Two rallies converged at UT on Thursday with opposing views on campus carry

AUSTIN -- Two rallies converged in the West Mall area on Thursday, vocalizing differing opinions on campus carry legislation that was passed by the Texas Senate in May.

The originally planned rally, organized by Gun-Free UT, featured students, professors and parents who voiced their opposition to the bill, which will allow for the concealed carry of guns on campus. Pro-campus carry advocates held a counter-rally in order to show their support for the bill.

Two people not affiliated with UT were arrested during the rally, one for resisting arrest and criminal trespassing, and the other for criminal trespassing. The two protesters arrested were a part of the pro-campus carry counter rally and were trespassing on Gun-Free UT’s reserved rally space, according to UTPD.

One hundred and sixty-three UT professors oppose campus carry legislation and will refuse to have it enacted in their classroom, according to a petition started by a UT professor. Gun-Free UT hopes to influence change though their rally by making sure their voices are heard by administrators and legislators who could influence legislation, said Bryan Jones, a government professor who spoke at the rally.

Read more: http://www.dailytexanonline.com/2015/10/02/two-rallies-converged-on-thursday-with-opposing-views-on-campus-carry