McRaven: Campus carry could hurt faculty recruiting, increase costs

University of Texas System chancellor Bill McRaven speaks with Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith during an interview in Austin, Texas in February. University of Texas System chancellor Bill McRaven speaks with Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith during an interview in Austin, Texas in February. Photo: Ricardo B. Brazziell, Associated Press Photo: Ricardo B. Brazziell, Associated Press Image 1 of / 44 Caption Close McRaven: Campus carry could hurt faculty recruiting, increase costs 1 / 44 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN – Campus carry could hurt Texas universities' ability to recruit and retain quality faculty, and could drive up tuition, University of Texas System Chancellor William McRaven said in a letter sent to state representatives a day before the legislation hits the House floor for debate.

"The presence of handguns on Texas campuses, where we would be one of fewer than 10 states to allow this conduct, may well cause faculty to be discouraged from relocating from other states," wrote McRaven, best known for leading the raid that killed Osama bin Laden during his tenure as the head of U.S. Special Operations Command. "The intuitive answer is that the presence of concealed weapons will make us less competitive."

McRaven wrote the letter, dated April 20, in response to questions from Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie. The letter was distributed House-wide Monday morning, the day before the chamber is scheduled to debate Senate Bill 11, which would allow licensed gun owners to carry concealed handguns into college buildings and dormitories. Currently, concealed handgun licensees only are allowed to bring their guns into the open, outdoor areas of campuses.

In his letter, McRaven also reiterated concerns about the cost of implementing the legislation, which the Chronicle reported could cost the state's public universities more than $47 million over six years to update security systems, build gun storage facilities and bolster campus police units.

"In addressing these costs, our campuses will either need increased revenue or be compelled to reduce or discontinue other services or activities," McRaven wrote. His letter included a number of suggestions for how to improve the campus carry legislation, including prohibiting concealed handguns in campus buildings that house mental health and crisis counseling centers.

The House passed campus carry legislation last session that included a provision that would have allowed campuses to opt-out. That legislation failed to receive final approval. This year's campus carry bill does not include an opt-out provision for public colleges and universities, and if passed as-is, would only exempt private institutions.

SB11 has already passed the Senate. If it passes the House on Tuesday without any changes, it would go to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott, who has pledged to sign it into law.