Dealing with a lot of undergraduate students, I believe it would be unsafe for the faculty
to have students carrying guns. That is a big responsibility and I see a lot of people that
I believe would not be able to hold it (too many students not understanding that their
grade is a result of their work, not professor’s being mean/nice).
2
With school shootings becoming more and more common, happening more and more
often, it seems like nothing short of ‘fueling the fire’ to allow students to bring guns onto
the campus and INTO the classrooms. The only person who feels safe when someone
has a gun is the person carrying the gun - and sometimes not even they feel safe,
hence the danger. Allowing this to happen is going to create an atmosphere of fear and
timidity, not only among the student body, but among the professors, who will begin to
fear assigning poor grades, since students may be bringing a gun, along with a personal
grudge, into the classroom. As a grad student currently pursuing his MA and applying to
Tech for my PhD in Literature, all in the hopes of becoming a college professor, this
legislation is causing me to give serious thought toward taking my studies elsewhere,
preferably out-of-state. Texas has always been my home, but if my home doesn’t feel
safe anymore, it’s time to move.
2
In my view, this is absolutely a stupid idea. A right-wing conservative social experiment.
There is absolutely no evidence that allowing handguns on campus will prevent active
violent acts. It will create an atmosphere of suspicion and fear. Not sure I want to be
here to find out.
2
As an African - American student attending a predominantly Caucasian university, which
happens to be in West Texas where racism is very immense, I feel as though my life
would be at risk on a daily basis. I don’t feel like carrying guns on campus is necessary.
We come to school to learn. Guns will only be a distraction. If a student feels as though
they need to carry a gun for protection, why do we have Tech police? I don’t see a need
for campus carry.
2
I believe that Only cops should carry guns, and they need a to be highly visible
presence on campus, instead of allowing every nut to have a gun. Obviously there are a
lot of problems with background checks or there wouldn’t be any gun toting crazies. TTU
needs not to be so cheap in allowing regular civilians to police this issue. Pour more
funds into our safety and security and less into more unnecessary frivolous wants. I
want my child to grow up and go to TTU someday, but will not want him to attend if you
allow everyone to carry a gun. Stop considering to being too cheap to employ more
cops. They are more attentive to the likelihood of potential threats as they are trained to
do so. I hate to imagine the amount of money you’re already putting into the effort to
consider and implement this. I do work for in the business office, and also graduated
from College and noticed ours was not even mentioned in the departmental drop down
so had to pick from what was there.
2
Guns and ammo are not enabling to creation of non-threatening learning environments.
I will feel less safe on the TTU campus when campus-carry is enacted.
94 2
Carrying weapons to school should be illegal as there is a lot of people with different
opinions and we never know who might one day decide to plan a mass murder. Police
enforcement and security should be the ones in charge of this action, they are the ones
who have to protect the campus, not students with no experience.
2
It is really unsafe to study or live on campus with this policy in effect and I will start
transferring process to another University with no such rule that threaten my life and my
academic progress.
2
Any allowances on the carry of firearms, both concealed and open, poses a threat to
any and every student, faculty member, staff member, and visitor in any location on
campus. Such allowance invites an inevitable increase in firearms and potential for
accidents and intentional incidents. As a member of the mental health field staff and
former student, I have witnessed first-hand several situations in which the rational
thought exercised by entities on campus has been overruled by emotional flagrancy,
and the permission of those entities to carry would have resulted in fatal consequences.
I would most certainly expect incidents related to retaliation for course performance,
targeting of diverse groups, response to political or personal beliefs. Although I was
raised in an environment predisposed to safe and proper firearm usage, I can discern
that, on campus, all aspects of academic life are threatened by the prevalence of
firearms, both open and concealed.
2
I strongly oppose the campus carry legislation. Students have expressed their
discomfort at being in a classroom with a concealed handgun. This legislation stalls the
progress being made in student life, specifically in terms of free expression, identity, and
their rights to a safe and confidence building academic setting.
2
Given the shootings recently on college campuses, it ought to be apparent to anyone
with a conscience that guns should not be allowed ANYWHERE on any college
campuses. Our students are young, emotional, and hardly capable of managing a
weapon with any real sense of maturity. My office should be gun-free. My classroom
should be gun-free. This campus should be gun-free. I didn’t sign up to serve in the
military when I spent ten years getting the degree I need to teach university students.
Instead of pretending to be concerned about our opinions by putting out a survey, you
should be fighting this legislation and fighting it valiantly.
2
I understand the favoring of this policy, however, I stand with the opposition. I just don’t
see the need for concealed handguns. I get that there are incidents where shooters kill
innocent people, but I don’t believe letting people carry handguns on campuses will do
anything except instigate more dangerous incidents. Personally, I would feel more
stressed, more vulnerable, and less safe if concealed handguns were allowed on
campus. I understand the fight for equality of rights and the safety of our students, but I
don’t think this is the right way to go about this. No one should have to feel anxious,
stressed, or unsafe because they are distracted by the thought of people around them
carrying guns.
2
I am pro-gun in most of its aspects. However when it comes to concealed carry, believe
it creates an environment of unease.
95 2
This is absolutely horrendous that this legislation passed. It will have incredibly negative
implications associated with it, and does not facilitate a safe learning environment. I’m
ashamed to be associated with a state that is implementing this in college classrooms.
That being said, I’m happy that a committee is working with faculty and staff to make the
best out of a horrible situation. The paranoia associated with the individual need to carry
a gun everywhere is ridiculous. Just my thoughts.
2
The campus carry legislation is a horrible idea that will make Texas Tech University a
significantly more dangerous place. If there ever was an active shooter, the last thing
we need is a wannabe hero exchanging fire in the midst of panicking students. Law
enforcement, who are actually trained and prepared, will have a much more difficult job
in that case, trying to figure out who is the ‘bad guy’ with the gun and who is the
supposed ‘good guy,’ making restoring order more difficult. As an instructor, I am also
extremely worried about the prospect of armed students, both for my own personal
safety (18 year old freshmen receiving a bad grade are not the most rational people
always) and for the threat it poses to the free exchange of ideas.
2
I am a distance graduate student based in Toronto, Canada. I am extremely nervous
coming on to the campus in Lubbock because of the potential for concealed handguns.
In my opinion, no weapons should be allowed on campus. Ever.
2
I do not believe guns should be allowed on campus. If you are going to allow this to
occur, the people who are going to carry concealed weapons on campus must identify
2
As a person whose father was a police officer I have seen and heard of things that are
horrible. Handgun laws are not strict enough for registration to make me feel
comfortable knowing there would be those who are currently able to purchase a gun,
who have the potential to take down a classroom of students.
2
I think its a dangerous decision.
2
I support individual gun ownership, but not concealed carry on campus. The Texas
Department of Public Safety has the following item in its FAQ on concealed carry: 33.
What does concealed mean? Can I carry my handgun in plain view with my Concealed
Handgun License (CHL)? The handgun cannot be visible or discernible through ordinary
observation. Texas Penal Code Chapter 46 prohibits carrying the handgun in plain view.
CHL holders may be subject to criminal charges for carrying a handgun in plain view.
http://dps.texas.gov/RSD/CHL/faqs/ What steps are being taken to address CHL holders
who fail to adequately conceal their handguns while on campus?
2
I am of the opinion that arming more people in public places does not create so much an
increased sense of safety as an increased sense of paranoia. Even well-intentioned,
rational people with concealed carry licenses that I have known carry a sort of chip on
their shoulder, and seem to imagine themselves to be a sort of vanguard of law and
justice. I think, at the very least, allowing more people in a public institution to cultivate
that mindset by carrying a weapon as they go to class and use university services will
produced an environment that is not conducive to learning and open exchange of
information. I would not go so far as to say I am afraid to be harmed by those who
concealed carry, but the knowledge that more people feel it necessary to arm
themselves should speak to the need for conversations about a culture of gun violence
and fear, not rules that allow that culture to thrive. At the University, we claim to engage
96 in those kind of conversations- that seems a good start.
2
I do not see how an open-carry campus is beneficial to our student body.
2
No Guns on campus
2
I am a teaching assistant, who is going to protect my safety when I am teaching? Plus, I
am from another country, bringing guns to school is the most dangerous thing I have
ever heard. How can I study and work if I am not feeling safe?
2
Guns have no place on a college campus, period.
2
No guns on campus!!!!!!!
2
It’s just such a bad idea!
2
I personally do not feel the need to allow a concealed gun in a school. First reason
being it might be used for wrong reasons and at the wrong time. Like robbing and
kidnap on campus by threatening with the gun. Secondly, who would monitor the
carrying of gun in gun free zones? If a person is carrying the gun and uses it, there is no
point taking action that he carried it after the incident has happened. I think the police
department is enough for campus safety and a gun is not required. But these are my
personal views and they might differ drastically from what management thinks.
2
I support gun rights, but I’m not comfortable with anyone with a concealed carry license
to have a gun on campus. Concealed carry licenses are acquired easily through
training. Just because someone doesn’t have a fingerprint record doesn’t mean they are
‘ok’ to carry a concealed weapon without some concern (ex. mental stability).
2
I understand the rights of all American Citizens ‘to bear arms,‘ yet I don’t think that it is
appropriate to bring any fire arm on campus. This is an academic institution, not
somebody’s private residence. As an employe and father of a TTU student, I feel
completely safe on campus (at all times) under the current ‘gun control’ regulations. If
students, staff and faculty members were allowed to carry concealed weapons, I would
feel uneasy in many circumstances, especially after hours.
2
I cannot fathom how anyone could think allowing guns on a college campus is a good
idea.
2
I think this will open a huge amount of threats that were not currently in place with all
guns being outlawed. I hope that there is some sort of repeal at some time.
2
There’s no need for guns on campus
2
unfortunately, I now feel I need a gun. I also am aware of several potential new faculty
(female and male) that will not consider Texas Tech or other Texas institutions because
of this new law. We are taking a big step in the wrong direction. Let’s see if a trend will
97 exist for higher grades. Can we just give all A’s?
2
Honestly might be the most absurd idea I’ve been presented with throughout my time on
a college campus. I’m a 22 year old graduate student and live on campus. I can’t carry a
30 rack of beer around but people who are younger than me may be able to conceal a
gun on campus. Literally ridiculous. I don’t own a gun and probably never will but there
is no place for guns on a college campus. Figure out the whole wet campus deal for ‘of
age’ students first. There will be a lot less of a potential for harm if you ask me.
2
I am shocked that this happening and disappointed that my school has such a lacks
attitude. No one should be allowed to carry guns on campus other then trained
professionals i.e. The police. In no way do I think we should allow 19 year olds or 25
year olds anyone permission to bring a gun into my office hour, or my classroom. This is
a slap in the faces of everyone that has died at the hands of gun violence. I grew up
with guns, have hunted, etc. but this is outrageous. I am a very concerned Grad student
2
I believe that any educational environment holds a higher stress and mental instability
capacity than your everyday institution. For this reason, I firmly believe that it is not a
safe environment for firearms. Additionally, there is absolutely no education out there
from the university on procedure for shooter and hostage situations. I think on such a
large, conservative campus where guns are viewed in such positive light, there are real
safety concerns that have been seemingly disregarded. I fully belive that there should
be a mandatory online training program instructing students and staff on what exactly is
taking place on campus and how to avoid danger, as well as what to do WHEN, not IF,
but WHEN there is a discharged firearm or shooter situation. Overall, I whole-heartedly
believe a college campus, athletic stadium, and university function is NEVER the right
time or place to be in possession of a firearm.
2
Totally Not safe for all of us.
2
Knowing that anyone that I come in contact could potentially be a person with a cwp
does not make me feel safe.
2
Any environment where I have to worry about a potential shooting is no learning
environment. There is no reason to bring a gun into the classroom, concealed or not.
‘More guns’ can never be a solution, as they are objects specifically made to take lives.
‘More guns’ can never bring me comfort, and I don’t know how guns became a symbol
of personal safety in this country. Notice that the presence of a gun anywhere puts a
palpable tension in the air, a constant fear of potential injury or death. To those who
worry about infringements upon personal freedom--what about my personal freedom to
not be around such objects? When you bring them into public places, you are infringing
upon my personal freedom, my wish for safety. As I am going to be a teacher, I am
terrified of the possibilities that this type of legislation can inflict upon my future
classrooms. How many more examples of school shootings do we need? How many
more deaths at the hands of people who shouldn’t have been given gun?
2
I am strongly against this policy. Having a license to carry a weapon does not equal
being able to use one in a room full of people under stressful circumstances. The notion
that it can stop a shooter without further casualties is idealist at best. Instead it will
create paranoia every time a TA or Professor is in a room with students. It will prevent
open discussions of opposing ideas for fear of what an escalating argument can lead to.
98 Guns have no place in Education.
2
I think it’s obscene to allow guns anywhere near a collegiate campus. It’s disgusting. I’m
sorry you have to decide which areas will be safer than others. What a horrible decision
you have to make.
2
Negligent discharges occur more frequently than some realize, so I am a bit concerned
about an accidental discharge while ‘showing off’ a new or unfamiliar weapon to a
classmate or instructor. I’m not sure how to negate that, which is why I am concerned.
2
I believe the entire campus should remain gun-free with the exception of law
enforcement
2
There is no justifiable reason someone should need to have a loaded gun on their
person while on campus.
2
No guns in general. This is a learning environment, we all need to feel safe coming to
school.
2
College shootings have become more frequent, and allowing concealed carry on
campus is just going to make this issue worse.
2
This is absolutely a stupid idea.
2
I am strongly opposed to the open carry legislation. It threatens academic freedom,
teaching, research and social activities. Guns should not be allowed anywhere on
university premises
2
Do not do it!
2
If this law had been in effect when I was offered a job here at Tech, it would have been
a deal breaker. I would have declined the position. Now I’m stuck with it and am
looking at the earliest possible retirement date. I’m discouraged that the university has
simply accepted the law rather than camping for the repeal of a law we did not want,
need or support.
2
What a terrible idea to allow hand guns in an educational institution! It promotes gun
violence.
2
The Campus Carry Law infringes on people’ options for exchanging ideas. The threat
that moves with the gun carrying individuals creates an extra, more visible layer of threat
in classrooms and on campus.
2
I am adamantly opposed to guns on campus. They inhibit safety on campus and they
do not belong in an educational setting. As a staff member and a graduate student, I
feel that my comfort in both capacities is being threatened. I know that this decision is
not being executed by Texas Tech University, and appreciate forums such as this to be
able to provide feedback. One area that I did not see mentioned on this survey as a gun
free zone was residence halls, these should never have guns allowed within the halls.
2
It is ridiculous that we create laws based on lobby’s opinion and not actual researched
findings and logic. This gun law will do nothing but simply make the campus less safe
99 for everyone.
2
This concealed carry legislation is simply, patently insane.
2
Given all the violence on campuses nationwide, I think it increases the risk of violence
rather than increasing safety to have campus carry. Too high of a possibility of strangers
with guns, drunks with guns, angry people with guns, etc.
2
I think guns have no place anywhere on campus.
2
Guns do not belong at a University or any of it’s events
2
No weapons on campus, please...
2
Is there a chance to ban concealed weapons from campus at all? There are Police
Officers everywhere, no need for anybody to carry a weapon...
2
NO GUNS SHOULD BE ALLOWED IN CAMPUS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE!
2
It seems absurd to me that we would even consider allowing individuals to carry
concealed weapons in an institution of learning setting. I would certainly consider no
longer working in the academic environment knowing the increase in mental illness in
this country, our blind-eye approach to addressing it, and the knowledge that creating an
environment of fear is the basis for carrying a weapon in the first place, not the right to
bare arms (which is specific to its relationship to corrupt governments, yet we have
ignored this).
2
Please do not allow to carry any gun, fire arms in TTU
2
I think it’s a good idea to have campus carry, however, there is a degree of concern to
certain students. There are students who have a very short fuse and I think are capable
of snapping very easily.
2
Educational facilities and settings should be free of guns, Are you nuts? we are
discussing this issue? if you go to any country in Latin America and some in Europe,
and then you ask them hey: what do you think about carrying weapons to universities
and public spaces in general? they will laugh at you. It seems this society is not learning
anything from the schools shootings that have been happening since 1998. Let me tell
you something else, if you are asking me while you are carrying a gun, I will not tell you
what I really think about it: do you want this type of situation happening all the time in
the institution that has the responsibility of teaching through discussion? This society
needs to take a look at other countries and start wondering about what positive things
can be learned rather than just labeling as ‘underdeveloped’.
2
I think allowing more guns on a college campus or in society in general is a huge
mistake. I realize that this is a state mandated policy, but I strongly disagree with it. God
forbid if we have an active shooter, are the permit holders going to spring into action and
gun down the shooter? That sounds a lot like the wild west and not commensurate with
civil society.
2
I think allowing people to carry guns inside a university campus would increase gunrelated violence.
100 2
No guns at all
2
If TTU sees itself as a progressive educational institution in a sophisticated, advanced
and progressive society the university has a moral and social obligation to strongly
oppose the carrying of guns as personal weapons in any public space whether on
campus or elsewhere and to educate its faculty, staff, students and the general public
on the issue of gun control and attitudes towards owning and carrying of personal
weapons in a modern society. The university must be an aggressive and persuasive
player in this regard. Campus polices should try to keep guns from the campus as must
as possible.
2
There have been over 60 campus shootings in the US in the last three years. Permitting
guns is unsafe.
2
Considereing so many incidents happening related to gun shooting I am strictly against
gun carrying on campus. Any means of violence has never brought any good anywhere.
2
I am supporting total gun-free campus with the exception of law enforcing agent.
2
I’m a foreign student and I’m concerned about this freedom to carry guns in campus. I
love TTU and I’m grateful with the opportunity that Texas gave me to improve my
education. However, I feel that not everybody is mature enough to carry a gun in a
university campus. I don’t want to see my TTU in the news for an accident related with
guns inside campus.
2
I am concerned that the carry policy will increase the chances of having an on-campus
shooting.
2
There is no control over this legislation in the greater scheme of the problem. I do
believe that education campuses should be gun free zones. However, now that this has
ben imposed by the legislation then the University should EDUCATE what is the best
type of hang guns, the best type of ammunition and how to properly use it. Education in
this case is key, to avoid any mishaps because of this ludicrous new law.
2
I oppose the passage if SB 11. I do not believe that the Texas Legislature represented
the interest of the residents of Texas; rather, they represented their donors who promote
gun sales and violence, particularly the NRA. I believe that this for-profit interest has
distorted the original intent of the Second Amendment for its own financial gain. Further,
I believe that SB 11 violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and I will
support legal and political action to block the implementation of SB 11.
2
Please do not allow guns to be carried on this campus. University is a place for learning
and self improvement through intellectual enlightenment. By allowing firearms on
campus, you willingly invite destructive forces onto campus.
2
As a student, I believe that we should remain a gun-free school. Texas Tech is my home
and the population of Texas Tech, as well as myself, should not have to walk around
campus feeling like they are in danger. I know we have a right to open carry since the
bill has been passed, but we are an extremely large campus and a large population on
our campuses. There are too many lives too worry about. It will be safer to not allow
open carry.
101 2
Guns have no place on campus. Period. Horrible piece of legislation. Pretty good
assessment (including mention of this group): http://chronicle.com/article/As-CampusGun-Violence/233727/
2
Please do not allow students to carry guns on campus.
2
Campus carry is a horrible idea. The ability for students, faculty and staff to be able to
have potentially open debates and critiques about ideas is paramount to a learning
environment. There should not be fear of retaliation, threats, or any other form of action
against a person for having a differing opinion. Things are so divided right now that no
one person is ever wrong and everyone else with a differing opinion is considered
‘stupid.’ Students even at the legal age to be able to carry are to emotional over
minuscule items and they blow everything out of proportion. I have been threatened
before by students, and don’t want to find out that they are just not able to control their
emotions anymore by violence and acting out, instead of actually discussing things.
This legislation is a horrible thing!
2
We don’t need guns on campus but we need security officers with gun. Only
police/soldier should have gun.
2
Campus carry has the potential to hurt a lot more people that it could probably help. I
would really urge to school to re-consider there part in this and make Tech as a whole a
gun free zone.
2
As an academic community, we need to take steps now to repeal the current campus
carry legislation. We should have our state legislators visit campus where they can hear
from all constituencies about how this law will affect college campuses.
2
please no gun inside ttu campus!!!!!
2
I am not sure if I would be able to teach at an educational facility that allowed students
and employees to carry concealed handguns. While a planned shooting is always a
danger; it is not nearly as frightening as an unbalanced person losing control or an
accidental shooting. How can it be assumed that arming civilians will ensure safety
during a planned shooting? The complications to this proposal are endless.
2
I do not believe in gun control, but there are already enough people at Texas Tech who
have firearms. Please don’t continue to welcome dangerous weapons into a college
campus full of young, immature, and irrational students. This legislation does not make
me feel more safe, but rather, less safe.
2
No guns. No guns. No guns.
2
In order to maintain campus safety, we need to prohibit gun carriage on campus except
professional trained police officers and safe guard.
2
Allowing concealed hand guns on campus is absurd. The amount of tension that is
constantly around the campus given the academic competition and interpersonal
relationships is undeniable. What is the benefit in allowing concealed hand guns? Just
to appease those who feel their rights are being infringed upon? ‘Guns don’t kill people,
people do’ is an incredibly surface level and shallow analysis of the situation. It is no
coincidence that there have been multiple issues pertaining to weapons on college
campuses and it would be a shame to give such authority to half the majority of the
102 student body who are still children trying to find their way in the world.
2
I donot have a gun and donot plan to carry a gun. I donot want any person carrying gun
in campus or in car. I prefer gun free zone every where in campus, bus, and parking lot.
2
Allowing students to carry concealed handguns anywhere on campus is dangerous but
especially in the classroom. As noted elsewhere, I don’t want to be in a classroom
shootout with more than 100 students when those carrying concealed handguns are
trying to determine where to direct their fire. Allowing concealed handguns in the
classroom is dangerous to every individual in that classroom. Our state legislature
should have known better.
2
Campus carry makes me hesitant to apply for teaching jobs in Texas. I fear that talented
professors will go to other institutions instead of Texas Tech solely because of campus
carry.
2
If someone has a CHL that doesn’t make them an expert marksmen. If some one was
shooting and someone pulls out their gun to shoot the shooter, they could potentially
shoot an innocent person due to not being able to hit a specific target or may not hit the
target at all and would make the shooter mad which may result in more fatalities.
2
Please make classrooms free of guns
2
Please make sure that our school does not become a campus that allows guns!
2
Most classrooms have one maybe two doors and that would definitely be problematic
during any gun/violence related situations. Having guns in classrooms is extremely
unnecessary; the classroom shouldn’t be threatening for students and faculty, it causes
anxiety for students and definitely professors and any other faculty.
2
I cannot believe that we are even considering allowing concealed carry on campus.
What is this, the old west? What next, riding horses to class? How in heavens name
can we be seen as a place of learning, or have parents trust us with their children and
not be leaders against violence. That is why we have police and security. Put metal
detectors on every door, but do not allow handguns Ever!!
2
I don’t believe that guns should be allowed on campus.
2
I have an MBA from TTU. I am currently an online graduate student at TTU. My son
attends TTU. I am a former military officer with a Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon. I
am OPPOSED to open carry on campuses. I believe that there will be an increase in
innocent lives lost. There is a false belief that we can protect our citizens from harm.
FALSE. There will never be 100% protection. EVER. The more guns we have, the more
people who think they know how to use a gun and don’t, the more people think they
know how they will react in a situation, the more lives will be lost.
2
Why are concealed hand guns allowed on campus at all - can a special law be applied
to prohibit all guns on campus?
103 2
Students introduced guns into fraternity conflicts and personal altercations. Freshman-18 year old students(!)--were murdered by their peers. How much more incendiary will
these incidents be if students are lawfully allowed to carry concealed weapons with
impunity (not to mention the incidents of mass murder consistently inflicted upon us by
disturbed, enraged, sick nihilists)? There is NO EVIDENCE anywhere that proves that
concealed carry laws increase the safety of any environment-quite the opposite. I really
can’t believe that the campus community will be subject to such madness. I am already
grieving. NO GUNS ANYWHERE.
2
My concern is that we are becoming a society of the early West; If everyone carries with
these students that are far away from home, emotional and mentally immature; there
needs to be other resources to help them, carrying a gun is not a solution to any
problem. We will end up have gun fights at the O.K. Corral all over campus; that’s my
fear. Guns will be the way the express their feelings.
2
University is not a place to have guns with you. It puts teachers and students in danger.
What is the reason for bringing it to campus? I think we carry with us what we need, why
would student coming to classes need a gun with him/her...It seems as an
encouragement to shootings in colleges and universities! Very unsafe!
2
All locations should be a gun-free zone
2
I personally, would prefer that the university be a gun-free zone.
2
If we want more guns on campus, hire more police and trained security officers. Give
them better pay and more resources. Do not let the average citizen decide they should
take the law into their own hands - this is ridiculous.
2
I think that on campus is one of the few places I feel completely safe, because I don’t
have to worry about guns, and for them to be openly allowed gives me a lot of anxiety
given the current mental health issue that is obvious in our country. I do support people
being able to have guns, and I 100% plan to be a licensed carrier myself, however, on
university campus I just do not see a need for a gun at all. Furthermore, there is no
demand for guns on campus, and to even further that, there is more of a demand to
prohibit them. I know it’s already going into act so this won’t really mean much. But this
is an area where students are trying to learn and further themselves and I just don’t
understand why anyone would need a gun in this environment. Even if to defend against
mass shooters, it’s almost like treating something with more of the disease, rather than
fixing the cause. It makes me even more uncomfortable considering the racism, sexism,
homophobia, etc. that is also prevalent
2
I don’t believe more guns will prevent or minimize the damage from a shooter. with the
number of guns in the campus, there will be high probability for some with anger
management problems to draw guns and cause harm when the gun is at their
immediate reach.
2
I realize that TTU is subject to Texas legislation, but allowing guns on campus makes
me, especially as a person of authority very uncomfortable. I will no longer welcome
students to visit my office outside of 9-5 out of fear that there will be too few people on
campus should an event occur. We deal with highly controversial issues in political
science. Furthermore, we give out bad news regularly. I don’t want a student to have a
gun on their person when they realize they wont graduate due to their performance in
104 my course. They may have NEVER intended to use it, but in the heat of the moment
things could get out of hand. This genuinely causes me fear.
2
Carrying guns, concealed or unconcealed, in a center of high learning and research like
a university is an absurdity. There must be NO guns in a university except for those
carried by the university police under very careful regulations.
2
I can not stress enough my opposition to the campus legislation. All the lawmakers
should be sent home for wasting tax payers money passing these type of laws.
2
I’m all for gun ownership but opening the door for people to carry on college campuses I
am not for. No way to monitor who has guns and if they have permits. More security
personnel would be my option.
2
If some feels the need to bring a gun to campus it can not be for anything good. I
believe the whole campus must be a gun -free zone and we should enforce it. This is a
place for learning and the police and other avenues to report threats and violence are
enough.
2
concealed weapons should not be allowed anywhere.
2
I believe that a college campus should be a gun-free zone. I am a staunch supporter of
gun control legislation.
2
Guns should not be on campus, ever, period.
2
I will be looking for another job if the University does not ban guns from campus. This is
insanity.
2
It appalls me that guns are allowed. In no way should guns be allowed on campus, and
it will make teaching undergraduate students (who are stressed, worried, unstable, etc)
more difficult knowing the COULD have a gun in my classroom and I would never know.
This should not be a factor to how well we are able to educate students. This is an
educational institution, and a discussion like this takes away from the great research
and teaching that happens on this campus. My job is not to worry about a shooter on
campus, and although I know there are larger National issues that have resulted in the
worry to many faculty, allowing concealed carry will only make the problems worse. If
anything, we need more security on campus that would deter a person from ever
thinking that can bring a weapon that kills onto campus. I also think we need better
background checks on the students we let into the school, so that if they ARE a risk in
any way, they are not allowed into TTU until proven stable.
2
College is for getting an education. If danger arises let the trained personal handle the
situation. Such as the police department!
2
I feel threaten by the idea of having students with the right of carry a gun into my class.I
do not feel safe at all, and I do not think is safe for the students.
2
it is shocking to me that I am filling out a form like this. Guns have no place on a college
105 campus.
2
I think campus carry is horrifying. College is a highly stressful and often alchohol fueled
environment. Adding more guns to the environment seems like a recipe for accidental
and intentional shootings and suicides. I also think it is a cop out on the part of tax
payers and the university. If we do not believe our campus is safe enough, hire more
police officers and train them. Campus carry gives the illusion of safety without the
university having to spend money on safety. It is a dangerous lack of responsibility on
the part of the university. Even if we designate no-carry zones on campus, if guns are
allowed in many areas, how do we protect these no-gun zones? Will Tech install metal
detectors in the doorways of every faculty office? I may or may not continue to work at
Tech (or in TX) if concealed carry becomes the norm. I would feel unsafe every day.
Perhaps more importantly, I would never pay for my children to attend a university with
campus carry.
2
I strongly oppose campus carry I believe it would put students lives in more danger than
it would provide protection. It would allow for several racial based deaths especially
being in such a place as West Texas. Guns have no place in environments where
students and children predominantly reside. This is a university we have no idea the
personalities, backgrounds or psychological status of those that will be carrying these
licensed weapons. I fail to see any benefits there would be from being able to freely
carry weapons around campus when there are so many risks or opportunities for
‘mistakes’ or misfires. Furthermore the mental, emotional and physical distress this can
and will cause many by knowing, seeing and experiencing their peers carry guns will be
lasting and dangerous. It will definitely take away from the learning environment Tech
encourages as well as students general wellbeing.
2
The guns are out there whether there is a policy or not. I feel a University setting should
be entirely gun free. Maybe the focus should be on educating the students of what to do
in the event of a campus shooting. This could be done like the mandatory 1 credit hour
‘course’.
2
This recent legalization act will have tremendous consequences for our campus, which
will be only negative, since no one can actually defend themselves when someone
carries a gun and wishes to harm him/her even if they carry a gun themselves. Hence
any measure to maximize ‘off-limits’ or ‘gun-free’ zones should be taken and the
campus police should be placed everywhere including every classroom, every faculty
office, the University Library, and the Student Union.
2
I don’t believe allowing guns on campus would make the learning environment safer. In
contrast, open carry would intimidate everyone and increase the possibilities of shooting
and injuring people.
Suggestions
Comments
3
The prohibition or legalization of concealed carry weapons should not impact those who
are law abiding citizens who use their weapons within the premise of the law. Handguns
are not allowed in facilities that serve alcohol. Add a campus bar to every facility on
campus and you virtually eliminate concealed carry on campus and could increase
revenue for the institution.
106 3
I was disappointed to not see anything in this survey about classrooms and offices
(besides the one option about classes that are 50+ students).
3
I believe that students should be able to carry on campus for protection only (walking to
your vehicle at night). I think that if a student is carrying then they must be licensed to do
so. I think that the guns under a certain caliber should be allowed.
3
I do not want guns anywhere on campus, but since our lawmakers say it’s a must, I
believe we should ban guns in classroom -- where a lot of shootings on campus’
nationwide have occurred. Athletic events, large gatherings for plays, concerts and other
events should also be gun free. Guns should also be banned from any event serving
alcohol.
3
I am unsure that I can ethically require students to be in my classroom when other
students might be concealing a fire arm. Is the University anticipating any policy with
respect to accommodating students uncomfortable with being in the presence of other
armed students?
3
If there is a way to prohibit guns in classrooms, you guys should do that.
3
This law is likely to adversely impact recruitment of foreign and out-of-state students.
3
I think the main issue is the uncertainty of someone with a license to carry. You don’t
want people wondering if they’re supposed to have a gun or not and becoming uneasy.
This can cause for a bad learning environment.
3
You must consider the legality of concealed carry as being fundamental opposed to
some rules related to pathogens in labs. For example, any item must be able to be
cleaned before leaving the lab, however, it is unlawful to reveal a concealed handgun.
Therefore, any lab with such rules MUST be gun-free, not for gun safety, but for lab
safety. I am a CHL holder and I am thoroughly opposed to campus carry. However, if it
is legal for students, we must also make it viable for faculty as well.
3
I don’t believe there should be any ‘gun-free zones’ as those are just targets for active
shooters. If there are no ‘gun-free zones’, the likelihood of an active shooter goes down
tremendously. Please use the least amount of restrictions as possible.
3
If open carry is allowed in buildings, classrooms, and throughout campus then I think
employees of the University should be trained and armed in case of a bad situation.
3
I realize that the legislation allows carry on campus, but there is nothing in my reading of
it that says that we have to allow carry anywhere INSIDE the buildings on our campus.
Classrooms, offices, research labs, athletic facilities, libraries, and the student union are
all such ‘high risk’ targets for an active shooting problem. I see no reason to allow this.
3
As an Academic Advisor I am concerned about Academic Advising Centers in the
Colleges being a target of disgruntled students. We haven’t had many; but we have on
occasion had a student become unruly about something said in an advising session.
3
How can you say handguns are a potential threat to academic freedom, yet have free
speech zones? Shouldn’t the entire campus be a free speech zone where ideas can be
exchanged?
107 3
Additional education/resources and safety/preparation training is essential. At this time I
feel uncomfortable knowing there will be concealed handguns around campus. I am not
comfortable around guns period. More exposure and understanding to mass shooter
behavior as well as gun safety would be helpful and at least somewhat comforting.
3
Limit campus carry as much as you possibly can.
3
I think an all or nothing approach is more feasible. I personally don’t want conceal carry
on campus, but by restricting certain areas you make them more of a target and it can
be confusing to those who want to carry but did not realize there were so many random
places that they could not carry. I think labs and athletic events are common sense
areas though. Realistically, I don’t think a person is going to be walking on campus and
go ‘I’m going to take this longer route since I can’t take my gun in the SUB/Free speech
area/etc.’
