NewsWest 9
ODESSA - Under current state law, colleges and universities, like UTPB in Odessa, are gun-free zones. That means it's illegal for anyone to bring a weapon onto campus, licensed or not.
However, days after a gunman went onto the University of Texas campus in Austin and took his own life, Governor Rick Perry says he believes concealed weapons should be allowed. However, he only thinks it should be allowed if the owner is well-trained and licensed.
"There are good reasons, for persons to carry permitted, concealed weapons, and to use them when they feel threatened," UTPB President, Dr. David Watts, said.
Watts said he agrees individuals should be able to protect themselves, but worries how law enforcement would handle it.
"It's a concern, I think, for law enforcement officials to be able to differentiate between people who are trying to protect themselves and people who are trying to harm others," Watts said.
However, not everyone thinks it's a good idea. Here's what some UTPB students had to say:
