Federal judge denies UT professors' request to block implementation of campus carry

[sarisataka]

Federal judge denies UT professors' request to block implementation of campus carry

AUSTIN — An effort by three University of Texas at Austin professors to block the implementation of the state's divisive campus carry law has failed, after a federal judge on Monday denied their request for a preliminary injunction.

U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel, ruling just two days before classes begin at UT, rejected the key arguments made so far against the firearms measure. Among those were the notions that allowing guns in classrooms violates free speech and equal protection rights.

Though the lawsuit to overturn the law remains alive, the judge said the professors had "failed to establish a substantial likelihood of ultimate success on the merits of their asserted claims."

"It appears to the court that neither the Texas Legislature nor the Board of Regents has overstepped its legitimate power to determine where a licensed individual may carry a concealed handgun in an academic setting," he wrote in an 11-page opinion.

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/headlines/20160822-federal-judge-denies-ut-professors-request-to-block-implementation-of-campus-carry.ece

This ruling affects an injuction the three professors requested until a full trial can be held.

[Duckhunter935]

1. Sounds reasonable

As 10 other states have had this for years and their case seems unfounded as it has not happened in those states.

[gratuitous]

2. Odd

I wonder if Texas courtrooms and state legislature buildings likewise permit concealed handguns? If not, why not? Or does the goose-and-gander principle not apply in those settings for some reason?

Someone's going to get shot, so everybody have your shocked and surprised faces at the ready.

[sarisataka]

4. It appears carry in

Courts is no, legislature a qualified yes:

Further, even with a CHL, these weapons may not be carried concealed under the following circumstances pursuant to Texas Penal Code §46.03 & §46.035:
**
In any court or offices used by a court unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization from the court.
**
At any meeting of any governmental body if proper notice is posted pursuant to Texas Penal Code §30.06
**

https://www.texaslawshield.com/portal/texas-gun-law/

[lpbk2713]

3. Could that not contribute to an unsafe work environment?

The PTB will probably have to see something tragic happen before they look at it differently.

[etherealtruth]

5. I am doubtful that even the most egregious acts and tragedies

....would be (have been) enough change the minds of those that worship at the alter of the gun.

[friendly_iconoclast]

8. Empirical evidence shows that this is more virtue signalling than concern about actual danger:

Guns on campus has been legal for years in 10 states, and AFAICT there hasn't
been any 'blood on the study carrels' incidents.

Please note the dates on the following posts:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=118x364698

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=118x310169

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php/http:/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=118x322788

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=118x382537

[Eleanors38]

6. See:. 1966, Texas Tower killings when long guns were already legal on campus...

...but concealed carry of handguns was not. No homicides-by-guns since 1966.

[hack89]

7. Why?

I would be a lot more concerned about illegal guns being carried on campus. Given the age of the students that is much more likely to occur.