Majority of UTSA faculty oppose campus carry, survey says

Professors' survey says 80 percent of faculty not on board

SAN ANTONIO – The majority of UTSA faculty members are not looking forward to having concealed guns on campus, according to a recent survey.

Starting on Aug. 1, SB11 will allow concealed guns on the campuses of four-year universities.

The survey was conducted at the beginning of this month and shows an overwhelming opposition to campus carry in every question on the survey.

"Not only does inviting guns into the classroom invite unnecessary dangers into the classroom or accidental gun violence, but it also creates an intimidating environment, especially for female minority students and faculty," said Walter Wilson, associate professor of political science. "That, we think, will damage the academic integrity of the institution."

Wilson, who conducted the survey with another professor, said they found that over 80 percent of faculty are expressing the attitude that having guns on campus will make them feel less safe.

"I hope (the university) set forth a policy that conforms to the law, but also reflects the preferences of those who are going to be affected by it," Wilson said.

Wilson also conducted a survey of students last year and found most students also said they would feel less safe with guns on campus.

"I don't really agree with that," student Jonathan Kennon said. "I don't think anyone should carry guns. That's just how I feel."

"It's kind of scary thinking you can be in class and if somebody is aggravated with you, they can wait for you by your car and maybe attack," student Maureen Akpaka said. "That's really scary. There are a lot of disgruntled students here, so I don't want to be on the receiving end of that."

Leah Carrizales said she supports having guns on campus.

"People don't always want to do bad with it," Carrizales said. "I think it's a good safety ... just in case something would happen here."

Wilson said Tuesday that if UTSA is trying to become a top-tier institution, this is the last thing the university needs to do.

However, administrators said the new law will not hinder UTSA from becoming top-tier.


About the Author:

Stephanie Serna is a weekday anchor on Good Morning San Antonio and GMSA at 9 a.m. She joined the KSAT 12 News team in November 2009 as a general assignments reporter.