New campus carry rules apply to all students, faculty, staff and visitors; full details online
BAYTOWN, TX — In accordance with the state law allowing individuals with a concealed handgun license to carry a handgun on the campuses of all Texas public colleges and universities, Lee College will implement its new Campus Concealed Weapon Policy on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
The full text of the Lee College Campus Concealed Weapon Policy is now available online at www.lee.edu/campus-carry, along with responses to frequently asked questions. The new campus carry rules will apply to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors across the college district, including the main campus and the McNair Center in Baytown.
There are several key points about the policy to remember:
The open carry of handguns on the Lee College campus is still prohibited. Under concealed carry, no person should notice that someone is carrying a gun. The outline of a gun should not be visible through their clothing or bag.
- Only persons who have a license to carry a concealed weapon can bring a handgun on campus. Any certified peace officer may also carry a gun on campus.
- License to Carry holders must carry their hand guns on or about their person, or secure their handgun in a locked motor vehicle at all times while on campus. Lee College does not provide storage for handguns.
- Only handguns are permitted under the Campus Carry Policy, not rifles or other long guns.
- There are areas on campus defined by state law or designated by the president as exclusionary zones, where the concealed carry of handguns will be prohibited. These areas will be clearly marked with signage notifying License to Carry holders that entry with a concealed handgun is prohibited.
After Gov. Greg Abbott signed Texas Senate Bill 11 into law in summer 2015, Lee College convened a task force of administrators, faculty, staff and students to draft the initial campus carry policy. The task force also conducted town hall meetings and focus groups to solicit insights and feedback from stakeholders both on and off campus. The Lee College Board of Regents approved the final policy in June.
“At Lee College, safety is a priority for our students, faculty, staff and visitors,” said Steve Evans, vice president of Finance and Administration. “Lee College leadership has been working closely with stakeholders to develop policy and procedures for this new law, as well as to determine how the law will be implemented.”
For additional information about the Lee College Campus Concealed Weapon Policy, visit www.lee.edu/campus-carry.