3
I believe in the campus carry law. I also believe that the only way to stop a bad guy with
a gun is a good guy with a gun. Extensive education needs to be provided to staff,
faculty and students on when, where and how to carry a concealed firearm. This can be
a good thing that can make Texas Tech a safer campus.
3
This law makes me question my life-long decision to pursue Higher Education. In now
way can you enact a policy that will keep me safe while condoning the legal carrying of
firearms, no matter the training or intention of the user. By allowing individuals to carry
firearms, you are putting my life at risk, and should I ever die do to your decision, I hope
you look back on these days as you accept your responsibility for the loss of life.
3
Guns should not be allowed in residence halls.
3
I am a concealed handgun license holder, but as my views have developed since I
obtained that license, I believe that educational institutions should be gun-free (and that
stricter gun laws should be passed). Many support open/concealed carry with the logic
that a good guy with a gun can stop a bad guy with a gun. In an active shooter situation,
I know that I would not use my handgun to stop the shooter for fear of being identified as
a threat by first responders and possibly being injured/killed myself. Additional firearms
in such a circumstance might escalate, rather than resolve, the situation. In addition, I
would not feel comfortable openly expressing my opinions and thoughts in class with
firearms present, as I have experienced heated classroom discussions over certain
topics before and that was uncomfortable enough without a weapon involved. As an
employee, I am also uncomfortable with students carrying guns due to possibility of
retaliation for a perceived slight on my part.
3
Given the recent university shootings, I would not feel safe whatsoever being a student
of Texas Tech University if civilians were allowed to carry firearms. If anyone were to be
allowed to carry a firearm, it should only be mature professors with licenses that have
the ability to protect their own students given an active shooter decides to act, and the
police force that protect us as students and us as citizens.
3
I’d be comforted knowing there was a plan in place in the case of an active threat on
campus (beyond a simple email).
3
I feel that the TTU rules on concealed carry should be as restrictive as possible.
108 3
From discussions with other faculty, I have learned that many fear the free exchange of
ideas, the safety of the classroom, the security to grade without violent repercussions
and the general atmosphere across the TTU campus will be adversely affected. I
believe that faculty and staff jobs come at a much higher rate of physical risk. This may
deter not only students from attending the school, but will definitely affect the decisions
of any new faculty or staff considering a position at TTU.
3
Anytime you give the people freedom to do something of this nature there are always
those who ignore it or abuse it. It does not matter that there is a license to carry law.
Anyone can get a gun no matter how unstable he/she might be. It is a threat to my
person that we as a society actively endorse the carrying of any kind of weapons, but
most particularly, firearms.
3
I implore the committee to limit handguns on our campus to the fullest extent possible
under the law. In my years of higher education, I have seen one student become truly
unhinged--a veteran dealing with a number of personal issues. This student had a
confrontation with another student in my classroom and it was clear they were no longer
lucid. I fully believe that if this student was armed during the conflict both myself and this
other student would be dead. I have also had numerous instances with students angry
about grades and as a person who teaches a number of personal and controversial
issues, I fear for my safety. Our legislators passed an extremely dangerous and ignorant
piece of legislation. They have made higher education in Texas worse, limited academic
freedom, and severely compromised our safety. Please do everything in your power to
prohibit guns on our campus.
3
I believe concealed should mean concealed. No open carry (except for TTU police) and
a requirement that the manner of carry be such that the weapon is not readily apparent.
3
I believe anyone should have the right to carry a gun wherever they please. Exceptions
to this would be the areas on campus that service mentally troubled people. We need to
put more resources in helping mentally unstable people and less on gun control.
3
As a Federal Law Enforcement agent in Air Force and Federal Law Enforcement
Training Center graduate, I feel no 21 year old college student should carry a concealed
handgun on campus. Consenting and trained faculty member should be allowed to carry
concealed and would be enough of a deterrent for a rouge criminal (to include terrorist)
act wherein a firearm is used.
3
I know our hands may be tied on this, but the thought of walking into a classroom of
armed students scares me. I’m not sure that I would be able to do my job under such
conditions, and I’m quite certain that it would change what I say. I also understand that
in practice very few students will have guns, but the law seems to say that there is
nothing wrong with the scenario I’m imagining.
3
In my opinion, designating gun-free zones with signage, etc. will give someone who
intends harm a safe place to go knowing that they can face no resistance. If someone
intends harm, a ‘no guns’ sign will not deter tham.
109 3
Honestly, I don’t know what I can say to make me feel more comfortable with this
situation. I’m already experiencing some severe anxiety over this issue. I’m actually
becoming fearful of having students in my office and giving them critical feedback on
their documents for fear that they may overreact. Is this irrational? Maybe, if only
slightly. It seems if college shootings have been an occurrence, the exact opposite thing
to do would be to allow guns on campus. I know this wasn’t a University decision, but
still this all feels like trying to make a horrible situation tolerable as opposed to actually
making us feel safer. I apologize for the venting. Like I said, I know this wasn’t a
University decision.
3
My main concern is how TTU law enforcement will be able to determine who has the
concealed carry license and who does not. I see it as a potential for unlicensed persons
to concealed carry, and unless there are metal detectors and officers at every external
door to every building on campus, I do not see how the TTU law enforcement will be
able to monitor licenses.
3
There should be additional training and certifications in order for any individual to carry a
concealed weapon on campus. This is a terrible idea.
3
The university should advocate for repealing this law, which will, undoubtedly, lead to
more violence and intimation on campus. Moreover, the university needs to clarify the
rights of individuals who *DO NOT* want guns in their presence, whether in their
classrooms or offices.
3
I would think the university should back a court case that would get this law’s
implementation held up until reviewed by federal district courts.
3
More training on active shooter will be needed. Too many volatile students on campus
and those with mental issues....all people should be able to work and study in a safe
environment and not worry about those unstable people who want to use weapons in
unsafe ways such as show of power of someone else, a way to vent their rage/anger,
etc. Educational campuses and offices are no places for guns period.
3
Background check of students, expulsion of the ones who comes with gun (there is no
needs of guns and it can be easily stolen by crazy people). But if you care about student
safety, start by having a decent health care system...
3
We need a strong statement from the University concerning our collective position on
campus carry. While we have to support this legislation for now, as an educational
facility dedicated to listening to alternative ideas and expressions, we have to help
inform our students of bot the concerns some of us have and the implications of our
decisions. What message do we send by only posting a few signs that indicate “Gun
Free Zone”
3
I understand that the university is beholden to the state legislature on this issue, but I
personally feel that in order to respond to this policy responsibly, all measures that can
possibly be taken to prevent threat to students, faculty, and academic freedom should
taken. I have been involved in one way or another with this university for the better part
of a decade and have always appreciated the efforts the administration and faculty go to
in order to promote the free exchange and expression of ideas. I am hoping that this
environment can be preserved in the wake of this new policy.
110 3
Many mass shooting sprees have happened on gun-free campuses. I think we’d be wise
to reconsider banning concealed carry on select areas of campus; we could invite
trouble by advertising that fact.
3
I am in favor of the campus carry legislation. If passed and put into place, having gunfree zones on campus would make carrying difficult for faculty, staff, and students to
access all areas of campus freely.
3
Ultimately, the academic environment is supposed to be a safe, neutral zone to allow
freedom of ideas. I believe concealed carriers should not be allowed to carry on
campus, at all. However, if this is going to be allowed, there need to be extremely strict
guidelines, and a required declaration of intent to carry. Violation or failure to adhere to
the guidelines should have swift retribution that includes either loss of job or expulsion
from the university - whichever is applicable.
3
I don’t like the new law, but now that it is law we have to deal with the ramifications. My
biggest concern is someone not securing their firearm adequately and someone else
stealing or getting a hold of the gun. Housing students with guns will possibly bring a
negative impression of living on campus. Keeping this gun a secret from a roommate is
next to impossible, and then the non-gun carrying roommate can tell whomever they
wish. This might make the concealed carry student a target. I think the signage
required to be posted for gun-free zones will also make those buildings a potential target
in the future.
3
Balance is important. On the one hand, the areas where we have the largest
congregation of people is a highly vulnerable environment where guns could be
banned. On the other hand, those are the same areas where a concealed weapon
might be most useful in an act of self-defense.
3
I believe guns should not be allowed in classrooms, whatever the size is.
3
If there is to be a more strict regulation for the right to carry a concealed weapon on
campus then there needs to be intense monitoring (metal detectors, more police) as law
abiding students would be left defenseless in a potential shooting.
3
The Second Amendment only allows the possession of an 18th century musket. We
should challenge the constitutionality of the legislation as a violation of the Interstate
Commerce Clause, as well as, a denial of due process by depriving students of the
liberty to pursue an education. TTU should defy the Texas legislature, at all costs, and
refuse to allow guns on campus.
3
Campus carry has the potential to further complicate a serious active shooter situation
by allowing individuals who do not understand how to engage a threat without injuring
others to carry guns on campus. Our police department should be the ultimate authority
on all security threats on campus and allowing individuals to carry weapons on campus
takes control of life and death situations away from them. Anyone on campus who
wants to carry a gun should be required to register that weapon with the police
department and then sit through a training course to ensure they understand the plan for
an active shooter that is put into place by the police department. They should then sign
an agreement to follow the active shooter plan regardless of whether or not they are
carrying a weapon. If campus security is such a concern then a better answer to the
problem might be increasing personnel, budgeting, equipment, and training for our
111 police department.
3
If this is going to have to happen, there should be designated faculty and/or staff that
are well trained and have no history of any illness that might compromise them. We do
not want people that are under great stress (i.e., students) carrying guns in a situation
that might get explosive and deadly. All we do not need is highly stressed folks worried
about how a grade is going to affect their “entire futures” having access to firearms.
3
I strongly suggest that the committee also find ways to address this issue should it come
up in cases of faculty or graduate student recruitment. Some prospective faculty and
students will simply be turned off by the idea of coming to a campus with guns. If we are
going to have any kind of decent students or faculty in the future, we need to find a way
to allay their fears.
3
I will not consider, or recommend to others, positions at a Texas School that allows
concealed weapons in classrooms.
3
Carrying concealed handguns on campus is no different from carrying them in any other
public venue. Banning them from campus again is no different from banning them in
any other public venue. Crime will happen; that’s just the way of it. Allowing me to
protect myself at work the same as I am allowed to protect myself at WalMart or the
local park just makes good sense. It doesn’t seem reasonable that I should be less
protected in my place of employment than I am at the mall. My support of no-weapon
zones in sports facilities is due primarily to the shoulder-to-shoulder situations. Poorly
holstered guns at the Jones could lead to a serious situation.
3
While active shooters thrive in places with little to no threat of challenge, the proliferation
of firearms on campus would be counter productive due to the recklessness of a few
carriers. More police offices or posts should be created on campus similar to that which
is located at the student union building to make students feel safer.
3
I feel an age limit should be implemented, no one under 21 can carry on campus. All
concealed handgun license individuals wishing to carry on campus should register with
the TTU police department.
3
My preference is no areas where emotions may run counter to judgment. That would
include classrooms, professor and department offices, athletic events, rec center,
medical or psychological clinics, etc. If we must have them, outside, ranching heritage
center, and the like.
3
My recommendation is for the committee to read the current Texas CHL Handbook in its
entirety, http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/InternetForms/Forms/CHL-16.pdf. Using it as
guide would be the best tool for determining which buildings to restrict.
3
I believe firearms have a place in society, but in my opinion this legislation is horribly
irresponsible and ridiculous. I very much hope Texas Tech will do everything in its
112 power (while upholding the law) to restrict firearm possession on campus as much as
possible.
3
I do not believe in the necessity of the campus-carry legislation but, having to abide by
its provisions, the restrictions on carrying firearms on campus should be as stringent as
possible and violations of rules regarding carrying firearms should be severe, up to and
including expulsion for students and termination for faculty or staff. There should also be
extensive efforts to educate people on campus regarding the new environment that
campus-carry legislation creates, without creating apprehension.
3
I believe that even though there is a law saying campuses can be open-carry, our
campus can choose to remain gun-free. I think it’s the safest option for our students and
professionals. If an active shooter comes into campus and is met with students/staff with
guns, it could potentially lead to more lives lost and confusion. Or if a students/staff
member believes their life is at risk and they bring out their gun, there is little to stop
someone else from shooting them. Adding more guns to the equation does not fix the
problem.
3
Environmental Health and Safety should oversee campus carry implementation,
especially if research areas are not gun-free zones, as this becomes a major physical
safety risk in the labs. Also, if research/teaching labs are not gun-free zones, will TTU or
PIs be required to provide bullet-proof vests as PPE? Animal Care Services needs to be
consulted for guns in animal facilities, especially given the risk of animal rights terrorists
abusing conceal carry.
3
I am very alarmed by the notion that handguns could be allowed in a residence hall,
residence halls that house young adults who would have just recently obtained gun
permits and may not be fully educated on gun safety. I am additionally worried about
allowing this same population to carry weapons when this is a generation that has
continuous displayed signs of mental illness and health issues. By allowing handguns in
the homes of our campuses, we are endangering the lives of our students, who are
more than likely not prepared for the responsibility of owning and carrying a gun.
3
I think that carrying on campus should be restricted to those who have received proper
training to deal with high stress and dangerous situation. I think any person should be
allowed to participate in these training sessions and earn the privilege to carry on
campus whether student, faculty, or staff. It is also upsetting that the discussion and the
free exchange of ideas can be disrupted do to fear that someone in your large lecture
hall might have a gun and react poorly to your opinion. Even if the chances of something
happening are small, knowing that the chances of someone having a gun have
increased makes the fear more real.
3
The most important thing to remember in all of these discussions is that the
requirements for a Concealed Handgun License is that it involves background checks of
applicants, who must be over age 21, not 18 year old freshmen, they must go through
safety training, and the weapons must remain concealed. Theoretically, no one will
know who is carrying and who is not. I guess if professors are afraid of the lack of
freedom of expression or retaliation, the university could impose severe sanctions
against any student, faculty member, or staff, who caused those issues, in reality, to
occur.
113 3
Knowing that students could legally bring concealed weapons to my classroom is
terrifying. I know this new law will likely not influence massive campus shootings, but I
am terrified that if a student gets upset that they will shoot someone (me or another
student). I also cannot see how this will play out in dorms or student housing, especially
when drinking is involved. I do have some questions - 1) how would the University
impose restrictions on guns? 2) Do we have to provide gun lockers for the students for
them to check the guns before they enter a gun-free space? 3) Do they just leave the
gun in the car or dorm when they come to a gun-free zone on campus? 4) Who is going
to enforce the gun-free zones? 5) Are we going to have metal detectors or will this be on
an honesty policy (nope, not carrying my concealed weapon)? 6) are we going to up
campus security for faculty/staff/student protection? This situation is very scary and it
makes me not want to teach at TTU anymore.
3
I am primarily concerned about late-night and after-hours arguments among intoxicated
students. I don’t believe that concealed handguns will provide any impediment to
education of free speech. However, I also do not think that undergraduate students
should be allowed to keep firearms in residence halls, where there is no room to escape
and cool off from an argument, and where perception altering drugs (primarily alcohol)
can be easily obtained and remove inhibitions. However, legally licensed concealed
carry permit holders should be allowed to carry their handguns anywhere.
3
These are thoughtful survey questions and I appreciate the opportunity to provide input.
I offer two additional thoughts: (1) I believe part of the mission of a public university is to
conduct its affairs in as transparent a manner as possible. That is why I believe public
listing of those who have concealed carry permits is an important idea to consider. The
publicity in no way restricts the ability of the gun owners to carry as allowed by law, but it
does allow others to take whatever actions they can to avoid being in the presence of
guns. Victims of gun violence, for example, may prefer to avoid being in the same room
as those with guns. (2) concealed carry should be prohibited in faculty meetings for the
same reason as for other potentially volatile situations. See e.g.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/13/us/13alabama.html?_r=0
3
How would the campus even enforce gun free zones? Will metal detectors be installed
to check if someone is carrying? Will there be training for faculty who teach large
classes on what to do in an active shooter situation?
3
I can see arguments for and against this law. But the vast majority of faculty on this
campus are against this law and almost all of them are simply scared. The university
needs to take those fears seriously and do what it can to educate all campus citizens
about what this law is actually changing, because I don’t think it’s changing as much as
faculty think.
3
If there are zones on campus that are no carry, where does the person with a gun put it?
For example with food and drink it is left outside the laboratory usually on a shelf upon
entering. I don’t think this is a good practice with guns. Is the laboratory director allowed
to search a person for a gun before they enter the lab? If so, we need lessons in
searching. What do you do if you find out someone has a gun in your laboratory? To be
honest allowing guns on campus puts a real damper on bothering to work on ANY
SAFETY issues on campus. Sorry but that is the Eeyore coming out. It seriously makes
one consider retirement even though my research is reaching an exciting phase.
114 3
it isn’t safe to carry weapons on campus. There is already a lot of tension in classrooms
and there have been many school shootings this year; even two today. Carrying
weapons is not safe and it will cause a lot of intimidation in the school environment. It
should definitely not be allowed at games people are already over the top, we do not
want students shooting fellow students. It threatens the safety of all students especially
those of us who do not have or plan to buy weapons.
3
Can we mandate that all those who enter the campus with concealed guns, unless they
are police officers, etc., have to be identified, i.e. wear badges?
3
I am very concerned as a staff member that someone mentally unstable will retaliate
against anyone that they feel has treated them improperly by shooting them. Allowing
guns on campus doesn’t seem to be the right choice. These students already destroy
campus property and assault each other without the use of guns and allowing them to
have them on campus seems to me is allowing them even more ability to use their
anger out on anyone without regard to human life. I think this is a bad idea and I don’t
feel safe knowing it will be allowed. Will there be armed police walking the campus to
help us? I definitely believe security cameras need to be installed everywhere! Parking
lots, EVERY building inside and out, absolutely NO place should be left untouched or
unwatched by a camera! Please for our safety install cameras everywhere to help in
detection and quick response for help!!
3
I am torn on the issue. I can certainly see the benefits of trained individuals being
armed in order to stop a threat. I am in favor of that and strongly considered getting my
concealed carry certification. Where I am conflicted is wondering if situations that would
otherwise be resolved with a cooling off period or non violent acting out (throwing a
punch, etc) are now going to end with gunshots and possible fatalities, especially
considering the lack of emotional maturity/ mental stability in so many of our student
population. Ideally, I think faculty and staff having the option to be armed while students
are unarmed would be best. I would also think additional training might be beneficial.
3
Should be kept in the vehicle. I do not feel comfortable letting students who could
retaliate when the break after receiving poor grades.
3
For me, a gun-free area is more dangerous. It means no protection from an attacker.
3
Honestly, the situation is a very complicated for both students and the state institutions
in Texas. The policies that will be created will eventually fall at the hands of the
administration, I leave my safety in their hands. I have no strong opinion for or against
the new gun law, the fear is the psychological responsibility of each individual, some
students are either mature enough on gun safety and others will be careless, the
decision on this will be left to Texas Tech.
3
In my opinion having any location listed as “Gun Free Zones” just gives someone who is
illegally using a firearm a place to target those who are not allowed to protect
themselves. I would like to have the ability to protect myself in the event that something
horrible is occurring on campus at my office and hopefully stop any horrible act of mass
violence here at my office at Texas Tech University. I also believe that if a criminal
thought that faculty, staff, or students could be legally carrying a concealed firearm they
would have second thoughts about targeting our great institution. Thank you for the
opportunity to voice my opinion.
115 3
Guns and alcohol with students that are not able to refrain from doing dumb things, what
a great combination. This doesn’t mean every person with a gun will do dumb things but
the larger the share of students carrying a gun, the larger the possibility that some of
those students might misuse those guns or somebody else, or having an involuntary
discharge. I won’t oppose students to have their gun in their car. But leaving their guns
in dorms is a recipe for some random shooting. Students are under great stress and
having guns at easy reach will produce death. I am a professor at Tech and I believe
this policy is idiotic in trusting students to carry their guns without danger or without a
change in the interaction of students and professor. At the very least, I suggest that in
every classroom there is a voting decision (say through blackboard) asking students
whether they are in favor of allowing fellow students carrying handguns. IF THE
MAJORITY OPPOSES, THEN NO GUNS IN THAT CLASSROO
3
If TTU decides to allow concealed handguns on campus, any person carrying should
first and foremost be required to register on campus as a concealed handgun carrier,
and background checks should be done on these persons to see if there is any record
mental instability or of unstable behavior under any circumstances. The University has
to be allowed to reserve the right to refuse to allow any person who has had past
questionable behavior to carry on campus, even if they do have a valid permit. The idea
is to protect better the student body on campus, not put them in harm’s way even more.
Also, if carrying of concealed handguns is to be allowed, then the places where they are
not allowed on campus have to be clearly marked. There then needs to be much
publicity about where these are, and about the rules of campus carry, as well!
3
I think that there should be workshops on what to do when there is an active shooter on
campus. The more people who are informed (and the more informed people who carry
concealed weapons themselves), the greater the likelihood that active shooters on
campus can be neutralized quickly.
3
Active shooters look for soft spots and gun free zones. So the more places that are
made gun free, the more vulnerable they are to shooters who are wanting to cause
issues.
3
May also want to consider areas where money/checks are collected and dispersed.
3
Gun free zones do not serve any safety purpose with respect to concealed handgun
licensees. Criminals are not going to follow gun free zone signs. Concealed handguns
on campus will not change or modify the academic environment in any way. Any worn
handgun is CONCEALED and anonymous and thus no one will know. This environment
will not modify the academic setting or academic expression in anyway. I think
additional safety training for all situations is always welcome.
3
To have staff, faculty and veterans who have a Concealed Handgun Permit and
undergone additional Texas Tech University training be the only people allowed to carry
on campus. No students at this time, except for veterans.
116 3
I think that allowing concealed carry on campus is asking for an accidental discharge at
the very least. Further, I work in advising, and quite frankly, we get enough upset
students come through the office several times during the semester that the very idea
that I could potentially be dealing with someone who’s armed makes me feel unsafe and
unable to perform my job to the best of my abilities. I think that the ramifications for
Texas Tech, should they have an incident directly related to the law, should at least
make the administration extremely wary. Students dealing with faculty and staff have
money and their potential future employment seemingly at stake, so adding a weapon
into situations that could turn emotional can easily escalate a situation. Therefore, since
we have to allow it in some places, at least make sure that it won’t be anywhere near
the classrooms or faculty/staff offices, as well as in high traffic areas like the SUB, Jones
Stadium, and United Spirit Arena.
3
I believe law enforcement personnel and campus security should be allowed to carry on
campus. I will consider removing my child from the Child Development Research Center
if strict gun-free policies and enforcement are not implemented well in advance of the
next school year. I am concerned that traditional college students are often
experiencing tumultuous life changes, pressures, etc. that can affect their mental health,
and mental illness often presents in this stage of life. I do not believe that adding guns
to the mix will benefit anyone. What measures will be taken to ensure licensure?
Beyond that, it is one thing to obtain a license to carry; it is another to be a responsible
gun owner. Too many guns, even those acquired and carried legally, manage to get
into the wrong hands due to unsafe storage and disregard for possible consequences.
3
I would like to see all concealed carry license holders receive regular training in how to
use their weapon to protect the campus community in active-shooter situations.
3
It is known that handguns intimidate a considerable portion of individuals. The shear
presence of a handgun in the classroom has the potential to disturb students in the
learning process. If the University’s utmost priority is to provide a facilitative learning
environment, guns should be kept out of the classroom.
3
Offer gun safety training; put a mechanism in place where faculty, staff and students can
anonymously submit the name of a person on campus that may be a threat.
3
I believe that if you label areas ‘gun-free zones’ the ‘bad guys with guns’ will know
where they can do the most damage. I’m not totally comfortable with handguns present
at events where alcohol is being served, esp. football games; however, it always comes
down to this: the only way to subdue a bad guy with a gun is for there to be some good
guys with guns to neutralize the threat or reduce the harm he can do. This is the world
we live in.
3
This is like opening Pandora’s Box. Although if a person is committed to carrying out an
active shooter situation, they wont be swayed by anti gun policies. However, not
allowing ready access to guns during a time when a student may feel a sudden rush of
anger, stress, or emotion can allow for enough time for the student to cool down before
resulting to violence. A student or individual who has a ‘meltdown’ moment is more
likely to carry out an act of violence if guns are readily available at that exact moment.
On the chance there is an active shooter situation, it will make it more difficult for police
to identify the active shooter if you have civilians drawing their weapons in the situation.
Someone will get hurt somewhere.
117 3
I respect the right to carry a concealed gun for personal security and peace of mind, but
not for the security of others, which is my major concern with this legislation. At large
public events or in public areas where professionals are paid to provide security, I prefer
that concealed weapons be limited.
3
There is a place for handguns and it’s not the classroom
3
I believe that instead of just obtaining a license to carry a concealed weapon on campus
that a certification should be obtained to go along with that license to be able to carry a
weapon on campus. That certification could and should include weapon safety, reaction
test under pressure and a more intense active shooter training. In areas that no
weapons should be allowed, more armed security should be close by to compensate.
3
I think that if TTU is concerned about the safety of its students, then they should hire
more campus police. I agree with people’s right to own and carry a gun, I just don’t think
there is any reason to carry it on campus. I understand that this is rude, but I don’t think
the general student body is educated enough to make responsible gun carrying
decisons.
3
As long as we do not lose sight of what the intention of this bill wishes to propose we
should be fine. If anything, prepared.
3
As an employee of TTU, I want to feel safe and know that every aspect is being
considered. I am not sure others feel there is need, but it may be worth looking into
additional safety features for non-classroom areas as these areas are exposed (i.e.
classrooms can shut the door and require an access code to gain entry, where as there
is no such safety measures for non classroom areas such as mine.)
3
It’s amazing that society is operating under the precedence that firearms are not already
being carried in most places in the great state of Texas. Education and Knowledge are
the keys to getting comfortable around firearms, so I support any effort to educate and
counsel our wonderful University.
3
Discussions need to be had regarding the safety of residence halls as well. These were
not included on the list. Ideas also need to be presented on the implications this has for
anyone to bring a firearm to campus. How will the actual licensed carriers be
differentiated from those who do not hold a license?
3
Everyone should be prepared to defend themselves and others at any given time. My
only reservations on that is when in medical facilities or in labs where a discharge would
cause contamination of a larger area.
3
There is no such thing as a ‘gun free zone’. Designating areas as ‘gun free’ will only
deter those who wish to legally concealed carry; it will not deter those who wish to do
harm. What it will do is create targeted areas where those who wish to do harm can
carry out an attack *knowing* that others will be unarmed. It defeats the purpose of the
legislation and is a misguided effort.
118 3
The only person that’s going to be able to stop an active shooter is another person with
a gun! Guns don’t kill people, people do! I was taught the importance of gun safety at a
young age, but I was also taught how to effectively use a pistol/rifle etc. I’d feel more
comfortable learning in an environment where I know other individuals in the room have
a gun. I believe this may cause potential shooters to hesitate & reconsider their
decision because they will be aware of encountering force. I also believe the Professors
should be armed. Allowing guns on campus, but preventing them from being in the
classrooms, events, recreation center, etc defeats the point!
3
The new law is a disaster, and just adds to the extent to which America has the worst
murder rates in the ‘civilized’ world, and one of the worst human rights records in the
world. The Texas legislature has done a great disservice to the safety of everybody in
academia. I just hope TTU comes up with the maximally restrictive gun-carrying policies
consistent with this unconscionable new law.
3
Inappropriate and/or unjustifiable ‘un-concealing’ of a concealed handgun should be
prohibited by the student/faculty/staff code of conduct with appropriate penalties
attached that escalate for repeat offenders.
3
Will it be possible (legal to obtain this information) to know which students in a class
carry weapons??
3
Texas Tech Police Department is equipped to handle Active Shooter Incidents. I also
feel Its vital to at least have Faculty and Staff in Higher positions to be CHL holders at
least in every building on campus. However, the issue with university shootings is not
new unfortunately we have had 2 in the past two days. One in Houston the other one in
Arizona. Also, training needs to be implemented all over campus on how to deal with
active shooter incidents even in the form or drills. Thank you for your time and candor in
this matter also there needs to be stricter gun regulations as well.
3
Education and understanding are essential to establishing an effective and legal CHL
system at Texas Tech. Open discussion and debate can help everyone feel more
comfortable with the new legislation as well as outline acceptable gun free zones for the
concerns of some members of the Texas Tech community.
3
There should be large amount of information to show that persons on campus may be
carrying firearms. There should also be very clear and arduous repercussions for
unwarranted use in any case of a firearm. If possible I would prefer that the university
be allowed to restrict and or disallow certain students from carrying firearms for any
reason they deem necessary regardless of licensing. I do not know if this is legal for the
university but if it is possible I would demand that this be done.
3
As an institution targeting Research 1 status, I believe TTU should, at the very least,
take a leading role in researching the effects of campus carry from every possible angle.
While I am opposed to this legislation and I understand that TTU must, as a government
institution, comply with it, I do believe we have an opportunity, maybe just a slim one, to
take this in a positive direction and be a key part of the conversation concerning gun
rights, violence, and legislation in our state.
3
College is stressful for a lot of people! Guns should be prohibited in high-stress areas in
general.
119 3
While creating gun free zones does little to prevent campus shootings in these locations,
allowing concealed carry in all locations will also do little to prevent any shootings in any
area. Creating special areas where concealed carry is not allowed may only cause
confusion as to what locations are permissible. Additionally, the nature of concealed
weapons make such exclusionary zones difficult to enforce. However, there are still
some University policies that should be made that will disallow concealed carry where
the discharge of a firearm could have catastrophic consequences such as in areas
where large amounts of combustible compounds are stored or used and areas where
the discharge of a firearm would have a high likelihood of releasing significant amounts
of harmful chemicals or biological agents.
3
What panic buttons will be installed? What risks are created by the fact that our phone
services require that the computer be active (i.e., not undergoing updates or rebooting)?
Campus lighting and ‘blue light’ phones may require expansion.
3
I worry about professors or students not speaking up with unpopular ideas because they
don’t know if someone has a gun. They shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near residence
halls; college freshmen are at a difficult point in their lives, it’s high stress and
undiagnosed mental illness is more likely to be evidenced at this time. Having a gun in a
dorm room is dangerous. They should NOT be allowed anywhere alcohol is served or
where people congregate. Fistfights can easily turn into gunfights if someone has a gun.
Really, guns shouldn’t be allowed on campus at all. Three university shootings in the
last week have made that abundantly clear.
3
I am vehemently opposed to the passage of this legislation. Making it legal and easing
the accessibility of still emotionally-developing young people who are under extreme
pressures in a society that has become desensitized to these heinous gun crimes simply
does not make any sense to me. I’ve never felt uncomfortable or unsafe on campus,
until now. I think this is a terrible idea and the amount to be gained from this is so
minimal, but the amount that can be lost is astronomical. I understand my thoughts,
feelings, and opinions are in the minority in this particular topic. I will respect whatever
procedure is put in place, but this will diminish the safety of the classroom. It will
discourage open dialogue and the sharing of diverse ideas. It will deter from the overall
mission of the university. While I understand we can not simply disregard the state law,
it is my suggestion to make the restrictions as tight as possible to avoid the issues I
have noted previously.
3
Firearms should be prohibited in classrooms with an enrollment of more than 20
students. As well, overall campus safety would benefit from 24hr TTU police foot patrols
on campus. Police foot patrols should also cover the SUB, University Library, and
periodic sweeps of departmental buildings.
3
As a student and an instructor, I strongly oppose campus carry. There should be no
guns on campus except for authorized police units. I do not want guns in the classrooms
I teach in. I certainly don’t want students to have guns when they visit my office. I do not
want guns in the dorms or apartments. No guns whatsoever.
120 3
As a person who has never carried a gun and who also has no training on carrying
wapons. I feel insecure if others will have wapons on campus and in the classroom.
The courses I teach satisfy the multucultural requirement for graduation. I teach subjects
which challenge students bias about certain topics. In addition, I like to have students
with different racial and ethnic backgrounds participate sharing their experiences about
the issues I am teaching which are very delicate sometimes. This leads to my concern
about some students carrying wapons and at the same time being challenged
intellectually in the classroom by the instructor and other students. I would ask you to
consider that courses that futfill the multicultural requirement should also be considered
gun free zones. If this doesn’t happen, I am thinking I may have to find a job in another
out of state institution in the future as I feel that my own life and that of other students of
color may be at risk in such environmet
3
For students, staff, and any other members affiliated with Texas Tech University,
possessing a weapon on campus that is protected by state and federal regulations
should accounted for by the University. Firearms should be registered through Tech, so
information is available to TTUPD, LPD, and University Officials (such as student
schedule, firearm registration, state ID) to boost accountability of armed students on
campus and provide an opportunity for students to become leaders. These individuals
can be used in Emergency Action Planning and training to provide more resources and
leadership during times of crises (i. e. active shooter) to support Tech officials and
students. Those at Tech who want to carry-out their constitutional right can do so, but
under the direction of the University to condition and monitor these individuals on
campus to promote a secure and proactive learning environment for all.
3
Prohibit concealed handguns in office areas where financial matters are handled.
3
I believe that restraint should be used with all handguns and conceal carry. My biggest
concerns are the alcohol/gun combinations and the areas listed above. The biggest
problem of course is going to be implementation. Are we going to install metal detectors
at the entrances to the gun free zones (for example: Jones Stadium) to ensure that the
policy is followed?
3
There seems to be a lot of police action around certain dorms at night and during
weekends. There are also a lot of non-students arrested in these areas and the areas in
question should have full time security at night and weekends in addition to Tech Police
presence. There needs to be numerous training classes on -line and in person to
address respect for fellow students. A majority of the students now do not respect
anyone, whether it be adults or peers. There needs to be someway to lock the campus
down at night and weekends to keep non-students from selling drugs and drinking on
campus. I think one way to do this along with security at each dorm parking lot is to go
back to visible decals placed on windshields to eliminate unnecessary traffic in the
areas. I know none of this will be considered because of the cost involved but something
needs to be done before turning students loose with a gun within reach all the time.
