Wranglin' Irons on Campus: A Guide to Open Carry at UT Austin (Hold Your Horses, It Ain't That Simple)
Howdy partners! Ever feel that itch on your hip where a trusty six-shooter should be while strolling through the hallowed halls of UT Austin? You might be thinkin', "Texas! Land of the free and home of the open carry, right?" Well, saddle up, because this here situation is a tad more nuanced than a John Wayne flick.
 |
| Can You Open Carry At Ut Austin |
Yeehaw, or Yikes? The Lowdown on Open Carry at UT Austin
Now, hold onto your Stetsons, because open carry of handguns is a big ol' no-no on the UT Austin campus. That's right, even if you're a licensed gunslinger, you gotta keep that piece under wraps. Why, you ask? Well, the law for institutions of higher learnin' is a different breed of bull than the open carry law roamin' the rest of the state.
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
Think of it this way: UT Austin is like a sophisticated hoedown – there's a certain dress code involved. And that dress code, my friends, doesn't include holsters worn proudly on the hip.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
So, Can You Pack Heat on Campus at All? Don't Get Your Spurs in a Tangle!
Now, don't go rarin' off to sell your revolvers just yet! There is a silver lining for licensed carriers. UT Austin allows concealed carry of handguns for those with a License to Carry (LTC). That means you can keep your peacemaker close at hand, discreetly tucked away, for those hypothetical situations where a showdown might erupt (think a rogue squirrel confrontation, or maybe an intense game of Risk gone wrong).
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
But here's the catch: concealed means concealed. UT Austin takes this mighty seriously. If that iron accidentally peeks out from its hiding spot, it could be considered a violation of both the law and university policy.
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
So, keep it under wraps, partners!
Howdy Partner, You Got Questions? A FAQ for the Concealed Carry Crew
How do I get a License to Carry (LTC) in Texas? That there's a whole other adventure! You'll need to take a training course and meet certain eligibility requirements. Head on over to the Texas Department of Public Safety website for the full scoop.
Where exactly can I carry concealed on campus? Generally speakin', most outdoor areas and buildings accessible to the public are fair game. There are some exceptions though, like residence halls (except common areas), sporting events, and places serving a hefty dose of spirits (think bars). UT Austin has a handy dandy website with a full breakdown: https://www.utexas.edu/campus-carry
I saw someone with a gun on campus! What should I do? Don't be a lone ranger! If you see a firearm, call 911 immediately. Campus carry requires those guns to stay concealed, so a visible weapon could be a cause for concern.
Can faculty tell me I can't carry in their class? Nope! The law says they can't restrict concealed carry in their classrooms.
This whole thing is confusin'! Can I talk to someone at UT Austin about it? Sure thing, sugar! The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) is there to answer your questions. You can find their contact information on the UT Austin website.
So there you have it, folks! The saga of open carry and concealed carry at UT Austin. Remember, safety first, and keep your shootin' irons pointed towards the bad guys (or maybe that pesky squirrel). Now, mosey on back to your studies, and howdy!
 |
