Daily Skiff

A bill that would have permitted students to carry concealed handguns on campus did not pass in the Texas House of Representatives this summer, contrary to the expectations of Don Mills, vice chancellor for student affairs.

The bill, constructed early this year, was rejected at the House this summer after passing a 19-12 vote in the Texas Senate on May 20.

Mills said he was happy over the result, though surprised the bill did not pass, he said.

Mills said while the bill failed to pass this time around, the issue of legalizing guns on campus will likely present itself again in the future.

Under the bill's provisions, students above the age of 21 with a license to carry concealed handguns would have been allowed to bring them on campus.

The bill, which would have allowed private schools to opt out, created discussion among university officials concerning the course of action the university would take if it passed.

The possibility of a bill that would allow concealed handguns on campus also led to opinionated discussions among students.

Michael Bennett, a senior political science major, said granting students the ability to legally carry guns into the classroom would only add to the paranoia.

"Instead of stressing out over midterms, students would be more worried about who is carrying the Glock 9mm in their backpack," Bennett said.

Bennett Parsons, a junior music education major, said allowing students to carry concealed handguns on campus could create an unsafe environment.

"I don't think there are many among us with the maturity to ensure against some of the stupidity progressives like myself imagine could happen," Parsons said.

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