3
Persons who intend to use firearms to commit crimes would prefer areas be designated
as ‘gun-free’. I absolutely would not recommend signage advertising an area as gunfree.
121 3
Concealed carry of firearms on campus, in my opinion, does not affect the learning
environment insofar as if an individual is lawfully carrying a firearm, no other person will
know of that fact. Additionally, the population eligible for concealed handgun licensing is
limited by age; the overwhelming majority of undergraduates will not be eligible for
licenses, but concealed carry allows faculty, staff, and graduate students (who are
substantially more mature, on average, than the average undergraduate student) to
choose to carry some means of self-defense against an active shooter. Designation of
specific areas of campus as gun-free zones simply gives notice to an active shooter
locations of where unarmed victims may be found; research and expert law enforcement
opinion indicate that resistance to active shooters is the best, most effective way of
ending such an incident. While handgun carriers should not be encouraged to seek out
an active shooter, one could still make a difference
3
Basically the ones that are going to come here and shoot people will have a gun on
them regardless of rules/laws/etc. The people who responsibly carry would have an
opportunity to assist in stopping an active shooter. I believe there are certain situations
that would make a person that wouldn’t intend to come shoot people lose control
(sporting events, alcohol, mental health issues) and can see those being gun-free
zones.
3
Anything you can do to limit where guns may be carried and posting notices to clearly
mark those boundaries will be of benefit. There is no evidence that being armed
prevents deaths from guns. I believe the Texas Legislature was wrong to pass the
legislation permitting guns on college campuses. The new law makes me worry about
my safety at Texas Tech.
3
I honestly believe that any person who obeys the laws and applies and gets a CHL
would have the mental capacity to carry safely and use good judgement in all situations.
Gun Free Zones only means that legal guns will not be present, although I agree there
should be places that guns should not be carried when you might be away from your
weapon. As previously stated, like the Rec Center.
3
Those who obtain a CHL are people who are proficient in handgun training, have
extensively reviewed the laws over carrying, and are not individuals who are typically
lazy (it takes a lot of effort to not only remember to carry and wear the appropriate
clothing, but also to be versed in th laws to where the individual plans to carry). This
makes for a very responsible individual, and those who obtain a CHL for the novelty of it
will not be individuals that will carry truly concealed, they will flaunt and show it. With the
Campus carry bill only being for concealed carry, those who flaunt and show either their
handgun or actual CHL (unless the use of an ID is required) should be bared, on the
second incident (with the first being a warning), from carrying on the campus of the
incident.
3
Please remember that the license holders must still abide by the laws that are in place
for concealed carry. Several of these laws apply to questions that were asked in this
survey. In addition, some measures need to be in place for the dorms in the unlikely
event that a permit holder lives in the dorms. As most of the dorms are easily broken
into firearms stored there would be more easily accessed by someone other then the
permit holder, so some rules would need to be established to minimize this risk.
122 3
The first place to experience an attack will be the place that is designated ‘gun free’. It is
an open invitation for easy targets with no opposition. The only way to stop a bad man
with a gun is with a good guy with a gun. I feel ‘shooters’ - in general - are cowards.
They attack where there is the least resistance. If they know there is a possibility
someone will retaliate/protect, it could make them reconsider the entire incident. If
someone has been licensed to carry, they have gone through rigid training. They are
responsible citizens that care about the welfare of the people around them. We will not
turn into the Old West. I think if the general public is aware that a person who carries
has had thorough training, it could relieve some anxieties. Ignorance and misinformation
are dangerous. The people in Washington, D.C. that are opposed to guns usually have
bodyguards. What do THEY carry? ‘nuf said.
3
I believe the best way to keep people safe is to properly educate them on firearm safety
3
Please consider measures as restrictive as the law allows. Thank you.
3
Will anyone feel confident expressing an opposing view point in class if people with
opposing views are carrying hidden guns? Can Tech keep faculty/staff/students safe in
the event of an active shooter or will the campus as a whole be considered a ‘hostile
work environment’ where no one feels safe? Our office has a panic button, that alerts
only the Dean’s suite when pressed; what does this mean for all the classrooms in the
building that are not alerted? Is every office on campus equipped with a panic button?
My hope is that the University does more to educate faculty and staff on mental illness
(similar to the QPR training) and puts a better system in place that if an individual who
has questionable mental stability is identified, people know who to report this to. Most
people think they should tell Student Wellness but we have been told that this is
incorrect. (???)
3
Thank you for being open to our second amendment rights. I just want to say that even
if it is posted ‘gun free zones’ someone out to hurt people will not care about the signs.
Allowing us to carry helps the law abiding not those bent on harming others.
3
My personal opinion is that with this legislation going into place I think there should be a
greater police presence in buildings that are not gun-free areas. That way if there is an
incident, there can be an almost immediate response. Overall, I still am worried about
retaliation for poor course performance, but I do not see any method to prevent this
action based on this new legislation.
3
As a faculty member, I wish this dialogue was unnecessary, but that isn’t the world we
currently live in. Given the number of campus shooting incidents that have occurred, I
plan to obtain a license so that I can carry a concealed handgun. I’ve never been a fan
of guns and never wanted to do this, but I feel that my safety depends on it. I teach in
locations with unlocked doors and feel that I and my students are ‘sitting ducks’ nearly
every class period. Frankly, it scares the crap out of me to imagine teaching in a
classroom with students who have concealed weapons on them, but I think it would be
incredibly naive of me to think that won’t happen. If I think I need to be armed, they will
feel the same way. Ultimately there ‘where’ question is tough because anyone who feels
they need to carry for safety will want to be prepared to keep themselves safe anywhere
they go, but will be very clear that they don’t want others with guns in their offices,
classrooms, stadiums, etc.
123 3
I believe a safer campus would allow students and faculty to conceal legally possessed
hand guns. Gun free zones are only painted as a target for criminal activity.
3
I just moved to Texas so I’m not sure of the exact laws currently in place. I know you
can open carry but I don’t know what restrictions there are while doing so. I do not think
anyone that is drinking alcohol should be allowed to carry a gun, concealed or open. I
do not believe in completely gun free zones because you never know where a crazy
person may strike. If an area is made gun free to the general public I still think someone
able and willing to carry should be designated for the area. I also think that staff and
faculty that carry should be given training on how to respond in an emergency situation.
3
I think all classrooms should be gun-free zones.
3
Why would anyone need to carry a handgun in a classroom?
3
I teach. I do not want to be a sitting duck. Therefore I would opposed ‘gun-free’ in
classrooms (what’s the point of that? That’s where most shootings seem to occur, and I
want to be able to defend my class). Also I would oppose ‘gun-free’ in areas which
would hamper movement around campus (for instance, the Free Speech Area).
3
Today, 10/9/2015 we have two more shootings occur in Arizona and Texas (Houston).
People carrying more guns on campus would have not prevented these actions. We
need to be very careful as we implement this law. Education, training, and awareness or
the keys against guns violence. As a member of a military family we went through
extensive (years) training to handle firearms. I do not think that making guns easier to
carry on campus will solve anything, I only think it will add to the problem. Guns in the
classroom should not be allowed, we will have more accidents and more preventable
deaths than ever. Responsible gun owners, like myself, make a fatal connection to the
rest of society, we think that others are just as responsible. It has been proven over and
over again that people are not. Even though there is nothing we can do about this law
right now, we can only hope that more responsible legislation can be passed to over
turn this very, bad law. May the Lord Bless Us and Keep Us Amen
3
Creating gun-free zones on campus only labels areas where law-abiding people will be
defenseless.
3
All students should be able to obtain a degree from TTU without being required to attend
classes or live in buildings in which individuals, other than law enforcement, can carry
deadly weapons. All faculty and staff should have the similar option of teaching and
having their office located in gun free zones. The committee should focus on
designating as many buildings or areas of buildings as gun free zones as may be
tolerated by the law, rather than focusing on the buildings or areas that have the highest
priority of being gun free.
3
If guns will be introduced to the campus (as there already legally are virtually
everywhere else in Lubbock) then creating gun free zones allows potential active
shooters a specific location to maximize damage. If alcohol is being served at an event,
the licensed carrier already knows (from the CHL course and test) there is a zero
tolerance law in effect and carriers will self-select not to carry to that event or risk severe
consequences if caught. These consequences are virtually the same as someone
carrying illegally anytime, anywhere else because they don’t care about laws... in which
case they would carry around alcohol illegally anyway. Active shooters do not take CHL
124 classes and do not care about gun free zones. Carriers neutralize this threat. As the
maxim goes, gun control only controls the law abiding citizen. Most likely, the only
people who will carry on campus are those who probably already carry legally in their
vehicle and those who carry around us every day in p
3
The Library on any academic campus is often a target for people with extreme views
who feel that some information should be censored because of their personal beliefs;
additionally, it is a public venue and where the community and children often come to
use resources, uninhibited; lastly, the main library has is large, with numerous spaces
that individuals can conceal themselves if they choose, for nefarious purposes.
3
Please consider mandatory firearm safety training for all students, staff, and faculty.
Just like all TTU students, staff, and faculty must pass training classes before working
with hazardous materials, so should everyone that might come into contact with a
firearm, which is now everyone.
3
As a staff member, I do not feel comfortable with the possibility that someone could
come into my office (or the main office) carrying a concealed weapon. I very strongly
feel that no one should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon into the Student Union
Building, any of the dormitories, Jones AT&T stadium, and the United Supermarkets
Arena. I don’t think that any person who isn’t proficient in operating a handgun,
regardless if they have a concealed handgun license, should be allowed to carry
concealed on campus.
3
Concealed handguns, when properly licensed, are not the problem. The emotional and
psychological maturity level of the carrier is the problem, particularly when the carrier is
18-25 years old. Clear signage and campus-wide safety campaigns would go a long
way in preventing any misuse or misunderstanding of handgun regulations; however,
severely restricting the locations on campus where students are allowed to carry will
only exacerbate the problems seen in this area in the U.S. today. Immature students
have always found ways around restrictions. Off-limits areas are difficult to designate.
Dorms and sorority and fraternity houses should be off-limits. Athletic events where
alcohol is sold or otherwise readily available (tailgating) should be off-limits. Classroom
restrictions should be at teacher or department discretion.
3
I think making available to faculty and staff advanced active shooter response training
would help those trained to make appropriate responses during an active shooter
situation in the event they have the means to respond with deadly force to mitigate
unintended collateral damage and/or injury.
3
The law school has criminal law and family law clinics. Accordingly, we are open to
persons who are in the midst of criminal prosecutions, divorces, and child custody fights.
We should not add concealed guns to the mix in our building. In addition, all but a few
law students are over 21. The first bad grade many law students will earn in their entire
lives is in their first year of law school. We should not add concealed guns to the mix.
We also invite speakers to the Lanier Auditorium and other classrooms at the law school
to speak on controversial subjects. These programs are open to the public. We should
not add concealed guns to the mix. Let’s show some courage by broadly construing the
125 provision of the new statute that allows campuses to create gun-free zones. The law
school should be off-limits. If guns are permitted at the law school, many faculty and
staff will have no choice but to seek their own concealed handgun permits and carry
their weapons at the school for self-defense
3
Look at Chicago and New York for stats on gun free zones. Bad guys will not and do
not obey the laws. Gun Free Zones are a target to bad guys. If folks do not feel
comfortable handling a weapon and do not have a concealed carry license, they should
not be made to do so. Many people have never had any gun safety training and have
no idea about them. Lack of knowledge and training greatly impede our ability to act
appropriately and protect ourselves. It would even be beneficial to offer self defense
courses. Young college students are an easy target. They don’t pay attention to their
surroundings and are naive to the real world.
3
Allow the police to have the guns and increase the number of campus security officers. I
think easier access to handguns means faster escalation to violence especially with kids
18-25 year olds.
3
The university is significantly understaffed (currently) to address students of concern.
The counseling and mental health services need to be increased significantly.
3
I believe only designated persons in each department, who has a license to carry,
should be allowed to have the permission to possess handguns on the campus.
3
I guess my main question is ‘why?’ Why would you want or need a gun with you all day
as you go to classes? I believe that the vast majority of gun owners at Tech and in
Texas in general are responsible, practice gun safety, and don’t own guns with the
intent to use them to harm people. The idea of campus carry makes sense when
considering that group. It’s the other people, the minority of gun owners who do intend
to harm others, or carry guns because they have something to prove. Even though the
majority here would probably be responsible, it’s not worth the risk of allowing guns in
places like the SUB and classrooms and other heavily populated areas. Let them have
their guns in the dorms and that weird area by Mechanical Engineering that no one can
ever seem to find. I know not all areas can be designated as gun-free, but I think you
should do the smart thing and make sure a majority of them are.
3
It is disappointing that an institution trying to be considered a tier 1 research university
would take such a step and regress in their efforts to be taken seriously at the national
level. I guess the death of people around the country have meant nothing over the
years, not to mention that our former colleague Ethan Schmidt was just murdered, but
obviously this university couldn't care less about that either, otherwise the university
would be taking steps to keep guns off campus, not allow them
3
There are plenty of students and faculty who have come from small towns, farming
communities, and families where hunting and gun safety was a regular part of life.
Hyping this issue (whether for or agains) will not help people to be calm about the
implementation of the state law. Quiet, methodical, and careful implementation with
sufficient support from administrators will help this transition to be fairly calm, normal,
126 and free of unnecessary emotional incidents.
3
TTU should make it clear to persons who will potentially carry weapons that law
enforcement officers will not be able to distinguish shooters from ‘carriers’. In a tense
setting, the ‘carriers’ are as likely to be viewed as dangerous as real shooters.
3
Does the University believe that it will experience attrition due to the law? If so, to what
degree, and how will the University respond?
3
In West Hall, and Student Financial Aid and Student Business Services specifically, we
tend to have a higher than average number of escalations; it is just the nature of the
work we do. At present, if a student gets overly upset and makes threats or slams their
hands on the counter, we feel relatively certain that will be the extent of their outburst.
They will leave and calmer heads will prevail. If they are able to carry a weapon there is
less potential for a ‘cool down’ period. Only an unreasonable person would pull a
weapon when they were upset about the outcome of an SBS or SFA issue;
unfortunately, we don’t get the luxury of only dealing with reasonable persons. It may in
fact allow our staff to feel safer if they are also able to carry a weapon for protection. I
think of the Clint Eastwood quote, “I have a very strict gun control policy, if there is a gun
around, I want to be the one in control of it.” I am sad that campus carry passed, but it is
the new reality we must face.
3
It is dangerous to limit at all the carrying of a weapon, if nothing else because it creates
a boundary for those who would obey the law. If certain areas are maintained as ‘gunfree zones,’ there are only three options as to what would happen for a law-abiding
citizen. Either 1) they would either have to leave their weapon in their office (which
opens up security issues, such as theft, so this is an irresponsible thing to do), 2) they
would have to leave their weapon at home (which prevents them carrying their weapon,
which would be an unreasonable prohibition of their rights under state law), or 3) they
would avoid the area, which in some situations is impossible. A possible scenario for a
law-breaking citizen, i.e. one that would shoot or kill people, would be for them to
disregard the signage and do what they were going to do anyway, free of consequences
since no one in the area has a weapon. Which person do you want to inconvenience?
3
I have been a gun owner and have shot guns for over 50 years. My father taught me to
use the upmost safety and respect regarding handling guns and I am female. I do
believe the 2nd Amendment guarantees the right of every American to bear arms for
protection, but I do not think it is a good idea for students to carry firearms on campus. I
have grave concerns about the availability and storage of guns in the dorms. Even if a
student has passed the concealed carry course they may lack the maturity to make
good decisions regarding the responsibility of carrying a firearm on a daily basis. I think
faculty and staff should be allowed to carry firearms if they choose to ensure the safety
of the students. TTU should have mandatory training for all staff and faculty before they
can be allowed to conceal carry or open carry on campus. If it is decided not to allow
concealed or open carry then I think TTU should review their campus police policy
regarding emergency situations.
127 3
If the legislation permits preventing guns in all or certain dormitories, I hope that this
measure is being considered. The immediacy of a firearm seems likely to escalate what
might otherwise be a passing conflict. It also increases the likelihood of fatal instances
of self-harm.
3
I do not think guns should be allowed in any classroom, regardless of the size. It does
not matter that they are concealed, guns in the classroom will be disruptive to the
learning environment and the peace of mind of many in the class who may not feel
comfortable to voice opinions/questions/etc. that are crucial for learning. I additionally do
not think guns should be allowed in faculty offices given this is where many students
come to dispute grades, grievances, and/or may be in an extreme emotional state in
general.
3
I prefer that we do not have campus carry on, but with the increased violence our nation
is facing right now, I feel it has become necessary to have the option to protect
ourselves. If concealed handguns are going to be allowed on campus, they why have
any ‘gun free zones’? Its not like the ones who intend harm are going to respect those
areas any more then they respect the lives of innocent people.
3
Since the administration has the option to disallow the carrying of guns on campus, I do
not understand why it is allowing this practice which is frightening and which may result
in inflated grades, more suicides, and campus shootings. I cannot think of any good that
can come of this action.
3
Would the current legislation permit the creation of temporary gun-free zones? For
example, when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture held a town hall at the Museum two
years ago, federal officials asked for specific signage indicating no guns allowed at that
event. I am of a mixed opinion about whether museums/cultural facilities should be gunfree zones, but would tend to lean towards saying yes. If they are designated, there
needs to be clear provisions/exceptions that firearms that are in exhibits, in collections,
being considered for donation, or being used in demonstrations/public programs so as
to avoid miscommunications or other possible incidents. In the case of demonstrations,
firearms if used should be shooting blanks or black powder, possibly with an inspectionapproval element from University Police prior to the program.
3
Please provide gun/weapon safety courses and training as well as a general public
gun/weapon safety education program.
3
It seems that the reported campus shootings are premedictated, and the legistrature’s
intent is to arm the general college population to a degree which deters any potentials
shooters or negates the threat quickly. Using that logic, then there should be no areas
with restricted hangun designation.
3
Faculty office areas should be designated as gun-free zones! Additionally, every
student who carries should be registered separately through the University and the
University should perform its own background check on each student who registers
his/her gun before permitting a student to open carry. The background check should
ideally include any information on mental illness (if possible). This list should be made
available to all department administrations, counseling centers on campus, and campus
police.
128 3
Due to the large number of students, who may be from extremely varying backgrounds
and possessing various degrees of mental health, allowing students the ability to carry a
concealed weapon on campus is a gamble at best and a disaster at worst. If anyone,
outside of law enforcement or security personnel, should be allowed to have a
concealed weapon, it should be only the professors. They represent the experienced
adults in every classroom.
3
I would like to see CHL holders receive additional training on the close-quarters nature
of classrooms and offices. I believe this setting presents a different set of challenges
from the typical public setting and I think that additional training and education would be
helpful.
3
When responding to an active shooter situation, how will campus police know how to
identify who the perpetrator is, and who an innocent bystander is if the bystander is
carrying a weapon because they have a CHL? I am very concerned that the innocent,
although trying to protect themselves, may inerrantly be the ones targeted in a chaotic,
stressful and confusing emergency situation. Also, I am concerned that not every adult
who obtains a CHL is capable of handling an active shooter situation with the demeanor
needed to assess the situation with caution. I am not opposed to legally owning a gun, I
am just very concerned for my safety and the safety of all on this college campus.
Schools and colleges seem to be an easy place for perpetrators to unleash their anger,
and I don’t feel more safe thinking that my co-worker, who also may struggle with anger
management issues, could ‘protect’ me. If anything, I would feel less safe.
3
Every campus shooting is heartbreaking. I don’t think the solution is to have more guns
around (very few people would actually have the proper training to respond to an
emergency situation safely and effectively), however, I am encouraged that the task
force is reaching out to the Tech community for input that hopefully will generate ideas
and solutions to keep Tech safe. I have never felt unsafe while on campus. Please
continue to work for solutions that address underlying causes to violence.
3
If you designate an area as ‘GUN FREE’, in my opinion that makes the area the most
vulnerable area for someone to go shoot up because there will be no guns to counter
them. Have you ever seen a gun store get shot up???? If anything, please do not list an
area as ‘gun free’ because I do not want to be in an area so easily targeted
3
Please seriously consider the Lubbock Lake Landmark for a gun-free zone. Not only is
the LLL a public space that often has groups of young school children present, but that
there is also wildlife on the property. Additionally, the MoTTU and other areas that are
frequented by touring school groups should also be in gun-free zones.
3
I do not understand why anyone needs to carry a firearm in a college community. It
appears to me that the legislation was passed based on the vocal level of a particular
faction of the population without regard to the responsibilities that the legislature has to
the collective population that they are supposed to represent. At the very least firearms
should be banned in ALL academic buildings.
129 3
People with a license to carry a handgun should be able to carry on campus. Those who
are not licensed to carry handguns (and are intent on causing harm to others) are not
concerned about handgun carry laws. These individuals ignore laws and illegally carry
handguns in any campus location. Students, staff, and professors need to have
confidence that no matter where they are on campus, they can protect themselves from
harm. Gun free zones are an open invitation to those intent on causing harm. These
individuals know they can cause harm in a ‘gun free zone’ and no one else in the gun
free zone will likely be able to defend themselves. In addition, how would the University
enforce gun free zones? If a person is legally carrying in one area of campus, where do
they place there weapon when they enter a so called ‘gun free zone’. Costs of
enforcement / administration would be incredibly high, and place additional, unneeded
administrative costs / burdens on faculty, staff, and students.
3
I believe there should not be a gun free zone because that only stops the ‘good guys’
from having a gun in those areas. When I was an undergrad at TTU it was normal to see
guns in student vehicles on campus. I knew students who reloaded ammo in their dorm
rooms. The guns are not the problem, the problem is people who have mental/emotional
issues. Please provide us better training and support to provide those individuals the
help they need to address and resolve their issues in healthy and appropriate ways.
Let’s increase the number of sessions students may access the Counseling Center, and
provide more in depth training to faculty and staff on how to identify students who are
crying out for help and feeling ignored. Finally, teach us more about what we need to do
to provide those students appropriate support. Let’s lead the country in addressing the
real issue instead of pretending guns are the issue. Thank you for sending out this
survey.
3
I am a ccl holder and have been for several years. I view campus as a place to express
opposing views without fear, that being said ‘gun free zones’ are easy sitting duck type
of targets. I understand it makes some feel uncomfortable but it also makes others feel
uncomfortable they cannot defend their person. It is fairly easy to figure out who is a ccl
and I fear retribution from liberal leaning professors to students who do carry. I do not
plan on carrying and am not really for campus carry due to potential for fratricide in the
case it does happen. I do feel that if a professor takes it umpon themselves to limit or in
any way retribution they should be fired and removed, regardless of tenure, the law is
the law, i.e Kim Davis. Athletic events should never be allowed to carry, too many
emotions, thinks of sports bars currently, drinking or not.
3
I am deeply saddened by the implications of questions 2 and 3. It seems as though
there is a value being placed on every part of the institution except for the people,
students and employees alike, who make up TTU. It seems like only the buildings will be
‘protected,’ but what about the students and employees who inhabit these buildings,
often several throughout the course of a normal day? It seems that we will be telling
students that they are worthy of being protected when they’re in the Student Union
Building, but not when they’re in a classroom of under 50 students (which is the majority
of courses offered at TTU). The implication here is that it’s only profitable to buy student
safety in bulk, that merely one student or faculty life is not deemed worthy enough of
going to every expense to protect.
3
I have been a licensed concealed gun holder for over 8 years. I have been raised by a
police officer and with the proper education from my father i knew the difference
between right and wrong. Alcohol and guns don’t mix especially sporting events that’s
130 why we have TTUPD. Thank you for your time.
3
I think that guns should be allowed to be carried on campus, but they must be approved
& registered with some University Office/Department. Also, I think that those that carry
guns legally should be marked or have some kind of display (subtle so that it does not
frighten others).
3
Please, please, please consider staff in your discussions. You have made a point to ask
about students and professors in the classroom, but have made no indication of what
staff who work with students who carry may be concerned about. Consider the following
entities that work with students who are regularly upset or have high traffic numbers:
The Office of the Registrar, Student Business Services, University Parking, Student
Disability Services, TTU Police; and other entities on campus that may interact with
students who carry.
3
I am worried about accidental discharge and I do not feel safe in classrooms or on the
campus where concealed-carry is allowed. In a high pressure environment, such as law
school or graduate school, I do not feel that allowing concealed-carry gun laws will be
helpful. Instead of allowing people to carry concealed weapons, the schools should take
strides to prevent people from bringing guns in the school in the first place. There should
be metal detectors at the main entrances or something like that. If you want to prevent
gun violence in the school, then don’t try to increase the # of guns allowed into the
school. Also, the counseling services available at TTU sucks ; any preventative
measures that are currently in place need to be strengthened.
3
I’d feel safer knowing that a good majority of professors were packing heat, since they
are at a good vantage point when lecturing (facing audience and doors). I’d feel even
better if they had required marksman tests (i.e. law enforcement) to ensure accuracy
and a special gun safety course.
3
Gun free zones allow an active shooter to act without the threat of resistance.
3
all faculty/staff should be issued bullet-proof vests
3
All academic buildings should be gun free. No guns should be carried in the classroom.
3
Any place that is deemed a ‘gun free zone’ and ITS CONNECTING BUILDINGS should
also be gun free (example...Student Union is connected with Allen Theatre and the
School of Music). I believe Texas Tech needs to invest in, and collaborate with Lubbock
Police Department to hire additional guards/officers who are carrying guns and not just
tasers or batons. Texas Tech police and LPD if possible, could compliment each other
and work together to help create a safe learning environment for students and
faculty/staff to engage in scholarly activity. I believe deeper learning will not happen
when people are scared and anxious for their own safety. Texas Tech will no longer be
a ‘safe’ learning environment and I believe the quality of education, learning, research,
teaching, and creative scholarship will diminish.
3
Student Disability Services should also be a gun free zone.
131 3
The potential for gun-based violence is not reduced by identifying gun-free zones.
School shootings happen despite clear signage identifying gun-free zones. My larger
concern is that campus carry will lead to more guns on campus and that unlicensed
persons will obtain and use a poorly-secured gun. A proliferation of small gun free zones
on campus will mean a responsible, licensed gun owner who normally concealed-carries
will be obligated to more frequently leave the gun behind (in a car, in a dorm room, or
elsewhere) where someone else might gain access to it.
3
In the case of an active shooter I would like to have someone, or myself, properly
educated able to defend those around us.
3
1) Most active shooters choose target populations that do not have the capability of
meeting equal force with force. 2) CHL states typically have lower crime rates because
the criminals rarely ever know whether someone is armed. 3) Every CHL holders have
to be at least 21 years of age and undergo background investigations. 4) Statically,
CHL holders are rarely in the media as having abused the privilege of being armed and
used the weapon for criminal acts. The downside is that not everyone who carries a
gun is proficient. I trained police officers for over 30 years. There’s always that handful
that can’t hit the target either.
3
My concern with ‘free’ zones is that someone would target those areas. If any free
zones are established, there should be constant protection by an armed campus police
officer. Publicized mass attacks have occurred at locations known to be gun free areas.
Q3 free zones are the very places a client might attack. I selected Athletic events
because I feel sure they are well covered by armed police officers and less likely to be a
target.
3
Gun free zones make us all less safe. Those with an intent to harm others using a gun
will not be stopped by gun free zones. Gun-free legislation only stops law abiding, good
people from carrying guns, which prevents them from being able to protect themselves
and others from those with malicious intent.
3
I don’t favor having guns in school/university settings at all, but if this is the questionable
direction the law has taken, then at the very least, I think it’s incredibly important to
make classroom settings gun-free zones as presence of guns in those settings has the
potential to negatively impact faculty’s ability to teach, grade, etc. and students’ abilities
to feel safe in freely expressing opinions and being themselves within the classroom.
3
Coming from a background of working in banking, as well as having been in a bank
robbery, I feel that as long as an annual training on roles employees need to play if an
incident occurs is the best option. We are unable to predict or stop an incident from
happening but if employees are trained on what to do while the incident occurs and what
to do immediately after, it can be a huge benefit to not only hopefully keep the event
while it is happening to not ‘escalate’ to a more violent level and can also be helpful in
the aftermath of the event. I realize this survey is anonymous but with my personal
experiences I am more than happy to provide any information that can be of benefit to
our great university of how this matter is treated in another industry. Thank you,
3
Will there be any training resources for Faculty/Staff to receive additional training
beyond that provided by a CHL class? Are policies being developed for secure storage
locations in the event that a task my require temporary removal of a concealed weapon?
132 3
My suggestion to TTU would be to make frequent, conscious efforts to reach out to gun
owners and carriers. Encourage gun owning students to network with each other, to
form clubs, to seek further training in effective and safe use of firearms. Task students
themselves with the responsibility of reporting unsafe handling or storage of firearms.
Provide a PE course for target shooting, perhaps. The best way to safely make this
transition is to embrace it wholeheartedly. Build a culture of responsibility, not of
apprehension and fear.
3
Faculty and students who fear for their safety in onsite classrooms must be given the
option to teach and take courses online. The risk of accidental discharge of weapons
increases with each additional handgun carried on campus. I cannot in good conscience
require students to sit in a classroom where they are at risk of being killed or wounded
by accidental discharge of a classmate's handgun. I fear for my own safety as well. If
required to teach in a classroom with students carrying concealed handguns, I would
feel compelled by conscience to make classroom attendance entirely voluntary. And so
that no student would be penalized for choosing to avoid the heightened risk of the
weaponized classroom, I would also feel compelled by conscience to make all
classroom activities entirely immaterial to the grade-bearing assignments and learning
outcomes of the course. The option of the online classroom assures faculty and
students of their right to a safe space for teaching and l
3
Allowing 21+ (mostly male students) to carry concealed weapons because they ‘think’
they will be able to protect themselves and others is ludicrous and will only create a
situation where someone will try to be a hero in some (unnecessary) situation that will
result in even more tragedy. I completely am opposed to open carry/closed carry
anywhere on public property. Will the upper administration offices have an exception? I
certainly hope not.
3
Student counseling, TTU Family Therapy Clinic, Medical Settings, and any other area
where services are provided to emotionally, physically, or mentally distressed individuals
should remain gun free zones.
3
I have many concerns regarding this issue. I don’t believe this will reduce the potential
for gun violence at all. Someone who is coming on campus with an intent to harm
others isn’t exactly thinking rationally so I don’t believe the consideration that others
might have guns will be a deterrent. Additionally, in the event of an active shooter
situation, introducing additional guns into that situation that aren’t being wielded by
trained law enforcement but by minimally trained individuals seems more likely to create
problems than solve them. Also, this situation has the potential to introduce confusion
when police respond to an active shooter situation and more than one individual
possesses a gun. Finally, students and alcohol rarely mix well and we have had issues
with this both on campus and in the immediate vicinity in the past. Introducing legalized
carrying of firearms into that already volatile situation is just asking for problems.
3
Ban in dorms (substance abuse and theft), MRI machines (physical hazard), locations
with people not responsible for their own behavior (Burkhart). The grownups want to be
able to defend themselves when a lunatic shows up, and lunatics don’t honor gun-free
zones.
133 3
Additional information about instructor freedoms needs to be provided. The fact of the
matter is, when I’m teaching, I’m standing in the open in front of my classroom. If
something happens and a weapon is drawn, there is a very, very limited possibility
(even if I am carrying) that I will be able to protect myself in any way. Further, when I am
on the 10th floor in my office, which has narrow walkways and only offices, the chances
of me being able to do anything other than possibly lock my door are limited. What
safety measures have been instituted to protect against the unexpected? Is there a
police officer stationed in every building? Are call buttons placed in various locations
(perhaps like a fire alarm button) that could be triggered in an emergency? What actions
can I take as an instructor that will protect me?
3
I do not envy the position that the committee must take regarding this issue. This is a
major philosophical issue of our time. I work in a lab facility where we handle radioactive
materials and hazardous waste. I have to go through three badge secured doors before
I can enter my lab. I do not that, at any point, believe that a gun should be allowed in
these secure labs. I cannot adequately handle the stress of handling hazardous
materials and wondering whether or not someone has a gun nearby. It’s stressful
enough as it is. I’m fine if guns are allowed in the entrance way. In an active shooter
situation I could easily run into an interior lab using my badge. But, please, don’t add
extra stress to the students who put their health at risk doing research for the betterment
of society by adding a threat of having any guns near these badge secured areas.
Thanks for the work you all are putting into this. I know it will be handled logically and
thoughtfully.
3
As I am at a location away from Main Camus, most of this survey is irrelevant to me. I
believe that there should be no areas designated as ‘Gun-Free’ at my current location,
where we do not have permanent security personal, campus police, etc.
3
My understanding of amended and ratified SB 11 is that public universities may restrict
the storage and housing of handguns in residential dormitories on campus. I do not
believe Texas Tech should, nor does it have the power to restrict my rights of 2nd
Amendment or life by prohibiting lawful concealed carry in large classrooms, public free
speech zones, or the student union building. That is not permitted in the character of the
law. Also, simply stating ‘Gun Free Zone’ does not legally bar a Texas CHL holder from
entry. Only compliant postings of Texas Penal Code §30.06 at all entry points of the
prohibited areas are permitted since Texas Tech is a public entity. I have no issue
limiting carry in counciling, medical, or likewise areas for medical purposes. I already
abide by that under current state law. I just want to protect myself. I hope someone
really reads my opinion. Thank you.
3
To help ease concerns of those that may be ignorant or opposed to campus CHL, I think
the committee should do a very good job in communicating the requirements to obtain a
CHL in Texas (age, course, hands-on handgun handling, FBI background check,
fingerprinting, etc). As far as vulnerable populations, if the university is truly concerned
about safety, it would be preferable that these populations NOT be marked as ‘gun-free’
(which, by the way, will most certainly not be considered ‘gun-free’ by
criminals).Concerning the sale or availability of alcohol, I would recommend that the
committee consider the laws as they apply to Texas bars. CHL is allowed in
establishments that serve alcohol (except under the 51% rule). I urge the committee to
consider that no bars should be serving patrons to the point of being drunk. Nor does
the university derive 51% of its revenue through the sale of alcohol (just like most
134 restaurants where CHL is allowed).
