The University of Dallas announced today that it will continue its current policy of prohibiting weapons on campus and has notified students, faculty and staff that it will opt out of Texas Senate Bill 11. The “Campus Carry Bill,” which was passed by the Texas Legislature last spring, signed by the governor in June and becomes effective Aug. 1, includes a provision allowing private universities to opt out after consulting with students, faculty and staff.

“Because the safety of University of Dallas faculty, staff and students is my highest priority, I have decided, with Board of Trustees support, to continue our current weapons policy by opting out of the ‘campus carry’ legislation,” said President Thomas W. Keefe. “My decision, which will maintain a gun-free campus, was based on a significant amount of thoughtful feedback from the most affected internal constituents. I especially would like to acknowledge the efforts of Student Government and the Faculty Senate for the integral role each organization played in helping the institution weigh the risks and benefits of this decision.”

As prescribed in Senate Bill 11, the University of Dallas recently completed a consultation process with the university community to gather student, faculty and staff input. The decision places the university among the vast majority of other private colleges and universities in Texas opting out of Campus Carry.