Firearm Possession in Texas University Housing

[sideshow]

If everything goes according to plan, I'll be going to UTA (University of Texas at Arlington) starting in the Fall semester. I was going to move in to one of the on-campus apartments until I found out about their policy prohibiting firearm possession. I understand that the law prohibits possession of a firearm on the premises of a school, but I wasn’t sure if there was any way that possession would be allowed in an on-campus residence.

As it stands right now, I won’t be able to move in to the on-campus apartments due to the law and university policy. It’s unfortunate … these are single-occupancy apartments (not dorms), and in my opinion there shouldn’t be different rules pertaining to firearms just because the apartments sit on university property. But, the law is the law, and if I don’t have any other options I guess I’ll just have to find a much smaller apartment somewhere else.

[SnowLeopard]

Well, you could ask their police department if there is any way to store your gun while living on campus. I suspect that it is not possible on campus but they might be able to suggest a place in town that will store your gun for you. You could always ask.

As far as the law and policy, it is rather understandable. The law is clearly understandable and as far as policy goes............................

.........................decades ago at TAMU, there was a game called KAOS (Killing as an organized sport). The game soon disbanded after there was an incident of lovers killing each other in a shooting in the chapel. The general attitude that perhaps it was no wise to running around with pistols, even if toys, on a campus where people are upset about shootings.

A and B. A: Essentially, IMHO, anything on campus is on campus and the law applies. This even goes so far as outings away from campus which are school sponsered. No guns.

B: Keep in mind that college does tend to be a close knit community with alot of the population in emotional transistion. People coming to adulthood, experiencing love, losing virginity, maybe studying, and so forth. Even if there wasn't the law, it does not sound like the kind of powder keg to have guns free in.
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(After actually killing his game comrades, Alex gets shot himself. As he falls to his death, "This really isn't fair."--(w,stte) "T.A.G. The Assassination Game")

[sideshow]

I'll live in another apartment off campus before I store my firearm. In my mind, an apartment is an apartment, whether it's on university owned property or not. I understand that's not the case however, and I'm not going to break the law just to have a nicer apartment.

Part of my frustration lies in that I dont' consider myself a member of that group in emotional transition that you spoke of. I did all that years ago ... moved away from home, lived on my own for 2 years, then joined the military. As a junior enlisted person in the military (at least at my current assignment) I'm treated like a child more often than not, and it frustrates me on multiple levels. It's probably better that I live off campus anyway ... even if I could keep my gun at home in the apartment there would probably be other university rules that would make as little sense as this one does.

[SnowLeopard]

Well, of course, you are entitled to your own opinion.

However, in this case, you probably should view the university as such:

You live under our roof, you play by our rules. If not, you are free to go elsewhere even if that means, as it does not in this case, to another place such as another university.

As such, it does sound like you have made that choice.
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("Well, Doctor, I do value your opinion."--dangerous research scientist
"Good! I value my life! This thing makes me feel for it!"--The Doctor, (wtte), Dr. Who: Nightmare of Eden)

[P01IC3M4N]

i carry my gun on to the UTA campus. but the only way to do that is to get the unique license that i have that says "peace officer."

if they have a policy, it applies to every piece of property owned, leased, operated, or otherwise in the control of the school.

[darrell]

Any privately owned facility can have thier own restriction on firearms. There are a few stores and 1 restraunt in my town that have signs saying NO FIREARMS ALLOWED. As per the CCW class, any owner can have the concealed weapon prohibited sing posted in a visible area on the door's (all doors) of the building. Violating that policy is a Misdameanor charge in Michigan. But I dunno in texas.

[warlock]

Any privately owned facility can have thier own restriction on firearms. There are a few stores and 1 restraunt in my town that have signs saying NO FIREARMS ALLOWED. As per the CCW class, any owner can have the concealed weapon prohibited sing posted in a visible area on the door's (all doors) of the building. Violating that policy is a Misdameanor charge in Michigan. But I dunno in texas.

Darrell, I was under the impression that any establishment which chooses to ban firearms may do so, but only with visible signs on their door advertising so, and also that they must provide the means for storage of those firearms while you are on their premises...maybe I'm wrong...but I thought I heard this.

[the other Jon]

you guys on here probably wont agree with me but i would keep my gun in my campus apartment anyway. just because it is a college doesnt mean trouble (real trouble, not little college stuff) cant find you. just keep it somewhere secure and nobody will ever know.

[Jynkxxie]

Darrell, I was under the impression that any establishment which chooses to ban firearms may do so, but only with visible signs on their door advertising so, and also that they must provide the means for storage of those firearms while you are on their premises...maybe I'm wrong...but I thought I heard this.

I have never heard of this...

If you drive a vehicle, that becomes the safe.

[warlock]

I guess this was to prohibit all establishments from blanket gun bans...I believe I remember reading about this law in PA books...I will try to find.

[md123]

you guys on here probably wont agree with me but i would keep my gun in my campus apartment anyway. just because it is a college doesnt mean trouble (real trouble, not little college stuff) cant find you. just keep it somewhere secure and nobody will ever know.

I am not a cop, but then again it doesn't take a weatherman to tell which way the wind blows. You may be right in thinking that the law is ridiculous in this case. I don't agree, but don't hold anything against you for possibly thinking it is. You may choose to break that rule. If you do so, and that is you choice, don't complain when and if you are expelled. You might argue by saying that protecting your life is worth the possibility of expulsion. This is a reasonable argument. That's your choice. Personally, I would leave my safety in the hands of the police, and keeping myself secure by other means OR move off campus and keep the gun if it were that important.

[Jynkxxie]

I agree with MD; however, in this scenario we are not talking about a dorm, it is housing. I find it confusing as well, but if they state that firearms are not allowed and it is on private property, I would not bring them. I don't know how Texas works but up here that would land you in more trouble than just being expelled.

[darrell]

if they ban the firearm they in Michigan do not have to provide a gun locker. You are solely responsibe to securing your firearm. A vehicle is supposed to be secure but if you lock it in the car (trunk) and your car gets stolen and the gun is used in the commision of a felony you can be charged with a misdameanor for merely introducing the weapon into a public setting. But as for a lock box, the owner of the property doesn't have to due to the liability and bing you are responsible for your own weapon. The courts, jails, and police departments do provide lock boxes in the main area of the building up here.

[P01IC3M4N]

you guys on here probably wont agree with me but i would keep my gun in my campus apartment anyway. just because it is a college doesnt mean trouble (real trouble, not little college stuff) cant find you. just keep it somewhere secure and nobody will ever know.

the problem here is that it is REAL trouble. i go to the school he's talking about.

§ 46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a) A person
commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or
recklessly possesses or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club,
or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05(a):
(1) on the physical premises of a school or
educational institution, any grounds or building on which an
activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being
conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or
educational institution, whether the school or educational
institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written
regulations or written authorization of the institution;

[Jynkxxie]

A vehicle is supposed to be secure but if you lock it in the car (trunk) and your car gets stolen and the gun is used in the commision of a felony you can be charged with a misdameanor for merely introducing the weapon into a public setting.

LMAO...If that ever happens to me...All I gotta say is they better try REALLY, REALLY HARD.