3
A university is a place where mamy students feel anxiety, be it over grades, exams,
relationships, ect. In such an environment the allowing of guns means there is greater
risk for the possibility of harm, be it to themselves or others. And even assuming that
thise who have guns are not under such stresses, should something happen (i.e. an
argument or something else similar) and a peson p’s gun be seen (even if not intended
or raised) the situation will likely escalate. This poses a danger to everyone involved. I
think that employees should be allowed to carry, but not students or student-staff.
3
If guns are allowed in the classroom, I will not feel safe. Please make classrooms off
limits
3
I support an individual’s decision to obtain a concealed handgun license. I believe the
process fosters education around the proper use of handguns. However, having armed
students in a classroom creates too many uncontrollable variables. I also believe our
department faculty and staff need active shooter training.
3
In order to continuing improving our school, our first priority is to challenge the quality of
our work for both students and faculty members. However, this ambitious can also
create conflicts between students and teachers as well as stress and frustration among
our community. Since the work environment can be rather delicate depending on the
circumstances, it is important for the school administrators to initiate an open discussion
on the subject in order to create a safe learning environment for both students and
faculty members.
3
I think everyone should have the right to feel safe and protect themselves. That being
said, I also think people are idiots, and abuse their rights. Proper education and
restrictive areas could help mitigate any dangerous situations that could potentially
arise.
3
It may be necessary for me to obtain a job at an institution that does not allow fire arms .
I am waiting on the disposition of the implementation of policies related to this issue.
3
Another highly present danger is suicide. College is stressful. Studies show that folks
with access to handguns are more likely to commit suicide. This is particularly
aggravated by the pressures of being young and pressured.
3
I have taken the TTU computer active shooter course. I have also attended a Lubbock
Swat course on active shooter situations. These course instruct potential victims to flee
if possible, hide if necessary, delay the shooter (obstruct), and fight as a last resort.
They also advise a survey of one’s surroundings and be prepared ahead of time. I work
in a room with only one egress passage (entry and exit are by the same door). The
doors open out, so there is little that can be done to lock a shooter out. The doors have
glass panels. The room is on a second floor with heavy plate glass. This doesn’t seem
to be an optimum situation. About all that could be done is to pile furniture in the
135 doorway to delay. Should individual instructor instruct students and have a plan?
Should plans be included in the syllabus?
3
Honestly, I get it’s the law but this is insane. We need to create a safer environment for
students and train teachers on how to deal with active shooters. We also need to inform
students about what they should do if there is an active shooter in different areas of the
campus. Overall, we need to sugnificantly increase security in every building and station
response teams across campus so that we are prepared for the worst case scenario.
This way if something does happen, it will be clear the university was proactive and
concerned about the safety of their constituents.
3
As both a student and instructor at Tech the idea of being forced to allow guns in any
classroom is not acceptable.
3
I would like to see the presence of as many ‘gun-free zones’ as possible. I know that
because of this new law, we cannot prohibit weapons on campus. But having all of the
main campus buildings designated as ‘gun-free zones’ would be a legal prohibitive
measure. Students who carry would be unlikely to bring guns to campus if they can’t
bring them into most buildings.
3
Professors should have the individual choice to prevent guns in their classroom as part
of their academic freedom and to encourage students to freely exchange ideas. Without
this choice, the University is letting the state dictate the learning environment inside of
each classroom, which should be unique for each professor.
3
Since the conceal carry already contains a stipulation that you cannot carry and be
intoxicated, then I do not see any point in regulating the carry of concealed arms when
alcoholic beverages are served at official functions.
3
I think the spate of campus shootings has shown again and again that creating gun-free
zones does not work to create a safe environment. This is because shooters who want
to create havoc know that they can do the most damage there with minimal resistance.
Assuming law-abiding citizens who carry guns also undergo safety training, there is no
reason to fear and good reason to feel safer knowing that if someone goes ‘postal’ there
will be others who can quickly react to neutralize the situation. If it is decided, however,
that there are venues such as major sporting events where guns should not be allowed,
it is then incumbent on the school to provide sufficient armed security at the event.
3
As a graduate student who has taught every semester for the past 5 years (excepting
the current one) in a very difficult lab course, I know there can be a lot of stress on
students, and I greatly worry for my safety as a lab instructor. The instructor is the most
obvious--and likely 1st--target of a violent student. Even if someone else has a gun to
‘aid’ the situation (many students are old enough to carry), I am probably already dead,
even if I had my own gun. I’ve never had any hands-on training in classroom control or
active shooter situations. The main suggestion is to call police if a student gets
belligerent. Now they yell -but maybe they shoot if a gun is within reach. How will police
know who the ‘bad guy’ is if several students and/or myself (I am not noticeably older
than most undergrads) all have weapons? How many people will get shot or die from
136 ‘friendly fire’? I have a right to not be afraid in my own class--and I will if I have to worry
how many carry loaded guns.
3
How can I challenge students’ assumptions about society, perhaps making them
uncomfortable, sometimes even angry (though my style is always respectable), if they
may have a gun with them?
3
No guns should be allowed in classrooms at all and faculty members should have the
right to hold office hours only online. Faculty members will not be safe at all if students
are allowed to carry guns. Besides, more guns will not make the campus safer. It will
rather make it more dangerous. I am extremely concerned! The faculty at the University
of Texas had the opportunity to make their voices heard regarding this issue. The same
thing should be done at Texas Tech. Members of the university community must have
an opportunity to discuss this issue very seriously.
3
In designating these areas ‘gun-free’ - my question is: how is TTU going to ensure these
areas remain gun-free zones? The bottom line is that law abiding citizens will honor
‘gun-free’ zones, but people who break the law, will completely ignore signage, rules,
and regulation. The intent behind the legislation was to be able to prevent a possible
incident. So while I believe in gun-free zones, I also deeply believe in the right and duty
to protect myself, my students, my friends, and those around me from others who (for
whatever reason) have no respect for life.
3
I am not a Texas resident, but I am both a graduate student and instructor. While I will
follow the laws of this state, I firmly believe that the only weapons we should have on
campus are our words, our logic, and our ideas. Guns are designed to kill, maim, or
intimidate. That is their purpose. They do not belong in an educational environment. I
do not know if it will affect my teaching, but the awareness that a person in my classes,
classes taken or taught, may be carrying a gun makes me uncomfortable. As a resident
of a state that has experienced mass shootings, I do not feel safer, and, in fact, feel
more at risk, with campus carry.
3
I understand the sensitivity to conceal carry on campus. As a responsible citizen of the
university, I will support whatever policy is devised.
3
I am afraid of retaliation. I am afraid of professors giving away A’s like candy because
they are afraid of retaliation.
3
There is no genuine need for guns on campus. The only places where a liscenced
weapon is needed to be carried is in a car anywhere, or in an apartment or home off
campus.
3
I am a therapist at the Psychology Clinic and Student Counseling Center, and I would
not feel safe if clients were able to bring concealed hand guns in the building. I would
also be concerned about clients with suicidal thoughts. Further, I would be concerned
about students’ ability to bring concealed hand guns in dorm rooms, as this would make
it much easier for at risk students to attempt suicide. I think additional training should be
137 required of anyone bringing a concealed weapon on campus.
3
Gun free zones are ‘sitting duck’ zones.
3
It is already against the law to carry a firearm if you have consumed any alcohol, which I
completely agree with. Gun free zones are only respected by those who obey the law.
‘Bad guys’ by definition do not and will not obey gun free zone rules. You will simply
create an easy place for people to become victims. Try to use logic when creating
policy. Do not expect a ‘bad guy’ to follow any policy you create.
3
For a criminal there is no such thing as a gun free zone. Creating gun free zones only
tells criminals they have free reign in that area, since no law abiding citizen would be
armed to resist them. Training, training, and more training will go a long way toward
safety and public perception. Laws prevent law abiding citizens from committing the act
designated as illegal. Laws only punish criminals after they have committed those acts
they generally know are illegal to start with. The licensed gun carrier, concealed or
open, does not generally want to break laws and lose their license. I think that to most
license holders, having that license is also a source of pride. It says we are lawful,
peaceable people or we could not have the license. I know there a 2 things that I am
proud of. One, is that I am a veteran with an honorable discharge. Two, I am a law
abiding citizen, and at my older age have been able to stay out of trouble, and have a
gun license that proves it.
3
I strongly believe that NO students should be allowed to carry guns on campus. They
are just children, and do not know how to properly handle life threatening devices. Also,
in regard to question 5, I do not think guns are safe in any situation unless they are
possessed by individuals placed in the situation to protect others (such as police
officers).
3
A rule should be put into effect that requires CHL holders to possess their weapon on
their person at all times and prohibits them from storing their weapon in a backpack,
briefcase, or separate container. A CHL holder should not be able to forget their weapon
when leaving a room. While the majority of students living in the dorms will be ineligible
to possess a CHL due to their age, those that are eligible should not be able to possess
a weapon in the dorms on the basis that the security of the weapon cannot be
guaranteed. The University should not be held liable for the security of the weapon
either.
3
Any locations where counseling or clinical services are offered should be protected
areas. Mental health issues have a relationship with gun violence. It would be hard to
come to work in the psychology clinic or student counseling center everyday knowing
that students or persons from the community that may be at high risk could legally enter
into a closed therapy room with a concealed gun. Suicide is a real phenomenon and it
would be devastating to allow potential access to a weapon in an environment that is
highly emotionally charged. I cannot imagine trying to attempt to involuntarily hospitalize
someone (for disclosing suicidal intent/means/plan or homicidal intent/plan/means)who
has a legally concealed weapon with them in the room. It’s already a potentially
dangerous crisis situation without the involvement of handguns- dangerous for the
therapist, client, and others in the clinic/SCC seeking services.
138 3
Let faculty designate their offices as gun-free. Let faculty designate their classrooms as
gun-free. Let TAs do the same.
3
I understand the concerns that the TTU Police would not be able to discern licensed gun
holders from any action to cripple the school. however, I believe that working that
scenario into the preparatory training will be invaluable to keeping the entirety of our
campus community safe.
3
I think guns should be limited to as few locations as possible, and I think guns should
not be allowed in any classroom, regardless of size. Furthermore, can we not allow guns
in the library and union and arenas. This is a sad and disturbing law, and as a country,
we should be disgusted by our defense of guns rather than fighting to limit their use and
abuse in the Unites States. I am truely terrified to be on campus next year. Everything
we can do to limit guns is ideal. Only allow them in the parking lots so that I don’t have
to worry. They can keep them in their cars; they don’t belong on campus.
3
Due to the long walks back to car -alone , late at night, (my classes end at 850pm) I
would be in favor of being able have my handgun on me. However this would mean I
need to be able to have it with me in class, leaving it in my vehicle does not provide
safety getting to the vehicle.
3
I wish we could eliminate all gun carry (including the police), but this utopic and not in
line with state law. If you cannot control the carrying of guns (e.g. through metal
detectors), do not impose a prohibition. Otherwise only criminals will carry guns.
3
It might be helpful if TTU sponsored weekend concealed carry classes for faculty and
students to reinforce their 2nd amendment right guaranteed in the Constitution. It is only
proper that students be given both sides and allow them to choose their path forward.
3
I prefer to not feel threatened in my place of employment as a professor. However,
people that provide the threat are ill-intentioned and don’t care to abide by the law.
Making any space on campus a gun-free zone doesn’t stop sick or evil individuals from
using firearms in those locations. Making any one location a gun-free zone and not all
locations implicitly tells some groups that their safety is less important than others. If
athletic facilities are gun-free zones and academic buildings with classrooms are not,
what does that say about our priorities? I intend to be able to protect myself and my
students from sick or evil individuals, and making campus a gun-free zone makes such
an intention an illegal act. Please don’t put faculty in a position that we become
criminals because we wish to protect ourselves and the students that we are
responsible for. Alternatively, we can just all instruct via distance courses.
3
More active shooter training is a must. CHL holders are all over 21 and have completed
the required training course, but specific training for educational settings is needed for
everyone - including CHL holders. We must be pro-active in addressing these potential
situations. Actions during lock downs, shelter-in-place and building/campus evacuations
must be considered and discussed with all employees and students.
3
I believe we all have the right to protect ourselves by any means that allows us to get
back safely to our families. If there should be a ‘gun free’ zone, I would like to see an
armed member of our TTU police force required to be in that area.
139 3
My concern is that the administration be too craven vis-a-vis the legislation. They do
have the opportunity to take a stand on this, not by defying the law, but by being as strict
as possible about the way that the law is implemented to reduce guns on campus and
the consequent gun-related violence that could occur. How many incidents will it take
before we understand the risks and consequences? I would say that we begin to apply
ideas from industrial safety programs that try to get fatalities down to the level, not of 1
per 100,000 but to 1per 1,000,000 per year.
3
My biggest concern is guns in dorms and residential areas because a spike in dorm
suicide is probable. In most cases, someone living on campus is a freshman or
sophomore and under the age limit to obtain a concealed carry (21) but this is not
always the case.
3
Once we designate these gun free zones, how will they be enforced? If you designate
areas as gun free, then there has to be a plan for regulating those areas. For example,
will there be metal detectors at the entrances to those places? What will the
consequences be for bringing a gun into a gun free zone? What will the procedure be
for reporting it? How will you protect staff/faculty/graduate students who are operating
within those zones if they are confronted with enforcing it. Will there be a heavier police
presence on campus? Security guards? When these gun free zones are announced,
what will be the procedure for designating (new) additional areas as gun free?
3
ALL Persons with intent to carry guns on campus should be obligated to identify
themselves and provide a copy of their license to the University, so that we know which
persons are carrying weapons on campus in the event of an unlikely incedent.
3
Given the inherent nature of TTU’s mission as a research and educational institution,
the recent legislation provides a unique opportunity to help develop the future of firearm
education for public consumption. Regardless of one’s political views on the subject,
developing clear and concise educational materials for the legal ownership and use of
firearms that reflect the current legal statutes is an area where the federal government
and many state organizations are significantly deficient.
3
i have concern with the maturity of the students -- many do not have the life experience
to make good judgement in stressful situations (especially when the stress is selfinduced). I would suggest the university provide employees with personal protective
equipment as we are now required to work in an increased hazard environment.
Perhaps issue NIJ Level III (Level IV would be better, but I don’t want to wear rifle plates
while lecturing -- would look too much like a ninja turtle) vests for faculty and staff to
provide an increased level of safety for the employees.
3
There should be more focus on the mental health of students. Students, faculty, and
staff should be more aware of the options for help with mental health on campus.
Perhaps training to look for mental health issues.
3
More guns on campus will likely lead to additional vulnerabilities for all students, staff,
and faculty. Along with the consideration of any gun-carry policy we must address safety
measures to protect all from their improper use on campus.
3
Civilian employees in the Police Department should be allowed to carry concealed.
3
Gun free zones that prohibit legal carry by licensed carriers will be ignored by someone
intending to do harm with a gun and therefore endanger more lives by limiting possible
140 defense by licensed carriers who will abide by the gun free zones.
3
I believe that allowing open carry on a college campus is dangerous. Especially at large
events where alcohol might be involved. If I were to see a college age student with a
gun on his/her hip I would not feel safer at all.
3
As many areas as possible on campus should prohibit the concealed carrying of
weapons on campus
3
I believe that if a person is consuming alcohol, they should not carry.
3
The fact that belligerent and paranoid gun rights activists want to impose their world
view on the rest of us, and create the likelihood that the most extreme reactions to
crowd events will involve guns should scare the hell out of every administrator at Texas
Tech. Imagine the post game brawl like the one against A&M a few years back if that
A&M faculty member had brought a gun instead of binoculars.
3
I have had a concealed carry permit in the past. During my undergraduate education I
would have liked the ability to legally carry my firearm under certain circumstances. I
conducted field work on university property on the border and used university vehicles to
get to and from. Being able to legally carry would have allowed for self defense in an
area that had very little law enforcement outside of USBP. I feel that concealed carry in
class rooms is a very difficult situation. I am also a former high school teacher, vice
principal, and principal. When this discussion first came up I pointed out that even if
there was a situation where I, legally carrying, had to defend my students and my self
there was zero discussion about legal support and protection from lawsuits or for
counseling or emotional support following a fatal shooting if that were ever to happen. I
am not anti-gun, I am not opposed to concealed carry, I have some concerns about the
current legislation.
3
Please be very careful in your advertising campaigns. There should be no pictures of
guns on the signs. Social psychological research tells us that pictures or the presence of
guns prime violence.
3
Please note that my responses that no areas should be gun free are based on not
offering a way (metal detectors, gunpowder detectors) of checking to make sure no one
is carrying a gun in a gun free zone. I am very concerned that in the Rawls COBA
building, there is no way for instructors to lock classroom doors or darken the
classrooms or hallways (lights are motion activated).
3
I believe the age of carry should be increased and further training should be required
prior to carry abilities. However, I am quite torn on how we as a campus should accept
current policies. I do believe it is an inherent right to be able to carry, but I think there
should be stricter age limitations and training prior to carry. However, the majority of
issues are NOT occurring from those who have gone through proper training and are
licensed to carry. I do not think that law abiding citizens who choose to carry with their
proper license should be punished for the stupidity and insanity of the few. I would feel
MUCH safer knowing that those who HAVE gone through proper training (licensed
conceal carry) were ALLOWED to carry.
3
There is no surefire way to identify an individual with a concealed carry license versus
someone planning to shoot up a classroom. How are people expected to know whether
141 or not to raise a question about safety if a concealed weapon is seen?
3
I don’t believe that there are enough mature students qualified to carry. Only faculty and
staff, or exmilitary should be allowed, and only registered with Tech P.D.
3
I would also suggest adding the Texas Tech University Library as a no carry zone.
3
Many accountability conversations are had in student affairs service areas. I believe
having the ability to ‘check-in’ firearms to be placed in a gun safe in residence halls,
Office of Student Conduct, Center for Campus Life, and the Dean of Students Office
should be something to consider.
3
I think faculty and students have a right to know if a gun is present in the classroom. The
university and faculty should have a list of students who carry a concealed handgun on
campus. No guns should be at athletic events. We should have metal detectors in place
for that.
3
TTU must follow state laws allowing guns in certain places. But it can be a leader in
progressive, proactive rules that help communities when some demand their right to
carry but most demand their right to safety. We who want safety would feel more secure
if the state & university used its resources to 1) make sure the people who bought &
licensed the gun still have the gun; 2) make sure those people check in & are
responsible; 3) give people access to information about who is armed legally in any
given situation
3
I would rather have more armed security people on campus than students with guns!
3
In order to get a concealed handgun license, people are put through a very rigorous
training course. During this course, CHL holders are taught that if they are carrying, the
cannot drink ANY alcohol, defeating the purpose of question 5 of this survey. Before
anyone creates guidelines for campus conceal carry, they should be required to take the
training course that all CHL holders have to take, so they understand the standard that
CHL holders are held to.
3
If TTU was the only Texas campus to ban guns (regardless of what the State who takes
100% of the money from West Texas oilfields say) then all of a sudden, the best faculty
at UT Austin, UT Dallas, Rice, will want to move to TTU. Its time to think long term and
try to be a better ranked university. Being a better ranked university is the best thing that
can happen to West Texas.
3
Classrooms are the crux of TTU’s mission and effectiveness. Guns in the classroom,
more than any other location on campus, is where the most damage this law will effect.
3
If campus carry is going to happen on campus, I would like to know that students are
forced to secure those weapons with trigger locks or special locked casings to reduce
the risk of emotional reactionary shootings. I would also like for everyone on campus
who brings a gun on campus to have to pass a specific gun safety and use training.
3
I’m more concerned about theft of a firearm. Dorms, Recreational Facilities, etc. Really
need firearms lock boxes.
142 3
As the wave of campus shootings increase and callous presidential candidates utter
‘Stuff happens,’ Texas is again at the forefront of bad legislation. If we must abide by
this hideous law, we should strive to educate our community about conflict management
that does not involve violence. Violence in any form is a threat to human dignity. Until
we can educate students, staff, and faculty about the dangers of shooting first and
asking question later, we are doomed to a tragedy right here on our campus, I fear.
3
I agree we should allow licensed carriers to be on campus because there are other
campuses in our country that if students, especially those who are highly trained to carry
weapons student lives may have been saved in times of an active shooter. I would also
add that there should never be weapons allowed in the on campus chapel, football
games, counseling centers or the library for students in times of high stress moments
such as studying for finals should not be allowed weapons in a highly populated place.
I’m not sure if this is something possible but there should be active shooter buttons in
addition to the blue emergency buttons for if anyone were to try to harm a student while
walking on campus.
3
As a CHL holder, I think each department should ask for CHL holders to provide a form
stating they are a CHL holder and giving there oath to never leave their firearms
unattended or have an alcoholic drink or any other substance if carrying their firearm.
3
College students are not emotionally stable, and I do not believe that they should be
allowed to carry weapons.
3
This is a tough situation. On one hand, you would like to think that knowing others in a
room may be carrying a gun could deter someone from shooting in a room. However,
with recent incidents such as Northern Arizona, college aged students make irrational
decisions. Simple altercations can turn deadly quickly. I 100% believe they should not
be allowed in the residence halls. That is not just one person’s home, it is home to a few
hundred people. It is not fair to make someone who is feels unsafe around guns live with
neighbors who carry them. I also am curious to find out how gun-free zones would be
regulated. If it is concealed, how would anyone ever know if someone was carrying a
gun or not?
3
In favor of open carry in classrooms and most public areas ONLY if there are major
efforts to maintain safety on campus (such as increasing the presence of campus police
and providing many resources to the campus regarding gun safety). I also believe TTU
needs to keep track of individuals who have a CHL and provide a list of these individuals
to all faculty and staff. I don’t think that open carry should be allowed in mental health
departments, because after working in the mental health field, I feel it would impede on
rapport building and the necessary trust that effective counseling requires.
3
Guns do not kill people. People kill people. It is important to remember that there are a
number of factors that play a significant role in these situations. Educate the students
about what is going on and ways to be prepared.
3
How would this legislation impact University Student Housing? Would students be
allowed handguns in residence halls?
143 3
This new legislation disturbs me. I have not wanted to own a hand gun or get a
concealed carry license until after hearing about this new legislation. Many of the
students that we teach can be unstable when it comes to their grades. They feel that
they deserve a grade of an A even if they have not put in the effort. By allowing guns to
be in the class rooms it makes students that can be very emotional have access to guns
at emotional unstable times. As a teacher I would not want to have guns in my
classroom. This is for my safety and my students safety. I would want the ability to say
if students are allowed to have concealed guns in the classroom just like I can set my
attendance policy and if students can use cell phones in class. I realize that we can not
stop guns on campus but I feel we should minimize them as much as possible so that
campus stays safe.
3
Dormitories should also be designated as gun-free zones. A residence hall is
somewhere we should feel safe, without extra fears of guns.
3
It is my opinion that undergraduates should not be allowed to conceal and carry. Simply
because someone is carrying a gun does not mean that they have the knowledge or
experience to hand situations such as a mass shooting. I truly believe that in the long
run it will twice as dangerous allow students to carry guns in the classroom. I would not
object if those who wish to conceal and carry are forced to attend classes given by
either police officers or military veterans.
3
*TTU PD must have 100% control of violent situations. I feel it paramount that TTU PD
be given the financial resources to develop a high quality comprehensive training for
faculty and staff to instruct in shooting in classrooms and academic facilities. *TTU CHL
course addressing all state and federal laws but also TTU policies - open to campus
personnel. *A policy must be created to protect the privacy of students, faculty, and staff
to CC on campus without pressure to register a firearm. *Address liability insurance of
an armed student body and the resulting coverage a faculty or staff member should
posses. If I CC on campus, and an active shooter comes into my building, and I shoot at
the gunman, but also shoot other people, what is my liability? *Make the paperwork and
follow up to the discharge of a firearm on campus so severe that a person with a firearm
will think prior to its usage. *So much more to say - no more room -
3
Students having the ability to open-carry in college classrooms does not make me feel
safer, it makes me feel less safe.
3
If students are allowed to carry on campus, campus police should be more visible
throughout campus as well.
3
We ask students who bring cars to campus to register their vehicles and buy parking
permits. Why can’t we do something comparable with possession/ownership of
handguns? We require incoming students to show proof of vaccination against
communicable diseases, but we have no mechanism for assisting students who may be
especially vulnerable to mental illness. Our perceptions, understanding and approach to
treating mental illness must change.
3
I also believe that Residence Halls should be designated “gun-free zones”, if they are
not already.
3
Students with mental health issues and students with disciplinary records should not be
allowed to carry guns on campus - numerous events in recent history have made this
144 VERY clear.
3
All academic buildings should be gun-free zones.
3
I feel that guns have no place in education, other than by law enforcement. In the heat
of an active shooter incident, I think things are too confusing for concealed carry
licensed persons to do anything more than add to the confusion and to the potential loss
of innocent lives. Libraries are often targeted by shooters. I.E., the Library should be
designated as gun-free. Quite often there are several thousand people in the Library
and we have no security guards of any type. The Library is open 24x5+ and attracts
quite a few community users who enter the Library before 10pm and stay all night.
There has been a significant number of homeless people spend the night in the Library.
3
I think it is pure insanity to let students carry guns on campus. I realize that your hands
are tied, but I think we will have big problems with this. I think that several people in
each building (depending on size) should keep a gun out of sight to meet any potential
active shooter incident and they should be staff or faculty. They should have special
training on what to do if an incident where to arise in their building. I am not against gun
and own one myself and am a dead shot. I think to allow students to carry on campus
with their tempers and immature judgement was not a wise decision on the part of our
legislature. I thank you for putting such effort into this.
3
This is an exceptionally hard decision to make. I can see this being a positive or a
negative movement for the campus. This can be negative because you NEVER know
when someone is going to make a bad decision concerning a firearm. However, this can
be positive in that, more often than not, people who possess a license to carry, are
responsible individuals who are fully aware of what their weapon is capable of and have
taken the proper courses to educate themselves. Also, in the case of an active shooter
situation, if the campus carry passes, there may be a situation in which someone may
be able to take an active shooter out and prevent them from harming individuals.
3
I feel the threat would be from those that are not educated on the laws and proper use
of a hand gun. Those that have the license are not the threat. Continual education for
all, those with and certainly those without the license should be reminded of the power
of freedom but mostly the responsibility of the carrier.
3
At the very minimum, carry of concealed handguns should not be allowed in classes,
during office hours, during public events, and at the student union. How are we going to
guarantee that gun-free zones are really gun-free? E.g. will a student carrying a
handgun remember to put it somewhere else when e.g. he/she enters a large class?
Considering how hard it is to let student adhere to class policies as simple as e.g. cell
phone policies, I don’t think this is going to work. Will there be metal detectors installed
at the entrances of gun-free zones? I would not feel safe receiving in office hours a
student who is about to fail my class if he/she can carry a concealed handgun.
3
My biggest concern is that this course of action will create ambiguity between potential
bad actors and authorized gun owners. If someone sees a concealed weapon they now
must wonder if that weapon is a threat or just someone with a concealed firearm license.
3
In an active shooter situation, how will we know which people with guns are the ones
intending harm, and which ones are trying to defend?
145 3
My concern with the new law is that it will encourage young people to bring guns into the
classroom who would otherwise not think about doing it. Many or most of these young
people, themselves new to guns, will have a ‘vigilante’ attitude which may lead to more
problems instead of solutions in case potential threats arise. Some also may have a yetunknown, even to them because of their young age, problem dealing with difficult
situations in the classroom or in large social settings. I’m not talking necessarily about
‘bad’ people, but of young, immature people who often deal with problems or difficult
situations in immature ways. This is what we are dealing with now.
3
If campus carry is allowed then no gun-free zones should be created. Either one way or
the other: Totally gun-free campus or allow campus wide carry. Creating gun-free zones
will only create larger targets for any suspecting criminal. Again, either totally gun-free or
not. It won’t work with both.
3
If we want our classrooms and campus to be safer than they currently are, concealed
carry isn’t the answer. I know we don’t have much choice on the matter, so in response,
we need to increase our efforts and ability to identify at risk students. There needs to be
an easy to navigate reporting system for instructors, faculty, staff and students so that if
we see behavior that is erratic or threatening, we can report it quickly. There obviously
should be a balance between student privacy and student safety, but everyone on this
campus should feel empowered to report threatening verbal or physical behavior without
risk of reprisal or retaliation. It would be nice to see a training course other than active
shooter, that helps train instructors and staff to constructively and productively respond
to issues concerning student anger or emotional outbursts in classrooms or academic
settings.
3
Be certain that federal research and holdings facilities are properly surveyed and
respected as federal facilities. The Rawls College of Business and the Ag Econ
buildings would be the best testing ground for a campus carry allowance. Students
trying to maintain their GPA while dealing with family issues and the stress of balancing
multiple jobs, personal life, and schoolwork should not have to worry about their
classmate’s six-shooter going off outside of the firing range. All night study sessions
should not end in bloodshed. The presence of more firearms always results in more
accidents. Shootouts on campus should remain between active shooters and authorities
trained in de-escalation, negotiation and reducing collateral damage through accuracy
and coordination.
3
As an employee, I am highly concerned about my and my coworkers’ safety after the
implementation of campus carry. I would like to see mandatory online active shooter
safety training for all students, staff and faculty at least every two years. I would also like
live active shooter training, which I have not received yet. I absolutely think that
anywhere alcohol is served should be prohibited from open carry, and all sporting
events should be prohibited from open carry as well.
3
PLEASE designate the Burkhart Center for Autism as a gun-free zone. We serve a
vulnerable population that can easily lose control or react in extremely unpredictable
ways. Our programs cover the life span, so we often have young children in our building.
Even our adult students can easily meltdown or become aggressive with little advance
warning. Guns are NOT something we need to add to the mix!!
146 3
Although, in my ideal world, no guns would be allowed on campus, it seems that only
events/spaces that have security could actually enforce ‘gun-free’ zones, especially
because people can conceal and carry. Very few of the place/spaces above seem to be
reasonably enforceable ‘gun-free’ zones. Unless you screen every person who comes
on campus everyday, or you set up security entrances at select places, I suspect gunfree zones would have little impact. However, large sporting events that already have
security screening could reasonably prohibit the admission of firearms. However, having
campus-wide training for what to do in case of an active shooter might help save some
lives.
3
In light of this change, please provide additional security to departments that often deal
with emotionally charged situations and additional resources to these departments in
terms of training, security, planning for adverse situations.
3
It seems we worry about whether to allow those who have the legally approved right to
carry certain weapons in a certain fashion, but my biggest concern is how to identify
those who are carrying illegally and intentionally disregarding campus policies and gunfree zones, and how to reduce the ability for these individuals to bring their weapons to
events and locations where they intend to cause harm.
3
I am not sure how much good signage would do....students ignore the no biking signs in
front of the library ALL the time....I am “on the fence”..as an academic, I think the
campus should be a safe place for all, with no need for guns..as a CHL holder and with
the unusually high number of campus shootings that seem to be growing, maybe some
leverage is in order? Would a possible shooter decide against a rampage, if they
suspect that there is a 50% chance that a CHL will take them down? On the other hand,
the mindset of a mass shooter is, they don’t expect to live through the ordeal.... as a
CHL holder, I probably (and currently) will not bring my gun to work. I have never seen
the need, never felt unsafe here at work...but that may change?
3
I am very much in favor of the right to bear arms, but that being said I have a concern
that “kids” living away from home for the first time and experimenting with drugs and
alcohol for the first time will have guns in their possession. This is likely also the first
time that they are having these types of new stresses put on them with regard to being
up later than they might be in a home setting with greater pressure for grades and other
influences. Those not living in the dorms are likely just experiencing what it is like to
have to work and pay bills and be in school. I don’t know that I am overly happy with the
prospect of all of these new experiences AND them having the right to carry on campus.
While they may have had gun safety training at home, it’s very doubtful that they have
had the ability to carry a weapon along with these other new stresses involved.
3
I recommend considering the pros and cons of requiring any campus community
members who intend to carry concealed weapons on campus is attend and pass a
university-sponsored training course on gun safety, procedures for shooting incidents on
campus, effective response to police instructions during an incident, etc.
3
The consequences for misconduct of campus carry should be harsh (very harsh).
3
I will treat the gun as a hostile threat ---- leave the classroom, call the police, and not
teach. The university has shown no back bone.
147 3
Any rationale used to ban guns in a certain area of campus will not be cogent. What’s
the difference between a gun free zone and one that isn’t? Let the PIs in each lab
determine their own policy.
3
As we have seen time and time again, there are many, many fragile individuals on
today’s campuses. Those some of the campus attacks have been of a personal nature,
but the majority of campus shootings are carried out by unstable young men that are
just mad at life in general. It takes a high level of maturity to be able to discern when it is
necessary to use a firearm, and quite frankly, I don’t see many students on this campus
that display that level. In my opinion, college students and guns are just a deadly mix
that will lead to a bad ending.
3
I am not entirely opposed to campus carry, but I believe that anyone wishing to carry a
firearm on campus should have to pass a background check, psychological testing, and
gun safety training in order to be allowed to carry. There needs to be a registration
system. Faculty should be notified of registered students in their classes.
3
The classroom is not a place for guns, nor should it present a situation where a gun is
necessary. And while a concealed carry license does denote additional qualifications, it
does not equal professional training; thus, in the event of an ‘active shooter,’ responding
with further handguns poses additional risk to the public.
