Campus Carry Policy Development Committee Seeking Input About Recommended Limited, Designated Areas Where Handguns Not Allowed
Article by: Melinda Eddleman
Safety is a priority at Del Mar College (DMC). Following the law is a priority, too.
In 2015 the Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 11, which requires that all public community colleges allow concealed handguns to be carried on college property by licensed individuals. That state law takes effect Aug. 1 and requires that Del Mar allow concealed handguns to be carried on campus and in campus facilities, except in limited, designated areas.
The College asks that both the campus community––students, faculty and staff––and the general public provide input to a survey for recommended limited, designated areas. Participants can access the survey at www.delmar.edu/campuscarry/.
The survey opens today, Feb. 1, and runs through Feb. 28.
Developed by the College’s Campus Carry Policy Development Committee, the survey allows participants to provide input regarding nine recommended locations where concealed handguns will not be allowed. Legislative directives prohibit a campus-wide ban on concealed carry.
Open carry of weapons, carrying a weapon easily visible, remains a violation of state law and Del Mar College policy.
“Our goal, as a campus community, is to comply with state law and provide a safe learning environment for all students, employees and guests,” says DMC President Mark Escamilla, Ph.D. “The College began discussions focused on compliance and developing college-wide policies by holding a Faculty/Staff Town Hall in fall 2015. We’re moving forward with our Campus Carry implementation plan that builds on that discussion and the work of the committee since then.”
The committee has reviewed legal requirements and provided policy recommendations. Made up of faculty, staff and students, the committee is co-chaired by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Beth Lewis and Executive Director of Human Resources and Administration Tammy McDonald with guidance provided by College Counsel Augustin Rivera, Jr.
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Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.