UTEP Professor Refuses to Allow Guns in His Classroom

The Texas Legislature passed the "campus carry” bill on May 31, which allows licensed holders to carry concealed handguns on public college campuses — but included a caveat that lets college presidents designate “gun-free zones.” Texas Governor Greg Abott signed the bill, which will take affect on Aug. 1, 2016. One UTEP professor is protesting this bill by posting a "no guns allowed" sign and stating his strong opinion on the issue to local media.

UTEP journalism professor David Smith-Soto spoke to KFOX about his stance on the guns on campus: "I was outraged, we don’t need guns in the classroom. I don’t want guns in my classroom.” He believes students can snap at anytime and would possibly use the gun during that situation.

All Texas campuses have to submit a campus carry policy before 2016, so there is a chance Smith-Soto could make a difference in the way students will be able to carry guns. No matter what happens, he will continue to have that sign on display -- Smith-Soto plans to keep his “no guns allowed” sign up even if his building will allow guns in the new campus carry policy.