3
As a faculty member, I do not like the idea of having armed individuals on campus (other
than campus police officers). I don’t really know if allowing people to carry on campus
really increases the likelihood of a campus incident. I don’t think our campus community
knows how to respond to mass shootings on campus. Yes, we have the emergency
communication system. However, I doubt it tells us what to do if we hear gunfire. It
sounds like students in the recent Oregon tragedy left their classrooms, which everyone
now says was wrong. Without education on how to act in a mass shooting, how are we
supposed to react in the most effective manner? I know how to lock the doors in my
classrooms, but I am a good 50 feet away from some of them. I’m not sure I’d have time
to get to the doors to lock them, but I don’t want to freak my students out by making sure
they all know how to lock the doors in case of a shooting. What should we be doing?
3
I understand that “Campus Carry” is state law and that we will not change that law.
However, providing faculty members, staff, and students with the opportunity to voice
our concerns allows us the opportunity to be heard, which is critically important. Please
consider that, while the reality of the law may only affect the few hundred students,
faculty, and staff who currently have concealed weapons permits, the appearance of the
law is terrifying, particularly in light of the three university shootings in the past ten days.
3
How do we know if a person carrying a gun has had adequate training and background
checks. Will they carry a license?
3
I am strongly, strongly, strongly opposed to this policy. If there’s a place on campus that
can allow guns, let it be the rec center. Students can keep their guns in their lockers
while they work out. If, for whatever reason, they need to shoot another student or staff
member, they can retrieve their guns from their lockers and go right ahead. If there’s
one place on campus where guns shouldn’t be allowed, it’s the classroom, or any
building with a classroom in it. Ban them from any theaters, too. Allow guns in the SUB,
though. It’ll make me think twice about getting Chik-Fil-A for lunch, which is probably
better for my health anyway, as is not being around guns. I hope Texas Tech will do
148 everything in its power, within the boundaries of the law, to keep everyone who studies
and works here safe.
3
It is a serious subject. On one side is concern for impulsive actions that would be
deadly. On the other is fact that gun free zones are open targets for anyone who already
has decided to commit homicide and will respect no law. It could stop them from
continual acts of deadly consequences. Perhaps special training could be provided for
faculty or staff who might wish to participate.
3
As with any major policy change, I recommend that a committee be created to review
the effectiveness of this policy going forward. Such a committee would be tasked with
collecting data - from accidental injuries to police reports to counseling center visits - to
empower our legislature to make informed choices in the future. The legislators who
brought us this bill need to be informed of the effects of this decision.
3
I value the ability to protect ourselves and others as the case may be at the moment of
an incident when the TTUPD/LPD is at least several miles away. Generally I support law
abiding citizens’ rights to carry concealed and believe that any exclusion areas need to
be thoroughly evaluated as to why these areas are so designated. Further, it is my
understanding of SB 11 that NCAA athletic events are already excluded from concealed
carry. The only reason I feel the Rec Center should be excluded is the inability to
appropriately store the weapons or possess a concealed weapon in typical workout
attire. If the storage requirement could be resolved I would not support excluding lawful
license holders from carrying at the Rec Center. Some questions, such as restrictions in
large classrooms or Biosafety level 3 facilities would generally be opportune target
areas for those looking to inflect the most damage and it is these type facilities where I
would value the lawful carrying of a weapon.
3
I appreciate the committee’s effort to shape the on-campus implementation of recent
gun-related legislation. The constraints of the legislation, however, severely limit TTU’s
capacity to respond in a meaningful way. Instead of just reacting to the new laws, is
there anything that this committee can do-- supposing that a strong majority of those
surveyed share my concerns-- to convey to the upper administration that we should be
more proactive as an institution in fighting against legislation of this kind?
3
Offer hoplophobia therapy to those who need it.
3
Very clear signage/communication and consistent enforcement will be necessary to
ensure a smooth transition. Also, please provide lots of clear information about what
concealed carry handgun owners are supposed to do during an active shooter situation
to avoid confusion and accidental loss of life.
149 3
While I support concealed and open carry, I believe there are certain individuals who will
make Texas Tech a more dangerous place by having handguns on their person.
Therefore, I believe some areas should be designated as gun-free zones in order to
protect others. While areas of large population are typically a more attractive target for
those who wish to harm others, there is also typically a law enforcement presence at
such events resulting in available resources to combat an individual attempting to harm
others. I believe all individuals at Texas Tech will be safer if the areas where concealed
or open carry is allowed are restricted to smaller areas which typically have no law
enforcement presence.
3
If a person wants to bring a gun to campus and commit violence, the presence of
concealed carry legislation will not encourage a person more to commit violence.
Actually, I believe that the presence of concealed guns would deter those who wish to
commit violence. However, the confusion of who is a target and who is a good guy is
something that should be given heavy thought. Perhaps establish a hot line that a
person can call in order to identify the target, and also let law enforcement know that
you have a hand gun, what your description is, so they don’t mistaken you for the target.
3
I believe that Faculty should be able to carry after certain tests to prove that they are
capable of handling firearms. Including psych evaluations, CHL training, and asked what
they would do in certain scenarios.
3
I am completely opposed to this entire law but I realize it is a state law. There are a few
things I would want to happen in order to help make me feel safer. Make sure that
campus is properly lit. I have been walking through campus early in the mornings in
near total darkness because lights are either not working or there simply aren’t any
(especially in parking lots). Fix the emergency stations, these should NEVER be ‘out of
order.’ That is unacceptable. I would also like to see increased presence of public
safety. I hardly ever see officers on foot, only in vehicles (and they only seem to pull
people over, USE THAT MONEY FOR FIXING THINGS). Also, there should be more
security cameras that are positioned well and are monitored at all times. I think that
some of these cameras should be visible as a deterrence.
3
Please decide policies based on the narrowest requirements of the law. Provide the
fewest and smallest areas where guns are allowed, and make the overwhelming
majority of campus a gun-free zone.
3
Persons licensed to carry concealed guns are prohibited by law from drinking alcoholic
beverages while carrying a weapon. Most are responsible enough to either not carry or
not drink, so I believe we should have the choice even when alcoholic beverages are
being served. I would not be offended if there was a sign reminding attendees of such at
an event.
3
Would urge you to set up the campus like a high school, check points through out.
Security check points all over the campus.
150 3
Has TTU considered the impact of allowing guns on campus on international students?
Students from other countries are not used to to guns in their own culture. It is highly
unusual to own guns in Asian and European countries. How does TTU expect these
students to handle guns? They need to given free training in the very least. TTU hardly
trains teaching assistants to actually teach, but now expects them to deal with presence
of guns. We are teachers, not soldiers. Our job is to teach and Texas Tech’s job is to
keep us safe, which won’t be possible if guns are allowed on campus. Also, will TTU
assume financial liability if a student/employee gets injured or killed on campus because
guns were allowed? There are more that 40, 0000 people on this campus at any given
time. The possibility of a mass shooting with multiple or dozens of deaths will become
very real if guns are allowed on campus. TTU will become just another statistic in gun
violence.
3
The TTU Main Library is a Federal Repository for Federal Government and Texas State
Documents. There may be Federal guidelines that must be adhered to regarding the
topic of concealed carry in particular that would prohibit concealed carry in the Library
building. The committee will want to research this so as not to violate any Federal laws
governing Federal Repositories.
3
Classroom carry is a recipe for disaster for those of us involved in departments with high
stress and anxiety. It’s a terrible idea and a tick clock until we have an incident on
campus. I’ve personally had to call university police on a student who was opening
talking about where he would hide “with his rifle”. This was long before it would have
been legal for him to carry it. To say I’m nervous is an amazing understatement; to the
point where I’m considering leaving the campus all together. Because of the line of work
my wife is in, she gets threats to her well being and so I we have to conceal carry at the
urging of the local DA. The felons and scum she deals with don’t concern me nearly as
much as a pissed off student. I feel that “safe zones” on campus need to be more
widespread.
3
I don’t have anything against guns as long as proper training and responsibility are
involved. I think faculty and staff should be the only ones with the option to carry on
campus for now. I’m afraid that with a lot of students carrying on campus, there’s more
risk for accidents and unnecessary deaths. There are many responsible students at
Texas Tech, but the irresponsible ones are the ones I’m worried about.
3
I know of individuals that carry on campus regardless, some that have had incidents
after receiving concealed licenses that if AG/dos was informed would not be eligible, to
include dishonorable discharges, and some that have admittedly slid by the check
(mental health and violent prions) that received their license because the incidents
happened in another state. I think there should be an additional certification and classes
to carry on campus
3
I am not a citizen here. I can neither buy guns, nor protect myself by it, but I have to
teach undergraduates and be in class with graduate students where contentious issues
are discussed. The feeling that someone can have a weapon in the class does not
comfort me, rather it makes me want to avoid academic topics that is controversial. The
fear may be unfounded (according to some people I am sure) but it remains for the vast
majority of international students who are not exposed to the culture of gun ownership.
Has anyone even thought what happens as to the future of international students at this
university when they already have a disadvantage (for being not able to enjoy the same
151 rights) but often are instructors and TA’s with very little in protection that would be
offered to them.
3
I think it is especially important to educate the undergraduate community about the
nuances of this new legislature including, for example, the stipulation that any student or
person carrying a concealed weapon on campus must be at least 21 years of age and
licensed with a concealed weapons license. Many students will likely get wind of the law
and feel entitled to carry a weapon without first understanding what is actually required
of legal campus weapon carriers.
3
I strongly believe that faculty offices and departments should be gun-free. Most, if not
all, of these spaces have only one exit/entrance and place faculty and staff in a
vulnerable position. The law in its entirety has made the university setting unsafe. I
vehemently oppose this law and the fact that our university and system leadership failed
to oppose this ridiculousness and dangerous agenda is discouraging to say the least.
3
I want to be safe. I’m certain that Texas Tech University will make the right decisions
about guns, and gun safety on campus. I would like to be aware, and knowledgeable in
safe gun handling, and safe gun exposure. I think that it is important to be trained on
what is appropriate behavior and gun activity, and what is dangerous behavior and gun
activity.
3
Being a native Texan, I do believe in the right to own and carry a firearm. However, as
an instructor at Tech, I fear the impulsive, rash, and reckless thinking that many of the
Tech undergraduate students display semester after semester. I fear that having a fire
arm in classroom situations or in other high-emotional situations (i.e. sporting events), is
asking for incidents from people who would otherwise not be in a position to
inflect/threaten harm on others. I would urge that any intense emotional areas be
declared as gun-free zones. Thank you.
3
It is essential to have firearms safety training. And that the person is considered
competent to carry.
3
Options for faculty who do not want guns brought to advising appointments or office
hours.
3
I think any person that wants to carry on campus will need to be registered with the
Texas Tech Police Department. Students who want to carry needs to be at least 21 yrs
of age and have so many hours of classroom and gun range training on gun safety
including all TT employees. I think when you have a gun free zone you are inviting a
criminal to walk in and go to shooting because that’s the path of least resistance
opposed to campus carry they will not know who is carrying. Thank You!!
3
Gun-free zones should be provided in the widest possible sense, not only in publicareas but also in classrooms. How can faculty and staff feel safe in an environment that
allows weapons? How can international students feel comfortable in an environment?
As TTU seeks to become a Tier 1-like status, assess whether other Tier 1 universities
have similar policies. Because of this legislation, researchers and scholars are leaving
152 for other institutions and I believe it will prevent TTU from attracting the best scholars,
researchers, and students internationally as well as nationally.
3
It is my hope that resident halls will continue to be gun-free zones.
3
Please set the maximum ‘off limit’ areas allowed. Thank you for considering my
feedback.
3
The students at the other schools probably thought that an active shooter would never
become a reality on their campus. Had one individual been armed and trained then
perhaps the shooters would not have gotten so far. In this day and age, I would much
rather have the means to protect myself and others rather than just accept my own
death or my fellow students. On the other hand, I know, for sure, that allowing
concealed on campus could lead to some issues like someone flashing a gun on their
waistband for intimidation. I believe Texas Tech should know who is carrying a firearm
on the grounds. I also feel Texas Tech should should conduct a psychological tests on
those who wish to carry on campus to help better protect everyone. I believe that having
no restrictions or complete restriction of firearms on campus is not the way to go.
Teaching students to be sheep encourages the wolves. Yet, we don’t need any
hotheaded frat guys trying to scare kids. We need a better solution than either.
3
Current concealed carry holders are far more aware of the physical and legal dangers of
consuming alcohol, engaging in hostile debate, or using weapons as a means of
coercion while in possession of a legal firearm than other students and faculty. I believe
that as a University, Texas Tech should offer training on what is required to obtain a
CHL.
3
I don’t presume to know how to handle firearms at events that serve alcohol. I believe
careful review of the policies of national sports policies should assist in the decision of
that. I hope that everything goes well.
3
As a doctoral student in the Department of Psychological Sciences, I am concerned to
not see the TTU Psychology Clinic listed above (there is the Student Counseling Center,
but that is different). As a facility providing services to community members with a broad
range of pathology, I believe it is in the best interest of students, staff, and client to have
the clinic be a gun-free zone. To allow individuals to possess firearms in a facility
marked by mental instability is an accident waiting to happen.
3
I propose that those with handguns on campus as students register with the university.
3
Given the typical population at any university (including TTU) -- 17 to 25 year-olds -- and
given how safe campuses are compared to ‘general’ (non-university campus areas), I
think universities have done a remarkable job ensuring student, staff, and faculty safety.
This trend must be continued, regardless of whatever legislation is passed. At the end
of the day, all university facilities should be, in effect, the safest places possible. Some
of the hazard may be mitigated with the use of plain-clothes marshals (including
volunteers from faculty and staff).
153 3
I just want to make sure that all laws are followed. Do the students have a say to this?
Gun violence is rampant across college campuses across the nation and I never want to
feel unsafe. Guns should have to be documented and regulated by all students who
plan to carry. Being that I am African American, I just honestly want to feel safe on
campus. Thanks for the survey.
3
Im glad that when I was a TA guns were not allowed in the classroom....
3
Few comments from me. We have to believe in our police force and always trust in their
response time and size of the force. I also believe in having them specifically prepared
for on campus shooters as well as certain faculty members. Secondly allowing on
campus carry can make a responding task force job of identifying shooters in times of
crisis. I think the identification from a concealed carry person from a shooter can be
ambiguous in the same regard that the identification of an off duty officer there to help
may be ambiguous. Lastly, I believe that making it well known that areas of campus are
“Gun Free” makes those areas a target. Exempt from that would be athletic events.
3
Undergrad students are too yang to handle all their academic assignment and
responsibilities. Having a permission to carry a gun while they are in university just add
more distraction to all other issues that we have in our campus right now, such as drug
and alcohol.
3
Even if Tech were to impose their own version of a CHL, I feel that would allow those
you are actually aware of gun handling and usage. Add it to your Tech ID; scan the card
and determine if someone is allowed to carry. I do not agree that it should be free-reign
to anyone on campus to possess a firearm.
3
At a minimum, guns should be prohibited from all buildings on campus, all sporting
events, and all events where >10 people are meeting.
3
As an international student coming from a country where only licensed individuals can
carry weapons, I find it hard to completely grasp the gravity of the issue. As a rule, I
would say no to all kinds of weapons, regardless of whether concealed or not, unless
used by law-enforcement officers. At the same time, I understand the urgency of having
a policy that controls the use of weapons. I feel we all need to be adequately educated
and prepared, so that we know how to react and where to seek help in case a tragedy
happens, like the many that have happened in colleges and other public places across
the States. Whatever the policy that TTU will advise to adopt, I think it will need to be
followed by mandatory and continuous training for all faculty, students, and staff, so as
to minimize the effect of surprise and panic should a shooting happen.
3
West Hall: This houses major Departments essential to TTU. We have new visitors
daily. Please keep West Hall in mind in regards to this study.
3
Carrying gun should be prohibited in any academic area
3
As a student who is also employed by Texas Tech University, I am in favor of the
campus carry legislation. I oppose the open cary legislation. I believe that campus carry
will provide for a more secure environment for education. It will also provide more
individuals to be able to stop an active shooter situation. I believe education is the most
important aspect of this legislation. Resources should be provided to students and
faculty to educate on when lethal force should be used and when a concealed firearm
should not be presented. Also, what the consequences could be if incorrectly used.
154 Conceal carry should not be allowed at sporting events or where alcohol is being
served.
3
I feel that the incidents that are in the news are not really related to licensed, rational
citizens of the community. Looking at the whole issue, I do not feel like heavily restricted
access controls those problems. I am concerned about events where alcohol is freely
consumed and persons are gathered in large groups (athletic events, possibly
graduation ceremonies, and so forth) My concerns about concealed carry are far less
than concerns with individuals in a bad mental state who access weapons.
3
I teach courses at the law school that involve the exchange of controversial ideas. I am
very concerned that guns (especially concealed) will stifle discussion and create a less
safe environment for both the students and. I am aware that we cannot make the
campus totally gun free, but I do think that academic buildings, especially where
controversial ideas are discussed should be gun free. I would add that if they are not, I
believe that it will be more difficult to recruit qualified faculty.
3
Education is important. This goes for Concealed Carry as well. Most people believe that
with this legislation, anyone will be able to carry on campus. I think educating the
student and teacher population of what it takes to obtain a CHL would be beneficial, so
they know that people must be cleared by the State of Texas and the FBI.
3
I am concerned that there appears to be little consideration for how Student Disability
Services will be affected. We work with a vulnerable population that ranges from
physical disability to Autism Spectrum Disorder. I do not think our SDS students will feel
safe studying on a campus where concealed carry is permitted in any capacity, nor will it
be safe for our student body if an SDS student has a negative emotional reaction to
another carrying.
3
I think there needs to be extra restrictions for campus carry. More so than whatever the
federal/state requirements are. If we are going to allow guns on academic grounds, I’d
prefer them to be well evaluated.
3
I really hope that you make the right decisions regarding gun-free zones. I think it’s
ridiculous and scary that I have to choose where I feel safe, AND, the building in which I
spend most of my time was not even listed as a place to be considered as a gun-free
zone.
3
I find it interesting that there seems to be this need to label areas as gun free or that
there is this concern that there will be an escalation of violence if there are no gun free
zones. If an individual has made the choice to commit an act of violence that is
unwarranted against a group of their fellow human beings (i.e a school shooter) signs
designating areas as gun free are not going to matter and, I would think, that these
areas would be prime targets to commit these acts of violence since there is no
underlying threat that someone in this area has an effective way to protect themselves
or use deadly force in retaliation. If these signs are so “necessary” why don’t regular
citizens post them outside their own private homes? Whats the difference? Personally I
think area thats free of “gun free zone” signs would cause anyone who has ill intent in
155 their heart to pause and consider their actions.
3
I am a STEM MBA graduate student who believes that select individuals should be
armed in the event of an active campus shooter. However, I don’t believe that such an
approval of concealed hand guns should stretch to everyone who can obtain a
concealed handgun carry license. While I know I am not offering a concrete solution, I
do feel that this kind of legislature should not cast a net so large. Despite this inclination,
I am in favor of the current legislation. Also, I think that studies should be done to learn
where the most likely place on a school campus, if any in particular, is more likely to be
victim to a campus shooter. Just to take into consideration which locations should be
considered concealed carry-free zones.
3
I agree that campus safety is essential. My concern would be about those people who
might abuse this campus carry legislation if it’s passed. I would feel much safer if there
were some strict measures in place to protect students/faculty/staff from those who
might abuse carrying on campus.
3
I believe the leaders/VP in departments, should be the ones to carry- not the students.
We want to arm students with education, not guns!
3
I think it’s important for students to be enabled the right to protect themselves in a
situation that causes for them to do so. Such as, if an active shooter is on campus. With
an active shooter on campus, and the right to carry is implemented I find it harder for an
active shooter. I do have my doubts about the right to carry--how some students who
are very immature and irresponsible might not know how to handle themselves, not just
in a serious situation but in any situation and I feel that more accidents might occur
based on this alone. This is why I feel for any persons who has the right to carry they
should first be evaluated and pass an IQ test in order to proceed with owning, operating
and handling a handgun.
3
I would prefer to see no guns in the classroom or faculty offices at all.
3
One of the problems that I see here with the survey is that there is a focus on public
settings, which if we examine the history of active shooters in university and public
school settings, most of the high-target areas are classroom buildings. While I am
against campus carry, I am also a realist about the issue of campus carry laws. The fact
of the matter that there is no way to really enforce these proposed restrictions
anywhere, from the English/Philosophy building classrooms to AT&T Stadium during
game days. I am not happy with the legislation that has been passed and I do not
approve of the ideological arguments over armed citizen interference during a crisis, but
I don’t see how enforcement of restricted areas will be realistically applicable to
concealed carry.
156 3
Universities are to give students, staff and faculty to explore new ideas, to have a
freedom to tell those ideas and debate those ideas with others and ultimately bring up
something good for the people. The attitude needed for this gets deeply altered because
of the campus carry legislation. People will be scared to debate, discuss and argue
about their ideas if they know that any of the other person can have a gun and can put
end to the debate in a very dangerous manner in a split second. Any person will be in a
state of constant fear of such fatal situations and will lead to decline in the values of
Education and Socialism that a University sets for the greater good of the people. That
being said, we still go with the campus carry legislation.. these areas should be gunsfree zone: 1. Lecture rooms 2. library or any study area 3. Student Union or places
where people usually eat. Thanks!
3
Am deeply ambivalent on this issue. Although it would be nice if the ‘good guys’ had
guns in case a ‘bad guy’ with a gun started shooting, how the heck do you legislate or
even prepare for that? I don’t believe I would have voted for this law although I am in
favor of a select number of teachers and staff to have permission to carry in this current
crazy environment.
3
I think that regardless of what TTU system chooses, we as students should still have
shooter active training throughout each room and building to prepared for any situation. I
think that we as students should be given the tools to protect ourselves should a shooter
be on campus. I think given the recent incidents there are two types of individuals:
individuals who are concealed carry permit holders and those individuals who are active
shooters. In the end active shooters pose the biggest threat to our student, staff, and
faculty.
3
I have had many discussions with fellow faculty about this matter. I believe that any
“gun free” zone is NOT going to stop ANYONE that is destined to carry out a shooting
on campus, if a student or faculty wanted to bring a firearm on campus to any “gun free”
zone today they can. To protect gun free zones, we would need the equivalent of
airport security to catch guns coming into buildings. Currently, carrying a gun in a gunfree zone is against the law but so are the actions and result of a planned shooting. In
my discussions with fellow faculty, I believe more education and awareness of who,
legally, will be able to carry a firearm on campus actually are. I feel my fellow faculty
believe anyone will be able to bring a gun, where in fact it is the small percentage (34%) who are educated and trained to use a firearm, and are inherently law-abiding
citizens in the first place or they would not be able to obtain or maintain a license.
3
As a CHL holder, I’m neutral on the subject of concealed carry on campus. On the one
hand, the only people allowed to concealed carry now are other licensed individuals who
have all gone through not only arms training but also situation de-escalation tactics. If
their training was half as rigorous as mine, they were extensively, explicitly told that
using your handgun is only for the last extremity of defense of another or yourself. The
thought of my fellow CHL carriers being armed on campus does not trouble me,
however it is undeniable that it does trouble others. Other people will be made
uncomfortable by the thought of others concealing handguns, and I worry that it will
disrupt the atmosphere of my classroom - a student being made uncomfortable is a
student who is being denied equal access to an open learning environment. I do not
envy your positions in figuring out the best way to implement Governor Abbott’s political
goodwill pandering.
157 3
I am a CA in the dorms and I am most worried about residents being able to openly
show off their weapons to their friends in the halls.
3
All classrooms, regardless of class size, should be considered as potential gun free
zones.
3
I have encountered angry individuals in my job. I cannot feel comfortable in my office
knowing that an individual could come into my office with a handgun. I have the right to
be protected from harm in the workplace - whether harm from environmental issues or a
handgun. I need to be protected or the workplace becomes unsafe for me to perform my
duties. I would like a secure office setting because of the potential angry individuals I
may encounter.
3
The most important thing in regards to carrying firearms on campus is education. The
reality is that people are carrying guns whether they are allowed to or not. Also, with the
recent campus shootings around the country there needs to be reoccurring
education/discussions at TTU about active shooters and also how to deescalate
situations with students/general public. Also, information regarding campus security and
the best method to report dangerous situations really isn’t discussed, I am a new
employee and it was only briefly touched on in orientation and I believe that is more
dangerous than people carrying concealed weapons.
3
I feel when reviewing this issue a few facts need to be taken into consideration: 1.) Only
someone over the age of 21 may have a CHL. Given this fact it will greatly reduce the
number of potential CHL carriers so not everyone on campus will have a gun. 2.)
People are able to carry in many locations already, including on the grounds of the
school, just not inside buildings, so we already have people who could legally carry a
weapon in the free speech area. 3.) Typically speaking we see examples in Active
Shooter scenarios where gunmen commit suicide once an armed threat arises and they
realize they have maximized their body count. Speeding up the time to when this
happens could help in saving lives. Another thought is that proper camera placement
can assist in documenting what occurs so that should an active shooting scenario occur
and a CHL carrier responds to the threat police can properly identify and track the
events to ensure the correct individuals are prosecuted.
3
I am not sure about having students armed. I would prefer to see only employees of the
university armed. Each person I think must register with the university as a CHL holder
and should have special training for this type of environment.
3
The Texas Tech Museum and the National Ranching Heritage Center, due to their
nature as institutions with historical collections and public programs should be exempt
from firearms prohibitions. Our collections include historic and significant firearms of
many various types, and some public programs, events and demonstrations include the
safe display and handling of firearms. For those reasons the Museum and the NRHC
should be exempt from any restrictions regarding the carry of firearms when such carry
is relevant to official Museum and NRHC business, including, but not limited to
identification, loan and donation processes, exhibition, research, public living history,
demonstration and educational events, photography, media, etc. The University should
continue to allow trained and certified Museum and NRHC staff/volunteers to carry
approved firearms on site for public living history educational/demonstration event
purposes.
158 3
I am not certain where I stand on this. On the one hand, I don’t think guns should have a
place in a learning environment. On the other hand, guns WILL find their way onto
college campuses (as seen with all the campus shootings) regardless of policy, and I
cannot help but wonder if having responsible citizens with a concealed firearms might
help reduce the loss of life in such situations (suppression of the gunman, etc).
However, most shooters have automatic firearms, so what good could a small
concealed firearm do in such cases? This is a tough issue that I would like to see more
information on. Thank you for caring about our opinions.
3
I feel that if there are designated ‘gun-free’ areas, those are the areas that an active
shooter will target. If an individual decides to go on a shooting rampage, when they get
on campus they are not going to stop and decide to stay away from the ‘gun-free’ zones
because that is the campus regulation. Those are the zones they are going to focus on
because they know there wont be anyone there who has a gun to stop them. Criminals
wont care and obey the regulations. Law abiding students will, but then these
restrictions will end up hurting the law abiding students if an active shooter does come
on our campus because they wont have a way to protect themselves.
3
I think that permits to carry concealed handguns on campus should be determined on a
case by case basis where applicants are reviewed for having a solid background and
character. If people want to be a source of protection on campus by carrying hand guns,
they should be willing to go through a review process to make sure they are good
candidates. Also, I do not think that international students should be able to carry
concealed on campus.
3
When creating gun free zones on campus... How do you pose to enforce zone? If a
student is carrying, yet attends a class that is gun free, what are the student’s options?
Will there be lockers? Will there be security guarding the lockers? I think this matter
requires the input from Lubbock Police Department to help assist in planning, enforcing
and executing decisions. The Police Department will have a much better realistic view
on what will work and what will not. If the State of Texas is really going to make this
happen then it will be really hard to have gun free zones be 100% gun free. All the
options for zone free areas given in this survey are all areas that have the highest risk
for an active shooter to take place. Will staff and faculty be allowed to carry when the
students are gun free?
3
1) I think the TTU Police Department are well equipped to handle, assist, and prevent
shooters from causing more causalities in the act of a shooter. The TTUPD are quick
responders, but the blue lights are too far from buildings. Perhaps there needs to be
silent alarms installed in all classrooms, offices, and various hallways. Let the campus
community know so if they are in a situation, they can factor in that tactic as an option
when avoiding a shooter and alerting authorities. 2) I think all students, staff, faculty,
etc. need to have active shooter training, but the training needs to be updated in the
instance when the shooter is in a room, and starts their actions there, not from the
outside or from an unknown location. 3) Require those with CHL’s to go through a
screening before being able to bring their guns on campus. Have to file some
documentation or ID to be aware of who has a gun on campus and that they are in
sound mind to be able to. Thanks for your time!
159 3
I am concerned about the safety of others when students are allowed to carry guns. In
an ‘active shooter’ situation, a young college student will not have the skill necessary to
implement the gun they carry in a proper way so as to neutralize the situation.
Moreover, students in college are often under the effects of stress, anxiety, and sleep
deprivation. These things, when combined with alcohol, mental illness, poor classroom
performance or any other ‘mind altering’ effects, could be detrimental to the students,
faculty and staff. However, with the increasing number of sexual assaults, rapes, and
violent crimes in which students feel their safety is compromised, I understand the
feeling of necessity to carry a weapon. That being said, as TTU policy makers, I ask that
you consider areas where students may not have a ‘clear head’ (i.e. library, events with
alcohol, any mental service area, and areas with large, clustered groups of people
(theaters/classrooms)) as a gun-free zone.
3
Is the university going to install and monitor cameras in all areas, including classrooms,
where concealed handguns are allowed? I think we need to.
3
I am completely neutral to the current campus carry legislation, as I understand the
numerous potential benefits and risks that campus carry may bring. Having armed
students, faculty and staff on campus may alter the free exchange of ideas and respect
for diversity on campus. If so, campus carry could have an impact upon higher
education. Whether a positive or negative effect takes place, I believe that a great
amount of discussion is required in order to assure that mutual respect, diversity, the
free exchange of ideas and campus safety are not hindered. I strongly believe that
athletic venues, recreational sports facilities, theaters, residence halls, hazardous
research areas, counseling facilities and free speech areas are not acceptable locations
for campus carry. Furthermore, all areas utilized by the Child Development Research
Center should not permit campus carry. These areas include the CDRC building,
outdoor playground and the Human Sciences courtyard.
3
Not only should the CDRC be a gun-free zone, but there should also be a significant
radius around the center that is also drug free. Will students have to reveal that they are
carrying guns on campus? Are guns allowed in the offices of faculty and staff? Will
faculty and staff have the right to set up their personal office as a gun-free zone? Most
college students are at an age where their brains are not fully developed and they are
still lacking in their ability to make good choices. Is it really a good idea to give such a
volatile population unrestricted access to have their guns on campus? I do not believe
that allowing guns on our campus will make it at all more safe and I am fairly certain we
will see the opposite effect. I extremely hope that these questions and many more are
considered before we put everyone’s life at risk by allowing guns on Tech campus.
3
How do we know who is the shooter in an incident there is a shooter? How can we
make sure people who are trying to protect the people from the shooter does not cause
more harm? This needs to ascertained before concealed weapon policies are
implemented.
3
Whatever policy you create, I would strongly favor making the policy as restrictive as
possible with regard to allowing concealed handguns to be carried on campus.
3
My greatest concern is ensuring that all of our students, faculty, and staff are educated
on the legislation, how to take appropriate action in an active shooter situation, and how
to minimize threats to learning and the healthy exchange of ideas.
160 3
The fact that guns will be allowed on campus makes me want to seek a degree online.
3
Two things: (1) there will certainly be a racial component to implementation of this
legislation as persons of color are more likely to be unfairly perceived as threats, if they
carry -- appropriate training should be provided accordingly; (2) consideration should be
given to phasing out the “Guns Up” slogan in light of the campus shootings nationwide
3
Carry legislation on campus has the potential to reduce freedom of speech. In fact,
classroom debate/discussion maybe curtailed altogether especially if students suspect
their professor has a concealed weapon or vice versa.
3
Gun free zone really means no one hear to stop bad intentions. Should we install metal
detectors and create sharp object free zones. Finding help for people that suffer from
mental illness is a more important. Signs about firearms is a waste of time and money.
Spend the money to put more police on duty, or have classes about how not to be a
victim.
3
Campus climate will significantly change with the open carry option amongst students
and faculty. I teach a course which is already loaded and contains students who have
possibly been previously assaulted by others. The atmosphere which includes guns as
recreational accessories does not ensure our safety as a classroom but greatly
influences appropriate knowledge exchange, debate and educational objectivity. This
would enhance the lack of safety, specifically for young women on our campus but also
for educators who do not use guns as a daily interactive defense accessory.
Classrooms in Holden and much of campus have no escape, are not in open / safe
areas and would pose a threat to students choice for safety.
3
If Texas Tech decides to allow a gun on campus to be quite free, please consider to
have a gun training for all employees whether he or she has a gun or not.
3
Library and Special Collections buildings should be gun-free as they hold large numbers
of people at a time and financially valuable resources. Some items in Special
Collections are the only things of their kind in the world and are vulnerable to theft and
defacement.
3
What will it cost and what is the plan to monitor the rules that eventually will be put in
place. Will there be metal detectors, special staff at all entrances?
3
After listening to the faculty discuss this issue I think something needs to be done to
assure them that this does not threaten their safety. They believe that this increases the
threat of violence. If something could be sent out showing the percentage of people on
campus that can actually carry a gun, I think it might be beneficial. I think this number is
much smaller than they realize.
3
I understand this is a tricky situation and there might not be a right or wrong answer.
Some people are not comfortable around guns and this law could cause people to be
uncomfortable. On the other hand, most mass shootings happen at gun-free zones such
as schools. I don’t believe it’s a good idea to broadcast publicly what areas are
designated as areas that people can’t protect themselves. Bad guys don’t pay attention
to gun-free zones. I personally wished that the law would of stayed concealed, so the
bad guys don’t know who has a weapon on them. Hope this feedback helps. Wreck Em
161 3
Campus carry should be effective due to all the recent events that have happened
regarding public school shootings. I do believe there should be an effort to educate
students, faculty and staff about gun safety and active shooter courses. This will
familiarize the carrier to situations involving high stress levels if they were to deploy their
firearm. Most students, faculty and staff who carry “think” they know how to handle
themselves with their firearm, when in reality they probably spent a couple hours a
month shooting a static target at the range for practice. In reality, it does not happen like
so. Your adrenaline is very high, and you resort to your lowest level of training. Majority
of the CHL holders can not draw their weapon and put rounds accurately downrange in
a stressful situation. This needs to be practiced and emphasized. Practicing with
dynamic targets and emulating combat /tactical reloads with a high stress environment
will prepare our TTU family much better.
