Baylor Issues Statement on Handgun Law

WACO, Texas - On Jan. 1, new Texas laws went into effect regarding concealed weapons. It has always been school policy that such concealed weapons are strictly prohibited at Baylor University.
General Counsel Basil Thomson and Jim Doak, director of the Baylor Department of Public Safety, have issued the following statement regarding concealed weapons:
"Since Texas' new concealed handgun law is now in effect, perhaps it is well to call attention to the fact that it is, and has been, the policy of Baylor University not to permit anyone to possess a firearm, illegal knife, club, or other weapon described in the Texas Penal Code on the campus, including Clifton Robinson Tower, Ferrell Center, Floyd Casey Stadium and all campus driveways, streets, sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, parking garages and other campus parking areas. Further, it is unlawful for one to do so.
"It is a third degree felony for a person in possession of a handgun to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly go 'on the physical premises of a school, an educational institution, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or an educational institution, whether the school or educational institution is public or private.' This prohibition applies to persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun under the new state law. A person who is found guilty of committing a third degree felony may be punished by imprisonment for a term of two to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
"While on the Baylor campus, persons may check legal weapons with the Baylor Department of Public Safety. If you own a handgun or other legal weapon and intend to carry it with you as you commute to and from work on the Baylor campus, we recommend that you arrange for the Baylor Department of Public Safety to keep it for you while you are at work. You may contact the Baylor DPS by calling 755-2222 or by going to its office on the ground floor of the Clifton Robinson Tower."