After the $hit$torm of criticism that befell CNBC following their tendentious, poorly researched handling of this week’s GOP debate, you might think that other mainstream media outlets would be watching their journalistic P’s and Q’s a little more closely. At least for a while. Maybe they’d do their homework just a smidge more diligently. You’d probably expect, for instance, that one of Texas’s major newspapers would take the time to — we’re just blue skying here — read and understand a new law that affects the safety of tens of thousands of the state’s students before pontificating on the shortcomings of its provisions. You’d be wrong about that. As Madison Welch of Students for Concealed Carry notes . . .
Here is evidence that the editorial board of the San Antonio Express-News hasn’t actually read Texas’s new campus carry law, which they rail against in an editorial published Saturday, October 31 . . .
- With regard to restricting concealed carry in certain locations, the Express-Newseditorial board writes, “This is understandable. As are restrictions on guns where controversial people are invited to speak and public places on campus where alcohol is served or consumed in vast quantities— such as sporting events.” REALITY: The new campus carry law continues the existing prohibition on concealed carry at college sporting events.
- The Express-Newseditorial board also writes, “There should even be active debate on whether guns are allowed in dormitory rooms — students’ homes on campus.” REALITY: The new law not only gives colleges broad discretion to create gun-free zones but also specifically authorizes colleges to regulate the storage of firearms in dorms.
- With regard to the university committees set up to study the law and enact relevant policies, the Express-News editorial board writes, “And these committees must make clear expectations on when concealed weapons carriers can take their guns out of their holsters.” REALITY: The new law, in concert with existing sections of the Texas Penal Code, already dictates that a license holder may not draw or display his or her weapon unless facing an immediate threat.
Before writing further on this subject, the editorial board of the San Antonio Express-News should first read the law they’re actively opposing and then review SCC’s thirteen questions explaining “Why Campus Carry.”