3
The University could offer concealed carry safety training taught by security personnel.
3
There needs to be some specialized staff on campus who know which students are
suffering from mental health issues or are substance abusers and do everything they
can to PREVENT those students from bringing guns onto campus. It is clear that
occasionally, young people who did not exhibit any mental health issues in high school
come to college and develop schizophrenia or other mental health problems. If students
go to the health center with mental health issues, there hopefully needs to be some
ability to communicate that information to staff members who are responsible in making
sure those students DO NOT have guns with them on campus or in their dorm rooms. I
support the second amendment. But, I don’t see how the new law will stop mass
shootings effectively other than encouraging students with mental illness problems or
substance abuse problems to bring guns onto campus.
3
Please consider having the forms filled out for those who choose to carry handguns on
campus, so we don’t have random people with guns and we not know who has one.
Also, consider the professors opinions in this because this would affect them the most.
3
I do believe in our second amendment right to carry, however, designating gun-free
zones may encourage an “active shooter” scenario in those particular locations
BECAUSE they’re gun-free. Anyone under 21 can’t own a hand gun anyway, so we’re
talking upper-classmen and faculty/staff. I’ve marked a gun-free zone at all Athletic
events because I know how tempers flare during some of our football games and God
forbid if someone that mad had a gun. Basically, locations where there is alcohol or
angry people should probably be gun-free zones.
3
While I believe that teachers should be able to be armed in their classrooms if they so
desire, I am concerned that more and more people carrying on campus can only lead to
the potential of more violence. There is no right answer and it is disturbing that I and my
son are in college and my two daughters will be next year and we all have to be worried
about who has a gun and who doesn’t.
3
Every person on this campus who wishes to carry a concealed handgun should have to
register that weapon with the TTU Police Department and then attend a course of
instruction over the TTU active shooter plan, hand gun safety, and areas off-limits for
guns before they are legally allowed to carry. This course of instruction should also
include de-escalation training so that individuals who are carrying guns on campus have
the tools to resolve potentially violent conflict without deadly force.
162 3
I do believe that each department should determine whether or not to make that
department a gun free zone. Accept for those departments that are government
regulated already.
3
There must be clear and concise rules and regulations and trainings if this passes. No
room for misinterpretation and violation of these set rules must have strict
consequences that must be enforced.
3
First and foremost, I believe in the right to bear arms... but I also believe that there is a
time and place for everything. I’m not necessarily in favor of EVERYONE with a permit
being allowed to carry concealed weapons anywhere they want. My concern with
allowing concealed carry on campus is that there is no way to tell who has a
permit/permission.. and who doesn’t. If I were to notice someone carrying a firearm, how
do I know whether or not that person is licensed to do so?
3
I feel classrooms should be a gun-free zone! Please, for the safety of our students and
faculty, prohibit the carrying of weapons in classrooms.
3
Whereas I am not a gun owner and neutral on the campus carry legislation issue, I do
feel that establishing certain areas as “gun-free zones” may pose some difficult logistical
issues. In order to enter such areas, someone who is carrying will have to leave their
gun unguarded in their office say--which introduces many more problems than it solves.
I would make an exception for research labs and events with alcohol, however. In both
cases, individuals will know in advance that they plan to attend, and can leave their
guns at home that day. So the aforementioned logistical issue is not so problematic in
this case.
3
IN THE POLICE BLOTTER YOU CAN SEE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SUICIDE
ATTEMPTS ON CAMPUS RECENTLY. WHAT IF THESE STUDENTS HAD A GUN ON
THEM?!?!???? ALLOWING STUDENTS TO CARRY A GUN ON A CAMPUS OF
CLOSE TO 40,000 STUDENTS JUST SOUNDS LIKE A POTENTIAL TRAGEDY.
THINK THIS THROUGH TAKE EVERYTHING INTO CONSIDERATION AND THINK
ABOUT MURPHY’S LAW.
3
While considered adults by law, a portion of the undergraduate student population
display a certain lack of maturity that can lead to poor decision making. As long as the
process for obtaining a concealed carry permit requires a minimum age of 21, that
should hopefully mitigate some of the issues that might arise. However if this age
requirement is ever relaxed I would be very concerned about armed undergraduate
students on campus. In terms of my own safety, as an instructor I see lots of students
very concerned about the grades they are earning in their courses. When they fail to
earn the grade they want, I am the bad guy out to destroy their life, especially when at
the end of the semester I will not give them the grade they so desperately want instead
of the grade they earned. Additionally, how clear will it be made to students that a
concealed carry permit is required to carry on campus in designated areas?
3
If there is some to register carriers on campus, so police officers know, this would be
beneficial for their safety as well as the public.
3
How will it be handled when students have disciplinary sanctions with the student code
of conduct office? Is it possible to have certain students who are not allowed to carry? or
does that really just possibly provoke them even further?
163 3
I came from a rural background where owning and using guns was the norm. Indeed, I
even enjoy shooting from time to time. However, as an instructor, I feel like this policy
will affect my teaching. I teach over hot button topics. Sometimes students get hot
headed. Now, I will be worried about the consequences of allowing students to discuss
their differences. Will someone get too hot headed? I also worry about the
consequences of some students getting angry at me for playing devil’s advocate. Most
gun owners don’t pull their guns on people when they get angry. However, it only takes
one hot-headed student that has easy access to his or her gun to create a dangerous
situation for an entire classroom.
3
What leeway do faculty, staff, graduate students have on setting their own rules in terms
of concealed carry that either does or does not violate the new law? For example: Can a
faculty, staff, or graduate student declare their office a gun-free zone based on personal
objections (i.e. similar to conscientious objection)? If so, what latitude for enforcement of
this designation do the aforementioned have? Would this need to be communicated
within syllabi distributed to students for courses that are taught or noted via visible
signage posted near the office entryway?
3
If the individuals are to conceal carry on campus there should be a either a website or a
classroom environment verification class to verify that the individual has the proper
paperwork and license to carry their sidearm.
3
Recreational Sports has programs like intramural’s that have some conflict within the
contest. Would not be a good time for CHL’s.
3
The presence of firearms on campus, particularly in the dorms, will lead to more deaths.
Deaths by suicide in particular drastically increase in the increased presence of
firearms. In 2010 there were over 19,000 suicide deaths by firearms, over 21,00 in 2013.
For people between the ages of 18 and 25 suicide is the second leading cause of death
- more access to firearms for college students will result in more suicide deaths.
3
Metal detectors in some restrictive areas: Chancellor’s Office, President’s Office,
Provost, Deans’ Offices I feel that security should be a #1 issue, not that other issues
are not as important, but having a protected environment will be safer for the Tech
campus.
3
People who would like to conceal carry should be registered in a TTU system so it is
known who will carry on campus. I do not think we should allow concealed carry on
educational grounds. Please do not allow carry in the student union or rec center, there
is no need for these places. Anyone who wishes to carry on campus should be required
to attend a day course.
3
I believe any large gathering of students (at athletic or social events) should be a gunfree event ESPECIALLY if any alcohol is made available. Both group mentality and the
lowering of inhibitions are dangerous factors that play into potentially irresponsible
weapon use.
3
I am very concerned for the faculty as they are exposed in their classes to having
students in their class with guns who could be having problems with the class and
decide to take it out on the faculty. I always have my office door open so students can
ask question or we just say hello. I will keep my door closed and maybe even locked if
every student on campus has the option to carry guns into the building as my office is
164 right next to the door. I don’t want to lose the interaction with the students but I may not
have a choice for me to feel safe at my work site.
3
A university is a place where students should be able to discuss ideas without the
thought and fear of retaliation. Science means to question- to ask why and never stop
asking that question because there is always room for improving and/or developing on
an idea. Anything that would prevent students from undertaking this process should not
be allowed on campus. That is not possible because the right to carry a gun is law.
However, ttu can curtail who can carry guns by having strict penalties for those who
violate the gun rules on ttu campus. For eg. Expelling anyone who violates any ttu rule,
however small, on carrying concealed weapons. Also certain places on campus where
students are vulnerable need to be protected. Also adequate training needs to be
provided to ttu staff, especially student staff that deal with a large number of students.
3
Policies are important, but creating a stronger system for identifying and reporting
students of concern is even more important. We have a system in place, but I am
unsure if faculty really use it like they should or if they recognize the early warning signs
of mental illness or substance use. Mental illness and substance abuse are a
dangerous combination with the new concealed carry law. I am also very concerned
about what restrictions will be enforced for the safe carrying and storage of guns in
dorms. I appreciate the University’s efforts to obtain faculty feedback on this issue.
3
As an administrator who often interacts with troubled, disgruntled and sometimes
mentally unstable students, I have great concern regarding guns being brought into my
building and specifically my office. I am not convinced that more guns on campus will
prevent campus gun violence.
3
The focus of these policies should be informing the students and faculty that the
introduction of campus carry is increasing safety, not diminishing it. It has become
abundantly apparent that 'gun-free zones' are inherently less safe due to that restriction.
When a 'shooter' is choosing a target, 'gun-free zones' provide easy targets as they do
not have to worry about a law-abiding citizen shooting back. It's an important point to
make that 'gun-free zones' only deter those law-abiding citizens from carrying firearms.
An individual who has decided to break the law by committing mass murder is unlikely to
be swayed by a 'gun-free' zone.
3
I believe the idea of people on campus being able to own a concealed handgun is great,
and they should be allowed to do so. However, I feel that there should be heavy
restrictions on who gets to carry one and the rules that those people have to follow. For
instance, I believe faculty should be able to possess concealed handguns, but they
should be required to do extensive training both in how to use the gun and the rules of
using a gun. They should be required to do target practice at least several times a year
to ensure that if they need to shoot, they could accurately. I think it needs to be
emphasized that guns are not the only solution, and that they should not be used or
seen unless absolutely necessary. I think this is too much responsibility for some
students, so they should have to go through even more training than faculty. I also
believe there should be a limit as to how many people on campus should be allowed to
have a gun.
165 3
There is no mention of prohibiting handguns in the dorms. Although most dorm
residents are probably ‘under age’ for handgun possession, I would think these areas of
campus should be considered for gun-free areas. I am greatly concerned about the
imbalance of power created by the presence of a concealed weapon in the classroom.
How can open and honest thought and discussion be promoted when there is a
concealed threat present among us?
3
This new law is concerning to me as someone who works within the residence halls on
campus. Our staff must respond to incidents where residents are often extremely
intoxicated or hostile, and I believe putting guns in the hands of those students will put
our staff and other students in danger, much like at ASU. Additionally, I worry about my
professors, who are here to research and challenge beliefs. I have heard of professors
on this campus being threatened in reponse to things they teach, and I hope that there
will be additional security provided to them. Finally, students should be taught how to
respond in an active shooter situation, and if they choose to use their gun in defense,
how to show police that they are not the shooter. I believe once guns are in campus
buildings, there needs to be strong guidance to the students that set clear expectations
for behavior and gun usage. I am sure the university is working on this, as shown by this
survey. Thank you for your dedication.
3
Do not allow them in residents rooms whose roommate is under 21
3
The Texas Tech Law School should be designated as a carry-free/no gun zone. This is
a large concentration of students in one building on campus, who a vast majority of
would be able to conceal carry on campus. Limiting guns in the Law School ‘zone’ or
building on campus would be important.
3
I am deeply discomforted by the idea of students being able to have concealed weapons
in residence halls, particularly because of accidental discharge potential.
3
None of the instructors I’ve spoken with (myself included) say they’ll feel safe in the
classroom. And how safe do you think we’ll feel on days we have to hand back
assignments with poor grades?????
3
I don’t think students should be allowed to open carry on campus (that could be
disruptive to class). However, concealed carry if executed properly would never be
made aware to other students.
3
What is most terrifying about this new legislation is when issues of grade disputes and
classroom performance are discussed/disclosed. If students are allowed to carry, what
is there to protect the TAs, instructors, and professors from being intimidated by a
student? I fear that this part is being ignored, especially in the case of TAs who are
typically more vulnerable to problems such as this because of the close proximity of age
between them and their students.
3
For employees that do not have a gun, there should be a free class on gun safety.
Everyone should have the right to attain a license and not be prohibited by the amount
of income you make.
3
The safety of students, faculty and staff is the utmost priority. I oppose the campus
carry because I believe the maturity and life skills of students have yet to be attained.
Staff and faculty would be exempt under intense training to carry on campus.
166 3
The Student Union Building and the Library MUST be gun free zones. Anything less
would be unacceptable. I will not risk my life at this university just to go to the library.
Look at the numbers; university shootings are fairly common.
3
If we do not allow guns in a specific building, that in where the campus shooting will
occur.
3
There are too many people on this campus that are not mature enough to be given the
right to carry a gun. I believe that the campus will become even more unsafe.
3
I believe the individuals who have taken the time to go to the training and earn the
concealed hand gun license would add to the safety of our campus. They would be
there to help protect us if a dangerous gunman posed a threat here on campus.
3
very concerned about students carrying guns to class.
3
I believe some areas may need to be gun free but not entire buildings or facility’s. If you
can’t conceal your weapon it must not be carried. If alcohol is sold more than 50% of the
product, CHL holders cannot carry in a gun, If the CHL holder drinks they can’t carry
their weapon. Laws are already in place to regulate a lot of the questions above. By not
allowing concealed hand guns and advertising it, a target is created. No one goes into a
police stations and shoots a lot of people. You don’t hear that going on much. I don’t
think CHL holders would let that happen. That is who we will be regulating is the people
that follow the law.
3
I believe there is TABC law which already restricts concealed carry at places where
alcohol is served. Therefore, TTU should not have to prohibit that.
3
As with my personal experience, I think those nervous around guns and the campus
carry law, may be more comfortable with campus carry and guns in general if gun safety
instruction is provided. I became more comfortable with the idea when my fiance (in law
enforcement) instructed me on how to properly handle a gun and demonstrated with a
cantaloupe what could happen to a person do to improper handling. Before his
instruction I was afraid of anything to do with guns and bullets. This instruction does not
need to include firing of a gun. In addition to general safety I might also recommend
having an accessible resource where people can understand more about what learning
and rigors having a concealed carry permit requires, without actually promoting this
option, just so that people understand more about the process and that most who carry
aren’t crazy.
3
I had a instance this semester, while teaching a composition course at the Hill Country
University Center in Fredericksburg, with a student who walked out of my classroom in
anger. My concern was that with his military background and his mental instability, if he
would return with a weapon.
3
The law has always prevented conceal carry at all sporting events, so I don’t think the
new bill can vacate that, but if it has I definitely do not want guns at sporting events. I
would prefer guns not be in areas with high populations, people under 21, alcohol, or
around people with any diminished capacity.
167 3
I believe in the 2nd amendment and personal freedoms however I’m not sure what
benefit comes out of allowing everyone to carry a firearm on campus brings. If the
added benefit is everyone has a defense in a time of crisis I would rather have one
person with a gun, than potentially hundreds. Everyone walking around with their hand
on the trigger looking for a mad gunman would bring nothing but chaos and possibly
bad, irreversible decisions. If it simple to allow yourself to feel protected on an open
campus I can see that point of view also. I have no firm stance on this topic one way or
the other. I can see both sides of the coin while also seeing very strong implications for
each side as well. Both have massive drawbacks in the right situation. Guns don’t kill,
people do however while school is a great place to meet friends and enjoy success. It is
also a place of great stress and possible impulse decisions, a place where I’m not sure
everyone having a gun should be. Thank
3
If specific buildings, offices, and areas are going to be designated “gun-free”. How is
this going to be enforced among the students? Are they going to be asked to leave their
backpacks at the door? Young students are “trying to find themselves”, rebel against
rules/policies. There are way too many dangers that they have to overcome during this
stage in their lives. I don’t believe that this is in the best interest of the students and
their education PERIOD.
3
how are the gun free zones going to be enforced?
3
I do not believe that students should be allowed to carry guns on campus. However,
today during class I was thinking about what I would do during an active shooter event
in a classroom setting. Basically there is nothing you could do but band together with
people and charge the shooter. Someone is going to sacrifice there life in this effort.
Who will it be? I would be in favor of professors having concealed handguns with the
proper training in order to stop the madness of an active shooter.
3
I think it’s ridiculous to allow students to openly carry arms on campus.
3
I personally think that college age students are not ready for this.
3
While the committee is ‘creating’ policies it is important that some kind of information be
shared. Many departments have questions on how to handle a situation, there is no
waiting for a policies to be created some sort of general guide lines need to set now and
distributed. How does this effect my work area, my co-workers and patients? What
should I do when I see a person with a weapon, ignore it, call 911 or confront the
person? Can I start carrying my gun or should I stop? Yes, there are people now who
have weapons on them. If a place is designated as ‘gun free’ what is to say that
someone with a weapon will not bring a gun into that zone? Where is my Safe Zone?
Where or will there be ‘safe’ places to hide? What background in safety and policing
qualification dose the committee have who can insure my safety? Is TT police part of
this committee? Thank you, Concerned employee
3
I’m sure I speak for the overwhelming majority of administrators, faculty, and students
when I say that allowing guns on campus is not only asinine but one of the worst
legislative reforms ever enacted in the history of Texas.
168 3
There should be no individuals that are allowed to carry handguns, other than people.
Many students are still developing and feeling stressed, thus the presence of guns could
magnify many different emotions that could incite an incident putting students at risk.
There should instead be a larger presence of security on campus as well as more blue
safety lights, along with better lighting along all walkways on campus. I feel extremely
unsafe walking/biking around on campus after 7 pm due to the poor lighting, lack of
security, and complete lack of blue safety lights. The number of blue safety lights should
be at the very least quadrupled and in areas where students actually walk by (instead of
areas hidden away to protect TTU’s campus beautification).
3
I look at the campus and Tech Terrace and already see so much abuse of freedom by
the students. Examples: broken glass from parties in parking lots on campus and Tech
Terrace (this is relevant because it is our students who are hurting this neighborhood),
students speeding where pedestrians are walking (our campus is supposed to be
pedestrian friendly and we lost that value) as if their lives don’t matter, bathrooms with
toilet paper and paper towels all over the floor- again where are our values? If we don’t
know them and share them we will not keep them. Values only exist in practice. I’m
proud of the progress of my university, but art installations, donations, and expansion
mean nothing if we have no warmth and fraternity as a whole. I feel that most students
do not have the respect that is required to have a gun on campus, and that this will bring
trouble. I am very concerned. I hope the correct areas to prohibit firearms are chosen.
And we NEED outreach in Tech Terrace.
3
Currently, I am opposed as to how the law is written. There are far too many gaps in the
rules and regulations for me to feel comfortable with the intent of the law. I feel like
having campus focus groups might help shed light on some of these questions. I feel
that I might be more comfortable once I knew how Tech was planning to implement the
changes in a safe and positive manner. I am no way opposed to concealed carry laws,
but I have difficulty thinking of a time where it would fit (and be SAFE) to have a gun in
many facilities on campus. I am confident in those who take the classes and get
certified to handle the guns responsibly, but most facilities I do not see the need to carry
a concealed weapon.
3
My biggest concern, especially since I am an instructor, is that the potential for
retaliation against me or other students will be a risk. I teach courses where sensitive
issues and topics are discussed and sometimes discussion between students can get
passionate. I now worry about students not wanting to be as open in discussion
because of worries of retaliation from other students. Another concern is having a
student retaliate against me or other instructors if they do not get a grade they think they
deserve. The increase in school shootings, especially recently, has me concerned about
the education dynamics of free speech, open discussion seminars, and exchange of
ideas within and outside of the classroom. I hope that TTU will only encourage safety
and clarity in rules and regulations regarding the new legislation. It will only help to keep
a thread of transparency and support for the faculty, staff, and students on campus.
3
At least a basic psychological evaluation of all students allowed to carry weapons. A
dedicated helpline where one can report a distressed individual (who is allowed to carry
weapons), because people are not comfortable calling emergency numbers or even
campus security over doubts. Online list of all individual allowed to carry weapons for
the above reason.
169 3
This law will make it very difficult for TTU to attract new faculty members from other
states in the US.
3
I believe that TTU should allow faculty to carry if they desire.
3
Our college population is too immature to carry a gun. The general student population
become distraught if they receive a B in class. Guns should not be allowed in any Tech
classroom.
3
I do not want to face the possibility of one of my students believing they need to protect
myself or the other students in a dangerous situation. Because they are “carrying” they
may feel the need to take action. This is my responsibility to protect my students. I am
the adult in the classroom. I am their instructor. I should be the one who leads with or
without a handgun.
3
I think that any area that becomes “off-limits” to campus carry should have at least 1
blue phone (preferably more). On question 5, I think TTU should mirror the state law
regarding places that serve alcohol and concealed carry.
3
As not everybody is allowed to carry guns, then nobody should. This is increasing
dissimilarities between actual american residents and foreign people (who are not
allowed to carry guns). In that sense you put people who are not allowed to carry guns
in an uncomfortable situation on campus.
3
Believe any person with handguns on campus should be required to go through some
training with local police to ensure they are trained and understand expectations the
TTU will develop to ensure safety of students and staff. all staff should’ve trained on
how to respond, where to go in the event of an emergency. Safety teams develops and
emergency plans in place. TTU should be aware of any person with guns on campus
and should require quarterly training to respond to active shooters and help ensure the
safety of all on campus. bullet proof conference rooms in each building. Accessible
buttons to push that notifies authorities, TTU student and staff (like bank setting) in the
event that of active shooter. Request support of veterans and military personnel on
campus to help develop response plans. Continue to ask for feedback from all on
campus as it will impact us all. Put safety first. Thank you
3
The current wave of mass murders in the United States brings with it a sobering logic:
The person who is intent on committing the greater crime of murder is not deterred by
the “fear” of committing the lesser crime of carrying his/her weapon of choice where
he/she has been told not to. (Tragically, from Columbine to Umpqua, many mass
murders have been carried out in “gun-free” zones.) Given that reality, we must explore
which measures WILL deter a person intent on murder. As an institution charged with
public education, Texas Tech University ought to lead the way in physically training its
administrators, faculty, students, and staff in self-defense techniques--and publicizing
this program widely. Then, if a person of ill intent attempts any major crime, be it
robbery, rape, or murder, he/she will be met by a campus community well prepared to
deter or greatly diminish the carrying out of the crime.
3
In favor of CONCEALED gun in areas where permitted by administration. Absolutely
NO automatic weapons. Consult with Lubbock Police department concerning: all policy
setting, close monitoring of potential ‘hot spots’, prevention of danger and training of all
facets of this tragic dilemma our Country has found itself in with regard to education.
170 3
I believe there should be sufficient training between campus PD and those who choose
to carry on campus. This way in the event someone is forced to be in a position to
defend themselves there is no incident between someone defending themselves lawfully
being mistaken as the perpetrator. I also believe that those who are carrying are
encouraged to familiarize themselves and/or form groups with others that choose to do
so around them in the same building/areas.
3
I think that it is important to consider students with PTS and other special needs groups
that may not respond well to seeing a gun. Such as austimtic students.
3
I think it gun safety awareness should be included in Red Raider Orientations, as well as
active shooter training awareness. I think the TTU administrators are doing a very good
proactive survey to protect, inform and train all the TTU community family. Thank You.
3
We need to provide clear expectations and rules for on-campus carry and conceal. In
addition, we need to lay out strict, unwavering consequences for those who refuse to
follow the laid out rules and regulations. The difference between carry and conceal and
carrying a gun on campus should be explained, not just perpetuate the fear of guns.
Additional mental health services should be funded at TTU so that those needing that
help will have outlets and we won’t become of those campuses that has a shooting
because of a student’s mental health issues has led them to use the outlet that they
have access to...a firearm.
3
We should look at increasing security and police patrols around campus to help deter
any potential attacks.
3
IF TTU is going to become an open carry environment, with designated areas, then
cameras need to be installed throughout the buildings where the a gun zone will be
located as an added means of identifying people entering that location. The campus
police then can have observers looking at these locations, to enforce the regulations, of
not allowing people to enter these locations with guns. We could also have metal
detectors installed in the facility entryways with alarm notification going to the campus
police.
3
Many young adults are not mentally prepared to properly handle a gun especially since
this time of their life is very stressful and full of uncertainty. I think all essential and
administrative staff should be required to take the concealed handgun class and be
required to have a handgun on hand for protection.
3
Find loopholes to restrict more guns on campus such as create gun-free zones almost
everywhere.
3
If and when campus carry laws change and are carried out by more
students/staff/faculty the need for more localized (per building) campus security should
definitely be increased in addition to campus police/security; the use of office signaling
processes should be required per department. As a University, college or department
more detailed training and processes need to be developed for alerting the campus
community in addition to cell phones and technology.
171 3
Guns allowed on campus should be limited as much as possible that will still be in
compliance with the law. It is essential though that settings on campus that house
vulnerable populations should ALL be gun-free zones. There is no reason to have guns
in these areas. Not only will I feel unsafe, but I worry about the patients that I treat
feeling unsafe as well. We do not want to make a vulnerable population feel more
threatened. Again, as a teacher I also feel uncomfortable with students having guns in
the classroom.
3
Residents Halls should definitely be enforced as gun-free zones (if they are not already
designated as such). If we are hoping to promote campus safety, maybe we should look
into increasing the staff and training of our security forces, better lighting on campus,
more bystander intervention training, more cameras in key locations to record possible
crimes, and other similar elements. I definitely believe there should be widespread (if not
mandatory) training made available/required of any student, faculty, or staff that wishes
to carry on campus.
3
It is quite improbable that the presence of a handgun in the hands of an untrained
bystander/victim in an ongoing situation will in any way reduce the risk of fatalities. The
untrained individual may easily shoot another person accidentally. If guns are allowed
on campus, TTU must maintain a record of license holders and require that they have
undergone professional, certified training.
3
I understand that the right to bear arms is important. I do. But how does campus carry help?
This seems like now instead of the shooter we will have yahoos who want to be Walker
Texas Ranger to be in the action. I would prefer a select few and designated individuals in
each building to be designated as the safety. I believe in the right to bear arms but this
move is a HUGE mistake.
3
I do not allow guns of any kind, licensed or otherwise, in classrooms in which I am
teaching. I make this very clear in my course syllabi and orally in front of the class. I will
never allow such weapons in classrooms in which I am teaching, not matter what the
Texas state legislature, Texas Tech University, or any other entity says. If, by court
order, I am forced to allow such weapons in the classrooms in which I teach, I will allow
students uncomfortable with those weapons to go elsewhere during class time.
Miscellaneous
Comments
4
If I choose to carry, I do so only to protect myself.
4
I’m not sure what the “additional” active shooter training is. I never received any active
shooter training and when I asked my students they also said they did not receive any
such training. I would hope training provided is ALICE training rather than other forms of
training.
4
I am somewhat conflicted when it comes to the new legislation. While I know that these
laws are meant to protect the innocent, the thought of more civilians with guns on
campus seems unnecessary.
4
The university faces a no-win situation. I don’t envy the committee’s task.
4
Likelihood of a licensee committing an offense is low.
172 4
As this legislation is a fait accomplis, I think the question is how to make this campus as
safe as we can for both who choose to carry and those who don’t. I don’t believe the
answer to current gun violence is increase the number of firearms available (guns beget
guns), but I’m sure a lot of people disagree with that statement. I also don’t think we’re
going to get it right the first time around, but so long as everyone is open to having a
growth mindset, it’ll get sorted out.
4
We will learn these lessons the hard way, apparently.
4
This is a very complex and emotional topic and I really appreciate the university taking
such an in-depth approach to gathering information and discussing.
4
Why was “I believe no areas should be designated as a gun-free zone” an option but “I
believe all areas should be designated as a gun-free zone” not? Guns have no place at
a university. Period. Ever. It should not even be a discussion.
4
I feel that this legislation makes a mockery of the State, the school systems, and the
students. I am embarrassed to have Texas Tech on my resume now.
4
I am licensed to carry, however I personally would not carry on campus.
4
This survey is poorly designed in that it provides no options for those that are completely
against guns being anywhere on our campus on many questions. Whoever designed
this has an obviously biased agenda which will inevitably favor guns being on campus.
This survey is completely unfair and should not be considered when evaluating policies
involving carrying on campus. For shame, Texas Tech.
4
NO GUNS IN CLASSROOMS PERIOD, REGARDLESS OF THE SIZE OF THE
CLASSROOM. ALSO FACULTY OFFICES SHOULD BE GUN FREE ZONES. THIS
SURVEY SHOULD ALLOW RESPONDENTS TO CHOOSE MORE THAN 3 OPTIONS
FOR NUMBERS 2 AND 3. ALL OF THOSE PLACES LISTED ON NUMBERS 2 AND 3
SHOULD BE GUN-FREE ZONES.
4
I think this is moot as we are in west Texas and students already carry on campus, just
not legally
4
I think the proliferation of gun-free zones and a generally defenseless group of people
has led to the rise in gun violence across the nation. If one observes the statistics, mass
shootings occur almost exclusively in de facto and de jure gun free zones. By
eliminating the defenseless population and introducing a small number of people
allowed to legally carry concealed weapons, I believe the draw and incentive to commit
a crime of gun violence is drastically reduced. As per the Texas Department of Public
Safety (2013) study titled “Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders,”
crimes committed by those licensed to carry concealed handguns are astronomically
low. Introducing that population into the Texas Tech University campus environment will
not lead to any increases in gun violence and most likely will not lead to any statistically
evident increase in crime.
4
We really should carefully examine which areas would be in need of carrying concealed
weapons, and be careful not to let such weapons get into the wrong hands.
4
The inmates are running the asylum as per normal around here.
173 4
As a staff member I feel it would be our responsibility to protect our student first if it were
to arise. Yes, we have a police task force that works great, but even they can be too far
away and not get to the situation in time just like normal police for the city.
4
Our society as a whole has changed tremendously in the past few years. Though I have
not been a supporter of CHL in the past, my feelings and beliefs are starting to change.
I only hope that with this change comes an opportunity to reflect on days that we were
not such a hostile society We must change because our environment is changing, and
not in a good, positive way
4
I don’t believe in open carry, I think it makes you a target for several reasons.
Concealed carry is just that. No one will ever know you have it unless you are in fear for
your life and we all hope we never have to use it but I would rather be able to protect
myself and others if ever needed. I would hate to think I could have done something if I
had only been given a chance. I’ve had my license since 1995 when it became legal in
Texas and have never needed it and pray I never do but I think when trained properly
and with all the background checks that go with it, I feel I am safe to carry when allowed.
4
I believe its important for citizens to protect themselves from campus shooters, I just
worry some people might be more easily able to slip by unnoticed with a gun if they are
planning to harm others.
4
I do not believe that “open carry” should be allowed on any university campus.
4
Sanctioning concealed weapons of deadly force may fatally exacerbate campus
conflicts due to the risk-taking nature of young people who often lead volatile emotional
and social lives. Concealed handguns also contribute toward a college atmosphere of
unease and intimidation.
4
The survey seems very ‘sided’ toward creating and ensuring that legal concealed hand
gun owners have as much restriction as possible on campus. I might remind the
surveyor(s) that the law will allow this constitutional freedom and should be ‘restricted’
minimally and the institution should not seem to want to infringe on that freedom nor
conflict with the intent of the law approved by the legislature. Please seek further input
from those of us that have a ‘lawful’ right to carry and do so responsibly. Thanks for
allowing the input and good luck.
4
I feel as though ‘open carry’ will be abused by gun owners that will take the law into their
own hands. This is why we have a TTU PD who is trained for mass shooting situations,
not a fellow classmate. College is a high stress environment and someone handling a
gun during high stressful situations is simply illogical. The cons very much outweigh the
pros and I feel that no student will really feel safe if they know someone has a weapon
on campus.
4
My concern is that this legislation will increase the incidents of wrongful shooting. In
particularly, it will disproportionately affect minorities.
4
This survey is somewhat flawed. It should be specified in questions 2, 3, and 4 for the
last option that ‘I believe that none of THESE LISTED areas should be designated as
gun-free zones.’ - To have it as it stands now implies that by marking that option, you
believe no area in all of campus should be considered a gun-free zone.
174 4
1000 characters is nowhere near enough to adequately illustrate how asinine it is to
allow guns on campus. This is an unacceptable potential cause of harm to others, which
I’m sure will become evident. In my opinion, campus will cease to meet even the most
basic obligations for the security of its students the second that guns are legal to carry
on campus.
4
We have a high military presence on campus and many of these military personnel have
some form of PTSD. I can imagine one of the military personnel in a Political Science
class with a innocent debate about something from around the world and an argument
forming. If someone in the room has their weapon on them, it creates a deadly situation.
Without that weapon, it is just a debate.
4
I think of the problems is that not every students in this campus have same access to
guns, especially for the international students, I think there are (might) some restrictions
for foreigners to purchase weapon. This gun carry legislation will inevitably make some
students, those without guns, more vulnerable than others. Honestly I don’t see any
points of allowing students carrying a gun on campus site. Do you expect them defend
themselves when there is an active shooter on campus? Or this is just an attempt to
show off a right protected by constitution?
4
Question: Would Guns in the classroom plus TX castle doctrine and Texas Tech policy
back me up if I am licensed and carry in my classroom then decide to shoot any student
reaching into their backpack after tests and controversial discussions abhorrent to
Texans beliefs (like critical thinking, evolution and climate change) because I have
reason to believe they are reaching for a gun to express their unhappiness with me.
Because, when I know that students in my class have guns I will legitimately be in
reasonable fear of my life any given lecture there may be ideological differences. Or is
the thinking that the professors are the targets that only students get free shots at?
