UTEP Professors and Students Protest Campus Carry Law on Leech Grove

Many Texas universities are planning protests against the new campus carry law that will go into effect next August. The University of Texas at Austin is already planning a Campus (Dildo) Carry protest the same day the law goes into effect, but the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is starting their peaceful protests now.

Yesterday, UTEP staff, students and State Senator Jose Rodriquez gathered at Leech Grove, which is in the center of the campus, to protest the law that will allow students with concealed handgun permits to take their weapon into the classroom starting next August at four-year colleges. Those against the law believe that allowing guns on campus will create a stressful atmosphere for both students and staff. According to KVIA, one professor is afraid of what to expect from students once the law goes into effect, "I really don't want to get up in front of my students and have to worry about what their intentions are when reaching inside their backpacks, said Corine Ramos, a psychology professor. "I just want to come to school and teach and learn and I just don't want to teach in fear."

Those who want to carry on campus will have to go through a rigorous process to obtain the concealed weapons permit. The law is hoping to discourage would-be campus shooters and give students the right to defend themselves. Colleges are going to be able to create gun-free zones in certain areas such as daycare centers and certain labs. If you want to share your opinion on UTEP's campus carry law attend one of the town hall meetings that will be discussing UTEP's Campus Concealed Carry Task Force.

Here are the meetings times scheduled:

• Tuesday, October 20 at 1:30 p.m. in the Union Cinema, Union East Building
• Wednesday, October 21 at noon in the Union Cinema, Union East Building
• Wednesday, October 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the Tomás Rivera Conference Center, Union East Building