Handguns Allowed on Texas University Campuses

A Texas law allowing concealed weapons on university campuses went into effect Monday. 

Some say the measure could help prevent mass shootings, while critics claim it will endanger campus safety. 

The state "campus carry" law allows people 21 and older with a concealed handgun license to have their weapons with them on campus. 

The University of Texas, with a student body of more than 214,000, is welcoming the new law. 

The law took effect on the 50th anniversary of one of the deadliest shootings on a college campus, when a student gunned down 16 people, Reuters (ITALICS) reported.

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott supports campus carry, saying a gunman could already bring a firearm on campus and someone with a licensed concealed weapon could prevent a mass shooting. 

According to Reuters, professors at the University of Texas lobbied against the law, which university President Gregory Fenves "reluctantly" allowed, saying he was compelled under state law. 

Three professors filed a suit to block the law last month, claiming it could affect academic freedom.  

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton disagreed. He said the law is constitutionally sound and he would defend it. 

Eight states currently allow people to carry concealed weapons on public-post secondary campuses.