Professors aren’t fools - most of us will decide to shoot first!
4
Little can be done to stop insane people who shoot others. Not sure if concealed carry is
the correct answer. Adding more armed guards/security, for example, while probably
deterring some threat, is not necessarily the correct answer either. Lots of grey areas
here.
4
I feel people have the right to bear arms. And, I feel in today’s society - carrying is
necessary. I have GREAT concern about the the ready availability of guns mixed with
alcohol/drugs and the impulsivity of 18-25 year olds
4
People are irrational. When emotions run high, irrationality often seems rational. This
relates to our fight or flight instinct, if a person is angered, or feeling threatened, their
fight or flight signals kick in. It is more common for a person to take flight than to fight
when faced with danger; however, with a weapon in hand, that flight feeling dissipates,
and the fight sensation takes control; and your fear is transferred to the weapon. A
person is given false strength and power brought on by a weapon, and will use the
weapon irrationally, unsafely, and inappropriately. The problem though, may not
necessarily be about students on campus with guns, but how do professors feel about
guns in their classroom? Students are dime a dozen, professors are not, and GREAT
professors are even more rare. This campus, like UT and others will lose GREAT
professors as a result of campus carry.
175 4
If we consider ourselves a true research university, then we should actually apply
research methods rather than emotions to understand this issue. All committee
members must take the CHL course to understand the basics of self defense, even if
you don’t elect to fire. This is an issue of deterrence; using the Tx DPS data we know
that only 5 in 10,000 violent crimes will be committed by CHL holders. A CHL does not
empower a law abiding citizen to become a criminal, and signage is a worthless
deterrent for a criminal. As a professor, I have a right and a responsibility to protect
myself and my students while they are in my classroom. Strategies for implementation
should be based on a rational evaluation of Risk, Reward, Cost and Feasibility.
4
This is idiotic Tea Party politics run amok and represents everything that is wrong with
our country. I am ashamed that TTU is not fighting harder to protect the safety of their
students, faculty, and staff.
4
Point No: 8 should have been a multiple choice selection. With all the shooting incidents
happening around how can one feel safe when everyone around you is carrying a gun.
There is no way to read a person’s mind and find out what is going on. The life of every
professor will be in jeopardy if this happens. Just imagine the situation if a student who
deserves a C, gets a C and pulls out a gun. I may move out of Texas if this law is
implemented. If every individual is carrying a gun, then why do we need cops?
4
My biggest concern is CHL individuals maintaining a level of expertise/proficiency with
their weapons to operate them safely in a high stress situation
4
Poor students often get upset at poor grades, especially if it threatens some financial
support of prevents them from graduating. Upset students + readily available guns is
likely to result in threats or retaliation.
4
I find it ridiculous that this discussion is even having to take place. The legislature did a
grave disservice to the educational institutions in this state by passing this and it will
probably not be undone until another mass killing takes place on a major university
campus in Texas that they will come to their respective senses.
4
Guns don’t kill people or destroy property, it is the individual themselves that pose the
threat to cause potential problems.
4
Please reconsider this decision, if possible, because I assure that it will lead to big
crises to the school reputation.
4
I don’t feel that the majority of students have the maturity to be allowed to carry hand
guns on campus even though I am not a proponent of gun control.
4
I work in an area of campus that I sometimes have to deliver bad news. I am also afraid
of retaliation. On the other hand, I feel that if a human being wants to hurt someone, it
won’t matter if they are following the rules/law they are going to have something in their
possession that can harm someone, whether it’s allowed or not. Best of luck to the
committee.
4
My husband teaches at Texas Tech and I am terrified of what will happen if more guns
are allowed on campus. Not just licensed gun owners are going to carry.
176 4
Campus carry causes me as a professor to think about seeking employment in another
state or a private institution. I also worry that we will have greater difficulty recruiting the
best faculty, who will be reluctant to move to a state with so many handguns, where the
weapons industry has so much influence over legislation and public policy.
4
I support the right to bear arms, however I do not believe guns are necessary for daily
living. This notion that someone with a gun could stop an active shooter situation and
‘save the day’ is ludicrous. This isn’t the wild, wild west . . . .or it didn’t use to be. I feel
less safe with more people carrying guns . . . period.
4
I note that classrooms are not among the spaces that can be declared gun-free. In a
spirit of civic-mindedness, I have selected places for potential protection that do not
reflect locations I frequent on campus. I am the only parent of an 11-year-old child. I
have been threatened by a student with a handgun. I do not want to die while my child
still needs me. We should recognize that school shootings don’t happen in the context of
‘I disagree with your interpretation of Jane Eyre,’ but rather in the context of mental
illness, aggression against society at large, and sudden angers that are unpredictable.
There must be a way to avoid a ‘general prohibition’ that nevertheless ensures safe
classrooms and workplaces.
4
Carrying guns into classrooms might make other students from different cultures and
upbringings feel uncomfortable. My concern is that if there happens to be an active
shooter in class, as an instructor, my class room is my responsibility and I would not
allow my student to step into a situation that might put his or her life at risk. Most of the
times in shootings, the officers are called in to terminate the target and I would fear my
students could be easily confused as a target or collaborator if an onsite shooting occurs
on campus.
4
I’m hoping that the students don’t shoot their feet off by accident! Jeeze! Did you read
the account yesterday where, in Houston, a passerby noticed some men trying to
carjack someone so shot at the perpetrators. He accidentally shot the victim in the
head, so picked up his spent casings and left the scene. The victim is in stable
condition. The car was successfully stolen. Or a couple of days before that when a
person saw a shoplifter trying to outrun security at the Home Depot and decided to take
a few shots at the thief? Luckily, no one was shot, but the shooter was given a stearn
warning. THE MORE YOU NORMALIZE GUNS, THE MORE IT BECOMES
ACCEPTABLE FOR PEOPLE TO USE THEM.
4
If any gun free zones are designated, signs won’t stop a person from carrying a gun into
that gun free zone. If any gun free zones are created or designated, there needs to be
some security in place (such as metal detectors at a building entrance) to keep guns
from entering these zones. This would cost money, but is the only way to make the
designation of a ‘gun free zone’ actually a effective. A designation of a gun free zone
without the effort to actually make sure these zones are gun free, is a worthless
designation and a meaningless endeavor. Regarding this survey, I object to the
construction of the questions and answers. The survey shows that it is inevitable that
there will be numerous gun free zones at Texas Tech. I don’t believe that should be the
starting point for this committee but it is showing its true colors. The first question should
be ‘should TTU have gun free zones? Why or why not?’ and then move on to ‘if yes,
then where?’. Very biased and shameful.
177 4
Violence is historical dna across the society. there must be an effort to elevate the
ethical value of do no harm. guns do damage when there is a failure of concern for the
well-being of the others.
4
I am very concerned about this.
4
Designating a gun free zones is counter productive. That is what we have now. The
need to protect yourself can happen anywhere and at anytime... even in the chapel.
Open carry at all facilities!
4
This survey is proof positive that, thanks to the NRA, utter madness now reins. We are
asking students to participate in “Active Shooter” Incident Preparation Training?? Do
they one credit for that? Will the campus bookstore sell ‘Guns Up!’ body armor
emblazoned with the TTU logo?? Seems we were a tad premature with the whole
“Fearless!” campaign, yes? Or do you think this campus feels “fearless” now that the
NRA has brought back the Wild West to our classrooms? To our classrooms! We are
asked to pick only three answers, meaning in some small, way we are saying, “I’d be
more comfortable with college students being shot in the SUB than I am with them being
shot in the Rec Center.” Do you not see what complete and utter madness this is?? I
am shocked to my core that in 2015 I am actually filling out a survey that might possibly
- due to my answers - put some 18 year old lives at greater risk than others. p.s. You
missed a seventh option on Question #8: being gunned dow
4
I cannot believe this incredibly stupid and dangerous law has been passed
4
This campus has existed in harmony for years without guns allowed on campus. With
all the college shootings, it really concerns me that such an incident might occur her on
the TTU campus. Guns are not responsible for shooting deaths, people are, and what
scares me most is we have no control people actions or their thoughts.
4
I do not envy the work of this committee. You have the impossible task of implementing
foolish, irresponsible legislation.
4
I have been teaching at TTU for 30 years. How often do you think I have wished a
student in my class had a gun to protect me (and the other students) against an active
shooter?
4
Where legal carry of guns is prohibited is where killers think it is a safe place for them to
carry and USE a gun without being stopped. Thank you!
4
I believe in the right to own firearms but to allow young people in an educational
environment where multiple different cultures and ideas are encouraged and exercised
is a good recipe for people getting hurt.
4
Thank you for letting us have a voice.
4
With proper training individuals who have completed all of the requirements to become
licensed to carry a concealed firearm will add a measure of safety to our campus that
can never be achieved by the TTU Police Department alone. As things stand today
anyone can obtain a firearm legally or illegally. They can bring it onto to our campus
concealed in a backpack, briefcase or handbag with the intent to harm others with the
knowledge that they will be able to kill as many unarmed people as possible before the
police arrive. I have been a tenured faculty member and senior administrator for more
178 than 37 years. I am actually afraid to meet students alone in my office, go into a
classroom or attend a public event.
4
I would like to know how this law affects the faculty or staff regarding if they are allowed
to Conceal and Carry while working. I hear now how it affects the students and what
should be considered safe zones, I have not heard anything about the faculty and staff.
4
With the increase in the number of campus shootings, I believe active shooter
preparation training is a must. I understand the right to bear arms, and I don’t have a
problem with that; however, the enforcement of who has the appropriate licensing and
who doesn’t poses additional challenges.
4
What about faculty members who want to carry guns into classrooms? Will that be
covered in the new regs?
4
Classrooms were not listed in any of the prohibited area questions. “Professor Offices”
and “Departmental Offices” were not listed in any of the prohibited area questions.
These areas are very important and should off limits.
4
Does TTU have the ability to change the age of CC from 21 to 23 or 25?
4
I do not want open carry. I already don’t feel safe walking around campus as a female
student with the sexual assault issues. Why should I also have to worry about the
people carrying guns around too? We already know that people feel entitled these days
and I don’t want to be at the wrong part of campus at the wrong time when there is a
disagreement between people and someone pulls out their gun that they’re allowed to
carry on campus now. This is what happened in Arizona this morning, so why wouldn’t it
happen here? It is also distasteful that this survey went out the same day as two
shootings in our country. I know that my one opinion will not matter and my answers are
just going to get pushed aside, but allowing guns is a huge mistake on the University’s
behalf.
4
If there was a shooter and also people trying to shoot the shooter, how will the police
know which one was the original lone gunman?
4
You’re not John Wayne and life is not a movie!
4
I do not intend to continue teaching in person when people can carry weapons onto
campus. If I can’t teach online, I will take my tenured, full professor self - along with my
award-winning research and my award-winning teaching - to another state. In the
meanwhile, I will not participate in any student or faculty recruitment activities as I could
not in good conscience encourage someone to be on our campus when untrained and
virtually unregulated people are freely walking around with guns. Undoubtedly there are
stable and well-trained gun users who could be an asset in the event of a deranged
shooter situation, but freely allowing any licensed gun owner to carry that concealed
weapon on a university campus is a monumental mistake. I would like to see the results
of this survey, including the optional and ‘other’ comments made public. If they aren’t, I
may file an open records request myself.
179 4
I’m led to believe that the people who have historically committed violent crimes were
least often those who also possessed licenses to carry. I’m not afraid of guns, nor of
those who carry them off or on campus. I live in the community, so I see very little
difference in being able to carry a handgun down the street where my children ride their
bikes than I see in being able to carry a handgun while crossing memorial circle or
sitting in class. The key seems to be proper training on gun safety, which is where the
emphasis should be. My peers with licenses tell me that current gun safety training and
licensure requirements (other than the thorough background check) is all a joke.
4
I’m not certain I have decided where I stand on this particular issue. I can see both pro’s
and con’s to the policy, and I think I would like a lot more information before I made an
informed decision on where I stand.
4
I believe that Texas Tech can work to provide training, and provide conceal hand-gun
licensure should a student, faculty or staff member decide they want to pursue that
training. I also think that your survey missed a very important group of students: OnCampus residents. What special considerations do you need to explore for this
population for storage of their weapon, when they are out on or off campus? Can they
leave their weapon in the residence hall when they go to class or do they need to keep
an eye on their weapon at all times? If they can leave their weapon, what precautions do
students have to do to secure that weapon from other students and residents? How
does that work in our residence halls where two students live together and one student
doesn’t like guns? I think this is a very important issue that needs to be looked into
further.
4
People who have a concealed carry permit are trained, but even they can pull a gun
when it is not warranted.
4
None of the questions in this survey had “all classrooms” as an option to be chosen as a
prohibited area. I think classrooms should be prohibited areas for guns and that
classrooms are the most important area of the university that should be prohibited
areas.
4
I believe that the University needs to interfere as little as possible with this legislation.
The intention of this legislation is to protect the university community. Designating gun
free zones does not accomplish this, in fact all of the locations you propose as gun free
zones seem the most likely to have an incident. Remember that criminals don’t follow
gun laws. CHL holders cannot carry while intoxicated, and cannot carry at sporting
events. This is already the case. Designating gun free zones takes guns away from
trained personnel who can stop an incident. TTU Cleary report shows an increase in
violent and sexual assaults on campus. This is the best way to remediate that. Also TTU
serves the Lubbock community, which happens to be very conservative. Ultimately, this
decision, whatever it may be will have no impact on wether or not an insane student
does something to hurt others. Lastly, it seems the graduate student community has not
been sampled or polled. Thank you.
4
I appreciate you asking my opinion. Thanks for the opportunity.
4
The current campus carry legislation will make it extremely difficult to recruit and retain
the best faculty, students, or staff to Texas institutions of higher education.
4
I believe the rise of incidents on college campuses related to gun violence speaks for
180 itself.
4
I look forward to seeing the creative ways this committee manages this new law on
campus. Thank you all for you time, courage and discernment in laying the groundwork
for this unexplored territory the state has embarked on.
4
I want TTU to provides polices that allow me the opportunity to put parents and students
at ease with respect to their concerns regarding safety. I wish to feel safe in the
workplace and I need these policies do as much as possible to create a comfortable
working, teaching, and learning environment for all of us.
4
We need more than 3 gun free zones. Any areas that would allow a single or two
shooters to target a large group of people, needs to be gun free if permitted by law.
4
I have talked to several colleagues at other universities that already have campus carry
and it is not a concern with them.
4
I am glad you are involving the students and faculty in this process.
4
My biggest fear is that with all the shootings in varies Universities and public schools
that instead of curtailing any of this type of incident it will create a ‘wild west’.
4
Please can we start a petition to repeal this law.
4
This is a lousy, naive law that suggests that guns are needed on our campuses.
Perhaps if the carry law makes guns visible instead of concealed, at least we would
know who and where to avoid armed individuals.
4
We have guns on campus now, so the idea of guns on campus is moot. The main issue
is that now they will be authorized, can be kept in a residence hall, and be generally
around openly. This probably poses a greater danger to fellow students than to faculty,
but it certainly does increase the danger of unintentional shootings, especially in
residence halls. FYI, I lived in a fraternity house while I was an undergraduate and I had
a gun--my victims were mainly tin cans, but at the time we thought nothing about it. This
was in a time before we began to have mass shootings in schools and on college
campuses. I would not bring a gun on campus as student (or faculty member) now.
4
We’re in Texas -guns are a huge part of our culture. It would be naive to even think that
there aren’t already concealed guns on campus, being carried around by faculty, staff,
and students. As I’ve said, I know my cohort; the students at Tech are impulsive.
They’re smart, but horribly impulsive: someone will fire a victory shot at a football game;
someone will bring a gun into class one day, just because; someone will take an active
shooter situation into their own hands and put more people at risk. I want the committee
to seriously try to understand (and create realistic expectation for) the mindset of our
student body. How to keep undergraduates from hurting themselves and others should
be part of the discussion, if it’s not already. While Tech has great students, they’re still
young adults who are still learning how to be on their own. There will be mess ups, and
there will be major consequences if those mess ups include guns. Tech should be
prepared for that eventuality.
181 4
While I am aware that we must follow the letter of the law, I hope we can prevent Texas
Tech University from being the next college campus to experience the effects of tragedy
due to senseless gun violence. While I am glad that no one under the age of 21 can
obtain a CHL (and presumably one must have a CHL to be permitted to carry a weapon
openly), the brain does not fully develop (and thus the ability to make split-second, wellformed decisions) until the age of around 25 years of age. In addition, mental illness
can cause anyone to make poor choices that can have tragic consequences. I hope we
can be groundbreaking in our diagnosis and treatment of the underlying causes of gun
violence on college campuses and in the our country.
4
This survey has methodological problems that render it useless. I would like to see the
University look at this issue objectively but clearly the faculty’s politics and
administration’s intent will ultimately frustrate the legislature’s intent. Unless this process
fair and transparent, litigation will likely follow and succeed.
4
The likelihood of an accidental shooting increases dramatically by allowing the
concealed carrying of firearms on campus, which is greater probability then a mass
shooting. Your survey addresses one of my key concerns, alcohol. At the age of 21 you
can possess a concealed handgun permit, but you also can drink. However, at the age
of 21 you are experienced with neither, which the majority of students would fall into this
categories. The ‘training’ required to get a concealed handgun permit is not extensive
enough to provide adequate training to actually handle and understand the responsibility
of using a firearm in a public area. While this may not be the case for a minority, such as
myself who regularly grew up around firearms and understand the social commitment of
owning and operating firearms, the majority of the population especially younger adults
view firearms as a social accessory. In sum, a concentration of young adults with
firearms is a dangerous scenario.
4
If you familiarize yourself with concealed carry law, you will find that there are laws in
effect for establishments serving alcohol. So if more than 51% of your income is from
selling beer at a game, by all means, put up the ‘51% sign’ and all the law-abiding
concealed carriers will lock them in our vehicles. Please remember that you have to be
21(or over 18, active military) to get a concealed license; and you have to take a class,
pass a written test on the law, pass a shooting proficiency test, cannot have a
restraining order, cannot be behind on taxes, cannot have ever been convicted of a
felony, have not been charged with a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or equivalent in
the last 5 years, cannot be chemically dependent, cannot be a fugitive, cannot be
incapable of exercising sound judgment, cannot be restricted by retraining or protective
order and cannot even be delinquent on child support. The language of this survey
serves to mis-educate. I expect more from my university.
4
Does the current carry permit require guidance on what it means to kill another human?
I do not plan to carry as I cannot take another life for my own and do not ever want that
situation to arise. Perhaps others that carry can justify this potential consequence.
4
I understand the restrictions of the law, but how can you ask me to decide who should
be put at a greater risk of gun death? I strongly believe that guns have no place in
classrooms in which free speech, open discussion, and debate are (and should be)
encouraged. The fact that the Dean of Students office is an option and faculty offices
are not is offensive. This new legislation has encouraged me to consider other faculty
positions outside of the state of Texas. I would encourage Texas Tech to collaborate
182 with other state institutions and pool together financial resources to combat this ruling to
avoid losing many strong faculty.
4
Enough destroying our American culture by looking for tiny stuufs affect educational
progress and affect research progress at Tech
4
Enough destroying our American culture by looking for tiny stuufs affect educational
progress and affect research progress at Tech. I really see that President should focus
on research facilities, class rooms equipmwnts, rank of Tech, research facilitation.
4
I am sad to have to deal with the reality of guns on campus. There are no good
alternatives. God help us all.
4
This survey is horribly done. Great job tech.
4
The second amendment of the COTUS is clear.
4
Horrible idea to allow open carry on campus.
4
There are issues with this bill and I think some more rules need to be implemented.
4
This survey is incredibly biased and does not promote scholarly conversation about the
serious issue at hand. Shame on the committee for such a cowardly instrument that
does not actively serve the members of the TTU community.
4
(1) Asking for my opinion of the matter of allowing concealed weapons on campus after
this insane law was passed is a bit like putting the cart before the horse. Perhaps
asking for my opinion prior to the law’s passage would’ve been a better idea. (2) I would
suggest someone read District of Columbia et. al v Heller (2008). Quoting Justice
Scalia’s majority opinion: “Like most rights, the Second Amendment right is not
unlimited. It is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner
whatsoever and for whatever purpose: For example, concealed weapons prohibitions
have been upheld under the Amendment or state analogues. The Court's opinion should
not be taken to cast doubt on longstanding prohibitions on the possession of firearms by
felons and the mentally ill, or laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in sensitive places
such as schools and government buildings...”Scalia (SCOTUS) didn’t exactly define
what was meant by “schools,” did he/they????
4
All grades will now be A.
4
Ultimately, I don’t believe this really matters. Anything we do that runs counter to the
preferences of the legislature will be changed. ALso, given I’m going to be thrust into an
environment with guns, what is the university going to do to help me? Will the university
provide me w/ concealed carry training? with a gun? Since this is something I haven’t
prepared for as part of my job, What will my employer provide to help me be prepared?
4
I think any academic context should protect all participants, and I don’t think that
students starting to carry their guns to class meetings is helping to achieve this goal. I
am also uncomfortable holding office hours when a students brings a concealed gun this is something that was not addressed at all above. Some students are emotionally
not stable, and if someone comes in this state to an office hour with a gun, I don’t see
183 the benefit at all. Which steps are being taken to protect professors and staff in this
setting?
4
Question 8 provides lack of reasonable choice. To ask if one has no concerns is about
concealed handguns shows lack of objectivity in question. There is clearly risk no matter
what is done. The question should be are you less concerned with the risk of concealed
handguns in a classroom than you are with the risk of not having them.
4
I feel that 1) concealed carry permit holders are more mature and responsible than the
general population as evidenced by significantly lower crime statistics in comparison to
the general population, and 2) that the perceived ability of someone able to fight back
effectively in the event of a planned mass shooting acts as a deterrent against those
same acts; additionally, when that deterrent fails, the actual presence of weapons in the
hands of concealed carry permit holders mitigates and lessens the amount of casualties
suffered during the event. Last comment - the design of this survey may obtain
unintended answers on questions 5 and 6. Question 5 is a “prohibit” question and
question 6 is an “allow” question, making it easier to select an unintended answer.
4
I teach classes of 200 engineers. I always have the requirement to fail some students.
They often do not take it well. There are physical threats and violence is sometimes just
under the surface.
4
I left a 15 year job at TTU in part because of the potential for gun violence on campus.
4
The very wording of this survey worries me, you have made me chose the lesser of two
evils as it were. I don’t want guns near any events, classrooms or buildings. I have
concerns about all of the following - retaliation of poor course performance, a clear
threat to the free exchange of ideas, violation of respect for persons, imposes HARM to
academic freedom. I also believe all the special needs areas should be gun free as well
as the library. In my class I propose ideas which students may not be comfortable with,
this is not to say they have to change their minds but that they have to listen and respect
everyone’s point of view. I talk about the early christian church and about a culture
which has a very different view of sexuality than ours. I want my students to not worry
about speaking their minds in a respectful fashion.
4
I would have selected several options in No. 8. I teach several classes that require a
good deal of movement including stage combat. Guns should not be permitted in
situations where students will be asked to fall or act out choreographed fight scenes. I
certainly do not feel safer knowing that there are more guns on the campus.
4
How can I ask my students to have honest debates about ideas when speaking out may
put their lives in jeopardy? What students are we going to attract to these learning
environments? What parents will send them? And what professors will feel comfortable
with building a career in such environments?
4
I WAS NOT AWARE OF WHAT THE CURRENT CAMPUS CARRY LEGISLATION
WAS BEFORE TAKING THIS SURVEY. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE TO HAVE IT
STATED RIGHT BY THE QUESTION. GREAT IDEA FOR THE SURVEY! THANK
YOU.
184 4
I feel that this questionnaire is strongly biased toward the belief that guns in the
classroom would create problems in the classroom. Referring to question #8 and my
comment above, there are no choices indicating that students might feel safer in a room
not restricting concealed carry. Question#8 clearly frames the issue toward a negative
net impact of concealed carry in classrooms with no other question offsetting it with
potential positive impacts for students and faculty. I have spoken to many students and
faculty who believe that concealed carry would create a better classroom environment
but there are no such choices given in the questionnaire. Since there are no buttons to
click for the positive impacts the survey results will clearly be biased.
4
All these questions need more context. One set of answers fits if we assume that no
trained security staff are ever present at the location or event in question, while another
set of answers would be generated if we do assume that trained security staff are
present. This important aspect of the discussion must be clarified.
4
I object strenuously to the very nature of this survey. I find it to be morally repugnant.
Basically, we’re being asked, “What are the areas on campus that we should keep safe,
and which areas should we expose to higher risk from the legal carry of weapons?” I
am for a safer campus, a safer city, a safer state, and a safer country. Allowing legal
carry of handguns, concealed or otherwise, makes all of these spaces less safe, as all
research has shown.
4
Any “gun free” zone ensures that criminals are the only people with guns. Would a
reasonable person put a sign up in front of their home declaring it a gun free zone?
Seems like that might make them more likely to experience a home invasion to me.
4
This new law is insanity. We, the faculty, were never asked if this was something we
wanted. It is so pathetic that this survey permits us to only choose 3 public areas in
which concealed guns would not be allowed. They should NOT be allowed
ANYWHERE!! If I taught large, impersonal classes of required courses (which I don’t),
and wanted to keep my job at TTU, I would start giving every student an ‘A’ as soon as
this shocking, wrong-headed law goes into effect. I would also agree with everything
that every student said in class. Our lives just aren’t worth it.
4
This whole scenario is insane.
4
I think open carry would be a better policy than concealed carry.
4
This survey seems one sided. You allow an option to have people select they would not
have any building on campus be considered a gun-free zone, but do not allow an option
that states the opposite answer to that question.
4
The potential responses to these questions imply that students want weapons on
campus. This is not true for all students. In addition to asking, ‘I believe that no areas
should be designated as a gun-free zone’, answer choices should also include, ‘I believe
that all campus areas should be designated as a gun-free zone. As a student who has
been in an active-shooter situation, allowing more weapons on campus does not make
me feel safer. In fact, the mere presence of weapons indicates a lack of respect for each
other and draws attention aways from the main goal of this institution: learning. Perhaps
instead of trying to solve the issues of violence retrospectively, this campus could take
an proactive approach to the issues that result in violence. Instead of budgeting for more
campus security, I would like to see this campus invest in its own students for once.
185 Better healthcare, outreach, and fostering a cooperative learning environment might be
a first step
4
Why does question 8 only allow for one choice? All of these concerns are valid, and
should be able to be selected. If Texas Tech University is willing to expend exorbitant
energy and resources on attainment of Tier 1 status, why can’t this vigor not be applied
to opposing this ludicrous law and its potentially catastrophic consequences for the
health, safety, and well being of this institutions students, staff, employees, visitors, and
vendors? I challenge this institution to oppose Senate Bill 11 through all political and
legal means as way to TRULY establish TTU as a world class premier institution of
academic, research, and cultural advancement.
4
I am a military veteran having served in the US Air Force in the sixties. I am not afraid
of handguns, any more than I am afraid of dealing with a police officer who carries a
weapon. However, my feeling is that the university is a special environment where we
are supposed to be thinking about intellectual discourse and critical thinking on very
high subject levels that are academic and civil in nature. Having most likely a young
person on campus who may not understand what the great responsibility of carrying a
handgun entails, does not necessarily endear me to working and living in this kind of
environment. Yet, I understand the severity and horror of having some medically
deranged person coming into my working environment on campus and starting to shoot
at everybody at will. These are dangerous times and unfortunately we live in a gun
culture where we have to accept the consequences of it here on campus and anywhere
else in our country and community.
4
Personally, I think y’all need to do more to get this law overturned. This is ridiculous that
I pay to go to a university, a place of academia, and I have the threat of being shot more
than the a average college student in America. Answer me this do you want a bigger
threat of losing your life at a university all because of out-of-touch-motherfuckers think
they can solve an issue, which the main solution to the problem is gun control. Again,
this is a place of academia, we are supposed to be too smart for weapons. Yes, it is
terrible that so many mass shooting have occurred in America, but I feel like this law is
going cause one of the biggest tragedies in America. For example if one a mass shooter
and other people want to get involved to stop said shooter, what is stopping the police
from shooting all of them because they all have weapons and how would you know was
really the threat. You asked for an opinion and I gave you one.
4
I understand Texas Tech University cares well-being of university faculty, staff and
students. If the concealed carry of handguns is available in most campus buildings,
appropriate number of university police must be located across campus buildings.
4
We are in a difficult period for our society. However, I have read of more incidences of
individuals with concealed and carry license stopping or preventing a shooter from
carrying out a heinous plan than creating greater loss of life. Lawful citizens follow the
law and regulations, those who intend harm do not. Having a strong, highly trained
police department is also mandatory at this time. Thank you for your thoughtful
186 consideration concerning this very difficult policy. I am proud to be a Raider.
4
I do statistics as part of my research and course work and this survey is a complete
joke. How can you have the option of ‘I believe no areas should be gun free zones’ and
then not offer the opposite position of all areas should be gun free. Having the option to
carry a weapon in a place of education and learning is preposterous not to mention
dangerous. The argument for thinking untrained people with concealed weapons will
somehow stop a potential attack is asinine. If anything it makes us all that much more
unsafe. Shame on this institution for even thinking of adopting this law.
4
Open carry is a threat to students who choose not to carry weapons. As a minority
student, given the current state of affairs, I am ghastly afraid of the repercussions of
open carry.
4
Considering what is happening nationwide, consider with some urgency how the near
future will judge your complicity with this extremely ill-advised legislation.
4
Question 5 implies it is currently legal to carry in such instances. License holders know
and so should this committee that current law prohibits concealed carry where 51% of
sales is attributed to alcohol sales. Such action by a license holder would be a violation
of current law. In general this survey was not well worded and made no attempt to be
honestly informative.
4
I know that I already completed this survey once, but after further research and seeing
the number of college campuses that already have campus carry implemented with no
major issues thus far, I wanted to submit feedback that might be a little more helpful,
rather than just state how opposed I am to this legislation. It is a concern as an
admissions counselor, when you know families are putting their trust me and my
institution to help their kids achieve their goals and dreams, and I take that responsibility
very seriously. As I mentioned earlier, it would break my heart if something happened to
one of my students, like what happened with the students who died on Friday at Texas
Southern University and Northern Arizona University. And, being a resident of a state
that has experienced numerous tragedies due to guns, it is a serious concern.
4
I don’t think our campus should be carry-free. I think it is problems waiting to happen. As
an alumni, if I were a student, I wouldn’t feel safe.
4
How many will die before this ridiculous legislation is repealed? Welcome to Texas
4
Take a stand on this, you weak jellyfish. Blood will be on your hands. When it happens,
don’t think that you aren’t guilty.
4
I’ve acknowledge the fact that I’m more likely to die on campus than a car accident. We
are beyond fixing this problem if United States Citizens hold gun rights above the lives
of 26 elementary students who died at Sandy Hook.
4
The legislature does not allow people to carry concealed weapons into their workplace.
How will the campus police be able to distinguish the 'active shooter' from the other
students with guns? More guns more bullets firing more people will die.
187 4
I’d like to begin by saying that the ‘select three’ formatting of this survey is ridiculous.
The arbitrary clumping of sports facilities and the splitting of academic and social areas
makes it difficult to spell out which areas (primarily those academic areas where small
groups may be isolated and targeted - see the events at Virginia Tech) need further
protection. I also question the usefulness of ‘gun free’ zones. It seems to me that if
certain areas on campus are designated as free of firearms, so many areas should
qualify (fundamentally, anywhere a group may gather in an enclosed space) that it can
be argued that all of campus ought to be designated a gun free zone. I would conclude
by saying that as it appears that concealed carry will be forced on the body of Texas
Tech students whether we want it or not by a firearms-obsessed legislature, I would
encourage the TTU administration to emphasize shooting response drills, and to put
additional funding toward campus police office
4
The free speech zone question is a bit odd -- technically the majority of campus is open
to free speech. The zones are provided for ease of use, but they are not the only places
where freedom of expression activities can occur.
4
Campus faculty offices never appeared. I am a concealed weapons carrier. The current
conditions on campus pose no concerns to me. I tend to carry in areas possibly more
dangerous. I carry mostly when travelling.
4
I believe that we MUST stand up against this arbitrary law. This ‘survey’ is an insulting
attempt to pretend that the opinions of faculty actually matter to the administration. If you
care what we think, STAND UP and protect us from the treat of deadly harm in our daily
workplaces. We are teachers, scholars, researchers, artists and thinkers. We are NOT
trained as militia, nor should we be expected to protect the lives of our students and
others from an untrained, immature armed population. ARE YOU LISTENING? Do you
REALLY care? We NEED for you to advocate on our behalf. This is not a matter of
‘making the best of a bad situation.’ THIS HAS TO STOP. THREE CAMPUS KILLINGS
in the past week isn’t enough to make this clear????
4
I would recommend not using words such as ‘targeting’ when having a survey about
concealed carry and gun use on campus (Question 7). I also would like there to be more
safety measures put in offices if concealed carry passes everywhere on campus, such
as mandatory emergency buttons at each desk or something of the sort.
4
I am opposed to the new legislation although I am a gun owner. However, if my students
are going to be armed, I will obtain my CHL and carry in my classroom.
4
I will try and perform most work off campus and restrict teaching commitments if guns
are on campus.
4
I cannot believe that we would allow guns on campus except for those authorized
personnel (police, drug enforcement agents) AT ALL. I will be concerned for my safety
when this law goes into effect, and I think it will be hard to recruit graduate students and
faculty to a campus that permits guns, concealed guns. My colleagues in Europe are
absolutely certain that Texans are crazy to permit weapons on campus in a culture that
is already so saturated with violence, where we solve all our disputes not with critical
thinking and reasoning, but with violence. What are we teaching at the university? That
responsible conversation, consensus, democratic tolerance are not adequate in our
society? Why does not TTU take a firm stand, as has the University of Texas at Austin,
about finding guns on campuses of higher education to be irresponsible and
188 incompatible with the mission of education?
