The University of Texas System Nine Universities. Six Health Institutions. Unlimited Possibilities. Office of the Chancellor 601 Colorado Street, Austin, TX 78701-2982 Phone: 512-499-4201 Fax: 512-499-4215 March 12, 2013 The Honorable Rick Perry Governor of Texas State Capitol The University of Texas at Austin BOX The University of Texas at Brownsville Austin, Texas 1 1 The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Dallas Dear Governor Perry: The University of Texas at El Paso Tl'eUm'Ve1'SlW Of Since the last legislative session, the nation has experienced new episodes of gun The University of Texas violence that have sharpened national attention on the issue. In that context and as in Ollhe recent sessions, the 83rd Texas Legislature is considering legislation relating to the The University of Texas at San Antonio presence of concealed handguns on university campuses. As Chancellor of the state's The Umvemy of Texas aflyler largest university system, I take this opportunity to express my concerns, as I did during the 82nd legislative session. I respect the legislature's authority to decide this public policy issue, and that The University of Texas neither all legislators nor the Texans they represent will agree. However, during my tenure as Chancellor, parents, students, faculty, staff, administrators, and institutional The University of Texas law enforcement officers have all expressed concern that the presence of concealed Nledlcal Blanch 9" handguns on our campuses will make the campus environment less safe. The University of Texas Health Sclellce Cell" at llousloll There is both a general concern about the danger that handguns inherently The University of Texas present, as well as specific concerns. Campus mental health professionals, who Sclellce Camel' 'll 5al"l"l?"l? regularly face the reality that suicide is a leading cause of death among university The University of Texas students, are concerned that the presence of handguns will lead to an increase in accidental and self-inflicted wounds. Campus law enforcement personnel are The University of Texas particularly concerned about the ability of their officers, each a highly trained professional, to distinguish--in colloquial terms--the good guys from the bad guys on a crowded campus when several persons may have guns visible in an incident. And personnel in our university laboratories and hospitals are concerned about their environments where gases and chemicals under pressure may present unique dangers were a firearm to be discharged. I acknowledge the great work our police officers perform every day across our university campuses to make them safe. Both supporters and opponents of permitting concealed handguns on university campuses believe their approach will make campuses safer. I believe that, on balance, the permitted presence of concealed weapons will contribute to a less--safe campus environment. I respectfully request that the legislature ensure that all concerns and considerations are weighed as it makes such an important decision, as I am confident it will. With great respect, Francisco G. Cigarroa, .D. Chancellor FGC/jbp