Threat Of Violence Affecting Campus Life in Texas

A dean at the University of Texas is stepping down over a new state law which will allow concealed handguns to be carried on university campuses.

Long-time dean Frederick Steiner said the policy was not "appropriate" for higher education and "did not make logical sense".   "I thought I would be responsible for enforcing a law I don't believe in," said Steiner, who has been at the school since 2001. He says he plans to return to the University of Pennsylvania when the law goes into effect in August.

Many higher education officials and students have objected to the law, with concerns it may discourage students from attending universities in Texas.

Greg Fenves, president of the University of Texas said that the law would make it more difficult to keep faculty and students at the university.   Steiner agreed, saying it was "already part of the conversation when I was trying to recruit and retain graduate students."

Staff at the University of Houston have warned professors there to avoid discussing sensitive topics and drop them from the curriculum if they "sense anger" from students who may be armed.  According to the Houston Chronicle, professors and teaching staff have also been instructed to limit student access during non-teaching hours, eliminate walk-up office hours and meet students only under "controlled circumstances".

Rich kids can still feel safe and have access to unfettered upper education, however-- according to the newlaw, private universities are allowed to ban guns on their campuses.