4
It’s not about the concealed weapons law. It’s about security on campus, and the world
in which we live. Guns don’t kill, people do. I’ve had my concealed weapons license for
years and I follow the rules to a tee. With this law passed, I still will not take my handgun
on campus with me. However, having lived through the Virginia Tech incident, I always
discuss this with my students in each class and come up with a plan in case we have a
shooter. We always did this in Virginia as a matter of protocol. A lot of security
precautions were taken. It is not done here in Texas, faculty only have to take a test.
Regardless of the new law, this needs to be done. And, if there were a shooter in my
class, I’d terrorize the shit our of him/her, knowing I’d be killed as a result.
4
The fact that persons can carry handguns in the Campus is very serious. In the last
weeks we notice a lot of tragedies in Colleges around U.S. with death people. The
universities need to do something. This legislation could be a big mistake. The weapons
aren’t a solution. Education instead of Guns. Education Up! Guns Down!
4
this questionnaire is not enough, nor is the appointed task force. there should be more
town hall meetings, more open forums to discuss the long-term ramifications of bringing
weapons onto a campus where students are frequently dealing with very stressful
situations.
4
There are so many things wrong with this exercise. Why, for example, are just large
classrooms (50 or more students) included - shouldn’t ALL classrooms be gun-free
zones? Shouldn’t all offices be gun free, not just Human Resources or Dean of
Students? And how on earth are gun-free zones to be enforced? I’m not hearing or
seeing any discussion of that. I am completely opposed to this very misguided
regulation that allows weapons of any sort on campuses. I suspect that professors will
be giving out a lot more As to avoid making students angry. It would not be surprising if
many excellent professors were to flee to states where guns are not allowed on
campuses.
4
I appreciate this survey. I hope well-spoken and wise people from both sides of the
debate will be heard.
4
I am neutral because I believe in our right to carry firearms. However, I am not so
confident in the governments ability to monitor licences. I do not believe this will result in
greater danger. However, I do know college students and they often act with out thinking
of the consequences, for example stupid actions such as painting a poster with the
words, ‘No means Yes and Yes means Anal.’ I believe that the students at Tech are
very mature and responsible but in larger groups, humans often get ‘caught up in the
moment’ and make decisions that they may regret later. This can easily happen to the
strongest of men. I believe with this bill and these new changes, Tech must promote
more so than ever a culture of safety, responsibility, and respect for life. If that means
losing students and attendance, then so be it. But rather that then the loss of student life
on campus with an irresponsible legal gun carrying student who was accepted for the
189 tuition he would pay.
4
Students, staff and faculty are vulnerable anywhere on campus not just in the gun free
areas. I realize that the legislature had decided that some people have the right to carry
handguns on campus, but given the general lack of civility among a large proportion of
the student population, I have grave concerns.
4
My concern is not really with the campus carry legislation because this law really is only
going to effect those that are willing to follow it. How are the common student, staff,
faculty member going to know if a person actually has a license. By the time it is all
sorted out we could have a tragedy here just like so many other universities. I realize
this is Texas and people love there guns, but a place of education really should not be
the place for them. Plus where will it end. Today it is guns what will it be tomorrow?
4
Gun free zones should be done away with, they only create a place where violence may
occur. How many more people need to die in these places?
4
After all the incidents on campuses lately, I think there is more potential for something to
happen on this campus once the law goes into affect. California now bans all guns on
all campuses. There is the potential for Texas to lose good faculty and student recruits,
to other schools, because of this especially if there are not restrictions put in place.
4
This is a scary topic. Freely arming kids who are trying to figure out how to be adults is a
terrible idea.
4
Students and faculty are both too busy to practice enough to make a concealed
handgun a viable self protection option. This is especially true in crowded places where
a miss could kill someone.
4
I’m pretty indifferent toward campus carry. My concern is more with the background
check process to allow individuals to purchase guns.
4
Really don’t want TTU to become another site in the ongoing campus large-scale
shootings going on. Not a fan of letting people bring guns.
4
How will TTU enforce prohibiting concealed guns in gun-free zones? Also, gun-free
zones could act as a target for active shooters because they know other’s won’t have
their guns to stop them. Just things to think about. I go back and forth on the subject. I
do believe some places should be gun free but proper procedures need to be made to
ensure the areas do in fact remain gun free.
4
Unfortunately, I feel helpless in this. I do appreciate you reaching out and seeking our
input.
4
With all the school shootings I understand the concern to protect the University but I
don’t believe just anyone should be allowed to carry a gun.
190 4
While generally neutral about SB11, my biggest concerns are wrongful police action
against someone with a properly licensed weapon, accidental discharge in a highly
populated area, or an unlicensed individual obtaining a weapon from a roommate within
a residence hall.
4
I was forced to choose the top 3 places to be gun free on several of these questions
when I feel all of them (and probably more not listed) should be gun free zones (and
there are probably more not listed)!
4
I strongly oppose the idea to allow concealed carry on campus, and I do not believe that
this survey is designed in a way to allow me to express that opinion other than this
comment box. I do not have a ‘top 3’ for gun-free zones when I believe that every
building on campus should be.
4
I think at the beginning of this survey the current legislation should be written and any
concerns the university has towards open/concealed carry on campus or anywhere for
that matter. Most of us do not really know what the legislation says so we really are
uninformed. I think it is the university’s responsibility to make all university patrons
aware of what all the choices are. If the university is truly about education this should be
the highest priority of the university. Facts need to be disseminated to all parties so an
informed decision can be made. Most people can make good decisions if presented with
honest information which is not weighted unfairly by one side or the other. It scares me
to know guns are carried concealed but as to what happened to my mom and dad, if
they weren’t carrying they would be dead.
4
I firmly believe that guns don’t hurt people, but I feel that this legislation inadvertently
encourages people to purchase and carry a gun in an atmosphere that doesn’t
necessitate one.
4
I believe the committee should consider having some graduate students involved with
the committee.
4
If individuals are very concerned about a shooting incident, then the police should
become very visible on campus.
4
Any person at any time can loose control. If they are not carrying a concealed handgun,
innocent people are less likely to get hurt. I am against having concealed guns on
campus, however, having a gun free zone or a policy preventing concealed handguns
on campus is not a guarantee that a person will abide by the law and not carry.
4
I do not feel 21-year-old students, with the added stresses of college, are responsible to
carry a handgun. I will not feel safe and strongly oppose guns on campus. It takes one
day to get a CHL. Conversely, it takes 400-plus hours to become a licensed nail
technician. FYI.
4
It seems prudent that someone mention that state senate bills such as these, will make
it harder for institutions of higher learner to recruit and retain qualified, experienced
faculty and staff. So, there, it’s mentioned.
191 4
I honestly don’t think the law changes anything. Shootings are committed by people
who don’t care about the law or right and wrong. What difference will another law make
to them? What we really need is a gag law on the media when it comes to talking about
shooters. Every time the media begins talking about who the shooter was, what the
shooter wanted, did, and/or wrote, we end up with another shooting. These are sad,
lonely, despicable individuals that want attention, see the shooter getting it, and decide
to follow the same path.
4
Guns have never been, and never will be the issue with violence. Violence towards
other individuals comes from within the individual, and a weapon (knife, gun, rock or
club) is only the means in which they carry out the act.
4
I feel as though this survey limits participants from providing a completely free response
(only being allowed to select a certain number of ‘safe’ spaces, etc.), which in turn will
likely skew and limit the data gathered. It is bothersome to me that various colleagues
in highly sensitive areas are essentially marginalized as not ‘sensitive’ enough through
this selection process. I recognize that the entire campus cannot be designated as gun
free, but this kind of arbitrary selection is both limiting and distressing.
4
As a graduate student and instructor of record at Texas Tech University, I am
embarrassed at the choices I had to make in this survey. Why should we have to
choose what is a ‘gun free zone?’ What makes these places anymore important than
others on campus. I currently teach a class less than 50 students, why is mine and my
students safety any less important than those in larger class room settings? Why are
we not currently equipping all faculty and staff on active shooter training? I have yet to
receive any of this training or information especially in light of recent events. I am
simply disgusted that we are even needing to fill out this survey.
4
I think it is important to make everyone aware the small percentage of academic
students who would actually be eligible for lawful concealed carry on campus, and that
in situations of gun violence it is not typically a lawfully concealed weapon owner who is
taking such action.
4
Our legislature is out of control.
4
I feel that this survey was very biased. Adding gun free zones I feel defeats the purpose
of even allowing guns on campus. I feel adding gun free zones would only prosecute
normally law abiding citizens by being uniformed of gun free zones. With that and the
fact that someone that is going to break the law with a gun will not respect these 'zones'
and it will only hinder the people ultimately trying to protect themselves.
4
I think the committee would do best to focus on the safest way to implement these new
laws coming from the Texas legislature rather than simply trying to determine which
areas of campus guns should be banned from. Students who are away from home for
the first time in their lives do not always exercise good judgement in all their decisions. It
is up to the university leadership to create a culture and environment in which these
laws can be implemented safely.
192 4
I hope that I’m overreacting, but I find the passage of this campus carry bill to be
extremely bizarre and dangerous. It seems to me that the State of TX, in permitting
campus carry, is by extension, encouraging campus carry......college students
encouraged to bring guns to class. Where does one even start? What about the issues
of ‘brandishing’ and ‘printing.’ (Neither of which, as far as I can tell, are explicitly
prohibited in TX) In many (most?) cases, it will be apparent when someone has a
concealed weapon. I can easily imagine a scenario where a student shows up to class
(of any size) with an obvious concealed weapon - displaying it through clothing, perhaps
letting it be visible to others. This will be within the student code of conduct? What if this
class were one on one? What should faculty do? Will this be a safer
classroom/campus? What is the recommendation for faculty? Do we also carry? Am I
missing something?
4
Most students aren’t going to be allowed a CHL, and even fewer are going to actually
take the considerable time to obtain one. So the practical effect of any gun-free zone is
questionable at best. The only thing this law does is give people the opportunity to
defend themselves should the need arise. Even if one believes guns are bad and no
one should be allowed to have them, the fact of the matter is that everyone is allowed to
have guns and there’s nothing the university can do about that--if someone wants to
come on campus with a gun, nothing is going to stop them.
4
Currently under state law, you can NOT carry weapons into NCAA sporting events, that
is NOT changing under the law, so question #2 needs to be looked at. In questions #2
and #3, you specify the respondent must give three answers. Because of this, I believe
you will have slanted answers, I did not feel any three were correct, whereas one may
have been, therefore my answer is to have NO gun free zones. As far as the Student
Union, thousands of people who walk through the doors on any given day, wouldn’t it be
better to have armed people who could intervene and lose five lives, rather than 20
lives? This same thing holds true in large classrooms. Small classrooms and meeting
places, do not offer the targets of opportunity the large ones do for the violent criminals.
Again, these are people over 21, not in their first year of class and deemed responsible.
We recruit these people telling them they are what TTU needs, then turn around and
then tell them you’re two dumb to carry weapon
4
By and large, I expect that most persons that will carry concealed weapons on campus
after this new policy takes effect will do so with honorable intentions; those that don’t
care about such matters might well already be carrying. I am much more saddened by
the every-person-for-themselves dissolution of civil society, and the refusal to declare on
principle that certain spaces are sacred and elevated above the most basic methods of
organizing society: by force. It is also my suspicion that the deterrent effect of firearms
to prevent a mass shooting (which is the only real identifiable threat to the classrooms
as it stands) is likely to be borne out with even more deaths. It saddens me that the
legislature that represents me is willing to bring the possibility of open firefights and an
arms race to the classroom.
4
Someone is going to get hurt it’s only a matter of time, when. Personally I don’t think
they have the maturity to carry weapons or the training to help in an active shooter
situation.
4
I am unaware of the current campus carry legislation that is why I selected neutral on
no. 9
193 4
Regarding Question 3: Although I was forced to limit my choices to 3 locations, it does
not reflect my complete views. I believe that no locations providing services to
vulnerable populations should allow concealed carry. When people are in distress they
should not have weapons. My complete views would be to add the following locations to
my list: Burkhart Center, Dean of Students’ Office, HDFS Family Counseling Clinic.
4
This survey is not helpful. It is limiting to a real conversation about the issue at hand.
Further, it limits and stifles the possibility for real work on issues that have led us to this
place.
4
As a registered Republican voter in Texas I am embarrassed and appalled that the
leaders and elected representatives in my political party find it appropriate to impose
unneeded and largely unwelcomed ‘security’ legislation.
4
Gun free zones only apply to law abiding citizens.
4
Allowing weapons in the classroom is counter-productive to the goal of any higher
education institution. Texas Tech should emphasize educational safety and aim to be as
restrictive as possible when implementing Senate Bill 11.
4
Please take everyone’s feedback on this important issue seriously.
4
The intent of these words is to carry a message to promote freedom of speech, ideas,
religion, civility and rational behavior. This is a great country and it is our task as an
institution of wisdom to reflect such greatness by promoting education and good
manners among its community. It has been proven that where there are more weapons
available among the population, there are more homicides. School shootings do not
occur in other first world countries, why does it happen here? We have to educate our
people, not only about science but about principles, tolerance and respect.
4
I consider the new state law an experiment. We will see what happens.
4
Faculty should have been brought into this discussion long ago.
4
Students with a conceal carry on campus should be used as a resource. Train them
about how to help in a situation where they will be using a gun. Use this as a chance to
learn, rather than the campus turning into a campus that fears being shot by their own
students. My main concern is students using a gun to solve problems in small disputes
in lethal and permanent way.
4
I feel that at an institution of higher education, before any decision is made, the most
important aspect should be to protect students’ mental and physical well-being. With
that said, I don’t believe any amount of concealed-carry on campus will make students
feel safer or make members of the community feel more like their rights are being
acknowledged. I do believe that creating a culture of awareness and logic to the
dangers of guns will prevent violence from occurring while also stabilizing those who
feel their rights are violated. Instilling this within students and faculty is important to
creating a thriving, ethical, and transparent community at Texas Tech.
4
I don’t feel it is fair students can have handguns in their vehicles but faculty and staff are
not allowed. Everyone should be governed by the same rules and regulations.
4
Thank you for allowing me to express my beliefs to your committee.
194 4
I have many concerns as someone who has dealt with emotionally disturbed people
over the past 30 years, who ran a homeless shelter for 4. 5 years, and who had to
actually deal with both knife and gun fights and other such issues where people were
shot and/or stabbed during that time. I have a great deal of concerns....
4
About six years ago I was the only staff member in the reading room. There was a
“cowboy” walking around the room. He opened his jacket and it was obvious that he had
a pistol under his jacket. At a point in time he moseyed up to me and opened his jacket
and made sure that I saw what he was carrying. “Does my gun bother you?” he asked.
“Not as long as you keep your hands off it,” I replied. He stated that he was a police
officer. I told him that that made no difference to me. Some patrons came into the room
and shortly after that he left the room. I saw him later in the day walking between the
Main Library and the UC. I don’t believe that he was a police officer. I do believe that I
could have disarmed him if he had unholstered his gun.
4
I support the right to bear arms, however I fear that many of this generation of students
have been raised without consequences & with a sense of entitlement.
4
I find the issue is so broad that it does not lend itself to the limited choices of a survey. I
am a teacher, and I do not want guns in my classroom. The presence of a gun,
concealed or not, introduces a threat of physical danger that is, in effect, an emotional
and intellectual threat. The value of a university is the free exchange of ideas, not the
potential use of violent, deadly force. The legislature that passed this program is not
acting in the interest of the universities; it is imposing a minority view on the university
community. On the one hand we have ‘Active Shooter’ videos; on the other hand, we
introduce guns into the university: it makes no sense. The presence of guns especially
violates the humanities classes, where challenging ideas are discussed, where students
are pushed to new intellectual considerations, and where multiple, sometimes conflicting
viewpoints are passionately presented. The first amendment takes priority over a
skewed reading of the second.
4
Be prepared to have monies for a lawyer. Even a bad person can sue and no one wins
for a very long time. Best to notice signs and monitor facebook or other social blogs.
4
I think this is ridiculous. The mounting evidence suggests that a proliferation of firearms
does nothing to make people safer in the context of gun violence. If the majority of
faculty at Tech are against guns, and we can’t have campus autonomy to enforce such
feelings, what is the point? Everyone involved in this decision should be ashamed.
4
I think that people seeking licensure are going to be the more responsible gun owners. I
think they have taken time to learn and become familiar and comfortable with their
firearms.
4
Fear is that people will allow their anger to over power their though process and with
guns being so easily accessible it will be dangerous.
4
I am in the minority perhaps, but I don’t like students carrying guns into classrooms.
4
not our job but if the country is going this route background checks need to be much
more thorough
4
I hate to see that we have to deal with this in our schools, but I guess it is a necessary
195 thing. Probably wouldn’t want to carry a gun.
4
This legislation is an attempt to put a ‘good guy with a gun’ in those situations where
gun violence may occur. I understand that impulse, however the evidence and mounting
data prove that ‘good guys with guns’ don’t help in those situations, and may cause
more harm than good. This will more likely than not lead only to a suppression of
academic freedom and individual safety. This test, aired on ABC News, shows that the
reaction time and shock of the situation prevents armed individuals from doing what they
THINK they would do in that situation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QjZY3WiO9s
4
There are individuals who are generally opposed to guns on campus, yet such feedback
is not an option above. Also, going by current laws, some locations listed above that are
candidates for gun-free designations already have laws prohibiting guns (therefore
redundant). There is no need for policies protecting areas that are already protected in
the first place.
4
My only concern is the advocation of vigilante justice. I do not believe that responsibility
should fall on students, at the same time, I understand that it is necessary for us to be
able to protect ourselves. I just pray for guidance.
4
I think everyone is really in between this issue because there are so many pro/con
factors. It’s crazy to think that I will have get a license to carry just for the simple fact
that I have to try to protect myself and others from someone who is crazy enough to
carry and feel he/she can use it at any time.
4
I think that everyone should have the right to bear arms, however, there is no need to
bring a weapon on campus unless you are law enforcement. There should be no naivety
that once this legislation is passed, there will not only be tragic school shootings like we
have now, but there will be tragic accidents as well. Academia does not need to be
married to public opinion nor should it be forced to adhere to laws that could potentially
jeopardize the lives of students or faculty.
4
I feel that although we have laws in place, if someone is out to hurt others they will find a
way somehow regardless.
4
While I understand the citizen concern for self-protection, it is concerning to me that the
students that are upset with faculty/staff or fellow students, and are possibly unstable
mentally or emotionally, will approach a classroom or department with a gun. I believe it
may cause this population to make decisions regarding these students based on fear
rather than true academic integrity. Thank you for the opportunity to complete the
survey and have an opinion and feedback. And thank you for your leadership.
4
Designating particular public areas as gun free while other are not assumes that people
who are licensed to carry will go crazy in certain situations and start randomly shooting.
Most often it has been the people who are not licensed who have proven to be the
active shooters. They will not be regulated by these restrictions anyway.
4
I am a military veteran. I appreciate our amendment rights, but frankly I don’t trust
people with firearms when they conceal them.
196 4
This survey is unbelievable. I’m only able to choose 3 places on campus that shouldn’t
have campus carry? As somebody who completely opposes campus carry (both as a
student and TA) I should be able to choose to have the ENTIRE CAMPUS free of
concealed weapons. If campus carry is followed through, I think there is a 100%
increase of the possibility of an on campus shooting.
4
Although it is useful for people to be licensed in case of an emergency, it concerns me
that those who plan to harm will become licensed.
4
As compared to UT, who has a complete website to breaking down the law, you all are
doing a horrible job. I do not believe that a survey of our opinion are going to make
anyone on a college campus feel safe. You have a goal of reaching 40,000 students,
but the number of incoming students will decline as parents will send their children out
of state. Guns have no place on a college campus. As a black man at a conservative
PWI (Predominantly White Institution), I feel extremely threatened in a slightly racist
town, by my peers having guns. As a college student, I feel like the learning process is
being interrupted by the distraction of the campus carry law. Lucky, I am graduating next
December because this is too much. Now you may be asking ‘What can we do?’ Well
instead of establishing a ‘task force’ like your Greek Life task force, which was a joke
because nothing changed, you can help us find a way to undo this law. You are
controlled too much by your donors who don’t even go here.
4
The survey is troubling--I have multiple concerns. I don’t think it’s fair to ask me what
concerns me the most. I don’t care if a student shoots or threatens a professor for poor
performance or for academic disagreements, or if a student shoots or threatens another
student in regard to the free exchange of ideas. The MOST concerning issue is that
there will be legally ARMED individuals capable of inflicting harm on a multitude of
people at any point in time.
4
I am glad you are allowing others to threaten my life. I hope you are able to live with the
possibility of making my wife a widow and my children without a parent. I am glad you
support that. Thank you for showing me how much my life is worth.
4
Having lived in countries in which people carry weapons, I have seen first hand what
can happen when something as ‘innocent’ as a traffic accident or argument on some
esoteric matters turns into a life threatening situation. It is amazing how people that
otherwise might avoid physical conflict act differently when they carry a weapon.
4
With gun in campus? This may be asking for more trouble. Without this registration,
some people are already carrying guns in the car. I understand that carrying a gun is
one’s means of protection. But most of us do not have the ability of Wyatt Earp
4
Presumably this University employs lobbyists to oversee its interests in Austin. Why was
the open carry idea not communicated to employees when it was still just a bill, and not
yet the law? I think TTU’s representation at the state capital should be replaced, and
more emphasis given to notifying employees when important issues that affect the TTU
community are coming up for legislative action. This whole fiasco might have been
avoided if Texas teachers and University employees had been given the chance to
communicate with THEIR elected representatives in Austin.
4
If someone intends harm, they are going to carry regardless of what the rules say so
might as well have 10 sane people for every 1 insane person.
197 4
At the moment, I personally do not see the pros of allowing campus carry.
4
I would not object to electric guns on campus.
4
What is the argument for why 18-20 year olds are mature enough to carry concealed
firearms but not mature enough to buy and consume alcohol?
4
I felt like I was contradicting myself when I checked that I believe no areas should be a
gun free zone, but I thought the Autism center should be gun free. Consider using the
option ‘I believe no areas listed should be a gun free zone’ for each section.
4
Most problems with guns have happened in ‘gun free zones’.
4
Can I just teach online?
4
I am an international student. I never saw a gun. I cannot carry gun for my protection. I
worry such law might encourage the miscreants.
4
This survey makes it sound like TTU is swallowing the legislature’s mandate a little more
than AAU-like schools in Texas that we aspire to be like. I encourage a question related
to ‘refusal to adopt the legislature’s mandate’
4
For question 8, I would like to answer all of the above. No campus carry
4
I was shocked to learn that our system can go so low, to discuss such a subject in 21st
century. Guns and Academy can not bound together. If it will happen it will be very,very
regrettable.
4
This is a ridiculous Sophie’s Choice provided by a ridiculous law. How can anyone
make a choice of which portion of the college campus deserves to be endangered more
than another? I am angry that life and death has been reduced to a multiple choice quiz.
4
Even trained gun men make mistakes and people can get hurt. Allowing guns on
campus is probably the least safe thing possible with over 40,000 people on campus in
a day. Yes, hypothetically, having trained concealed weapon carriers on campus could
prevent shootings from happening. On the flip side it would probably end with more
injuries than being helpful. You can be certified to carry a weapon and never have had
to shoot another living creature and when a shooter comes in the room you will most
likely miss rather than land a nonfatal shot on the shooter.
4
Why do classrooms need to contain ‘50 or more’ students in order to be eligible as a
gun-free zone? As a result, my classes of 20-30 students are not eligible, and the
current legislation seems to suggest their lives are less important, should an incident
occur. Why not make every classroom a gun-free zone? As a hunter and outdoorsman,
I am a gun rights advocate. However, I am unequivocally opposed--morally and
politically--to allowing guns into classrooms or laboratories of any kind. Their presence
will disrupt the free flow of information, intimidate other students into silence, and make
even more accessible to a disgruntled student the means by which he or she might
retaliate against a teacher for a poor grade.
4
Personally, I feel that the people that have gone through the process of having a
concealed handgun license are the most informed about guns and are mentally stable
(for lack of a more eloquent way to say that). I’m more worried about the people that
198 have access to guns without having training or a license.
4
I found this survey very biased towards the idea that guns should instill fear in people
where as we should be increasing awareness that having law abiding citizens with guns
on campus like myself and many of my friends will increase the overall safety on
campus and decrease the chances of gun related incidents. Criminals are not going to
listen to your gun free zone signs, so I would much rather be able to help and possibly
save lives of my self and my peers by carrying legally on campus, then witnessing a gun
related incident and having the know how to do something about but legally not being
able to carry.
4
I am an international student. I never saw a gun. I cannot carry gun for my protection. I
worry such law might encourage the miscreants.
4
If I am not shot by the time of my graduation, I am out of TTU and all other Texas
schools. My and my family safety is the major priority and freedom that the current law
severely violates. My academic freedom is also violated, and I do not think that TTU
does anything to protect it. Then I will see for a job and a place to live in some other
school.
4
Most college students lack the maturity to be able to handle themselves around
weapons, especially if alcohol is involved.
4
The issue is not about carrying a gun, it is about why the person feels the need to carry
a gun in the first place.
4
This isn’t just about Texas Tech campus but all of Lubbock. If a student is caring a gun
into the class room, he will take it everywhere else just because. Giving a gun to an
immature person gives them a false since of man hood or woman hood that would make
some of their decisions questionable. This has the potential of doing great harm to
innocent victims. Saying I am sorry after an incident isn’t going to cut it, it is go straight
to jail. I hear it all the time, My rights, I have the right! Rights without responsibility is a
destructive force, every one wants rights, personal freedom, but few seem to take the
responsibility that goes with them. You are talking about students, what about all the
non students that have a concealed handgun license they will be asking to bring their
firearm to a Tech function or the employees will want to carry a firearm. Just because
popular opinion wants to carry fire arms doesn’t make it the right thing for Texas Tech.
Tough choices you have ma
4
I don’t know where I stand on this issue completely. I know there are a lot of responsible
gun owners, but I am concerned that simply by allowing people to have guns on campus
you will increase the chance that someone will do something stupid, something they
might otherwise not have done if they didn’t happen to have a gun on them.
4
Protection is key. Gun free zones are an illusion of protection. Disarming citizens arms
the criminals.
4
While I’m concerned about active shooters, I’m more concerned about the ability of
someone to make an impulsive decision, and I’m highly concerned about the possibility
of students threatening faculty.
199 4
When this Issue was proposed every officer with TTPD told me ‘the threat is that we do
not know a good guy from a bad’. There was a presentation at my work location and not
a single representative from law enforcement mentioned any concerns. I fact, they
stated that the police will help you, but by law, they have no obligation to assist. The
simple mention of the above statement appeared in direct conflict from what these same
officers stated less than one year ago. I do not believe they each believe the same thing
on these right to carry. The HSC campus is another issue. Few understand where
demarcation lines cross over. HSC is defined as a ‘Business’. UMC is defined as a
‘Hospital’. These have different standards in law, and propose. These need to be
clarified. Assume and HSC operations person is tasked to go the OR. When and where
to they relinquish their weapon? The shooting ranges are always available. The right to
own should be tied legally to demonstrate proficiency.
4
Constitutional carry would be even better
4
People need to understand that students will not go out showing their guns and
threatening other people, because of a very elementary reason: It would be a crime. If
you fear students willing to do wrong things believe: They could be doing it already.
They do not need a carry permission to do wrong things. Actually, it would be very
stupid from their sides if they do that. Criminals do not have license for their guns. How
many times you saw a cop checking a student back-pack at TTU? I bet you never saw!
What if they had a gun inside? You would never know! If you fear your students can do
harm to you, you do not have to fear those that have gun license. You should fear those
do not have the license. Because those with no license are those more likely to be using
guns for ‘bad’ things.
4
I will consider a classroom that is not gun-free a hostile work environment
4
Campus carry should not be allowed and no guns larger than a pistol should never be
allowed on campus. I understand people believing that they are protecting themselves
and others by being able to carry weapons, but more guns will not solve the problem,
just create more issues. I do not feel safe being in a classroom with individuals that are
allowed to carry weapons unless they receive adacuate training and licensure to do so.
On a side note if there is an active shooter on campus we don’t need more untrained
people firing in that situation, police should be trained to be more proactive in these
situations.
4
Is there anything currently in place, besides a sign that states this is a gun-free campus
and criminal charge, that prohibits students/staff/faculty from concealed carry? The
reason that it is called concealed carry is that no one is supposed to know about it, so
how do we know that people already are not carrying on campus, in lieu of the national
coverage of campus shootings? Just a speculation, but if ‘campus carry’ is passed, we
still will not know who is carrying and who is not, unless there is a register. If they have
to be registered, this can cause potential discrimination towards the people who do
carry. There is no way to have a true ‘carry-free’ zone, unless enforced by metal
detector. As my perspective on the shootings that have happened, people who intend to
harm others with a firearm will find a way to obtain one and find a way to use it where
they want. Campus carry may deter future shootings, or make people fear being on the
campus. It all depends on the perspective.
200 4
Recently, a man brought a gun to Cowboys Stadium. A fight broke out and another man
attempted to break-up the fight. The man with the gun SHOT and KILLED the man
attempting to help out. When something like this happens on campus, and it will--history
has proven that much, I sincerely hope that my coworkers and I are far, far away from it.
Texas Tech is trying to raise the number of students in attendance but I don’t believe for
a second that every person entering TTU is mentally stable, safety conscious, and/or
empathetic to others.
4
Recently, guns have been illegally possessed and illegally used on or near college
campuses. Only time will tell if legally possessing guns on campuses will lead to more
illegal use of guns. We will also see if legal use occurs to interrupt the illegal use of
firearms or other weapons.
4
Active shooter training that encourages students and faculty to FIGHT BACK as a last
resort when they are confronted by an armed attacker, regardless of whether concealed
handguns happen to be present, is a MUST. I believe the fears that several of the
survey questions allude to are unfounded, but I do think that regardless of the posted
gun policy at TTU, students should be given a solid education on how to respond to a
spree killer, armed or unarmed.
4
In the very near future, I will obtain a gun license, a gun, and a concealed handgun
license. I will then regularly carry my gun on my person and bring it with me to work.
What else am I to do?! This really sucks.
4
As seen in the latest college shooting in Oregon, how will police be able to identify who
is an active shooter from other students who are also carrying a gun?
4
Signs is a perfectly good word. There is no need to use the word ‘signage.’
4
I do not mind the open carry laws but it does bother me that people who are affected by
metal disorders, trauma, or have problems with free expression of ideas could use a
weapon to hurt many innocent people in a highly populated area on campus.
4
I am completely in favor of the right to bear arms. Given the nature of college life, I am
finding it hard to see how having guns on campus --at all, and especially where
drunkenness is likely -- is a good idea. I believe that persons who intend to harm others
on campus are unlikely to follow ‘gun-free zone’ rules. Further, I think that those persons
who choose to carry a concealed handgun on campus are most likely motivated by a
desire to protect themselves or others. The potential outcomes of campus carry include
suppression of harm, escalation of harm, or no difference. My hope is that harm will
less, but it is very hard to know before the fact whether campus carry achieves this.
4
There is the perception that alcohol and guns do not go together. I agree, but the major
problem here are drugs (legan and illegal) there is a growing amount of students taking
mood altering drugs and with a variety of mental problems (who would I suspect be
declared innocent if they did something horrible. These students should not be
anywhere close to guns. Several shooters had been diagnosed with Asperges.
Immature students get very emotional when they do not get the grade they think they
deserve (there is a growing tendency for them to think that you owe them an A) they are
under a lot of stress .. It is not just the active shooter situation.. it is the unbalance
individual with a gun at hand
201 4
Guns carried by students, staff or faculty have no place on a college campus....period!
As for answering the questions 2 &3 in this survey ...if given a choice i would have
checked all locations.. so why did you limit us as we decided???..it seems you are
creating an artificial response this way. You get a C- for creating this survey.
4
I am not particularly concerned about public areas. Even in our small department we
have recently expelled a student for poor performance and placed a student on
probabtion for failure to make progress and plagiarism. Both of these students disagree
with this cause and one may have mental health issues. I am not concerned about a
general active shooter situation, they will avoid private areas. I am concerned about a
person who is coming to specifically seek out myself or my colleagues.
4
I don’t believe that allowing guns on campus will ultimately change that much. The only
thing it will force dangerous individuals to do is become more creative and potentially
more harmful. If someone is committed to attacking and killing students, they will likely
find a way to do so, but now potentially through bombs or larger weapons. It could
prevent small acts of passion, but then so does a no weapons on campus policy as well.
Ultimately, allowing weapons on campus puts people in edge and forces them to be
more protective. I think this could hamper the efforts towards the free discussion of
ideas--one of the major goals of the university.
4
This is not new. People have been carrying guns on campus for a long time. Will the
new status result in an increase in gun related activities on campus?
4
I believe tha guns on campus may cause more crime than they could possibly prevent.
4
Thank you for thinking to include my input
4
Without name calling, who was the IDIOT in Austin that thought this was a good idea?
4
Most of these questions do not provide enough options. Top 3 doesn’t cover it.
4
I do think it’s important for students who have concealed handgun licenses to be
educated on safety precautions around large groups of people. My real concern has to
do with the permissive attitude the university will be forced to adopt toward concealed
firearms and the further erosion of the faculty in its ability to protect the student body
and themselves from harm by individuals. While I know the argument is that mass
shooters are not law abiding and so will not be encouraged by loosening gun restrictions
on campus, I feel like these laws give encouragement to people who might otherwise be
dissuaded from carrying out a plan to attack part of the campus.
4
The individuals who forced this legislation through ought to be sued, and have a series
of psychiatric evaluations forced upon them. Tech has an opportunity to make a name
for itself nationally by refusing to obey this law.