While the discussion surrounding gun laws continues to be debated in a national conversation, St. Edward’s University has made its decision, removing itself from the controversial quandary.

On Jan. 19, St. Edward’s publicly announced its opting out of allowing concealed handgun license owners to carry a gun on campus. The choice came subsequent to a required consultation process where the university gathered feedback from students, faculty and staff members regarding the bill.

“University leadership believes concealed handguns on campus present significant concerns and are not conducive to a positive learning environment,” a statement from the university said. “Opinions expressed during campus-wide information sessions support the university’s position on this matter.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 11 in June, authorizing licensed holders to carry concealed handguns through university campuses. Senate Bill 11, more commonly known as Campus Carry, is set to take effect on Aug. 1, 2016. S.B.11 articulates that private institutions are permitted to opt out of the provision so long as a consultation process reveals a congenial assessment against it.

The consultation process for St. Edward’s included promoted forums for the campus community to discuss their positions with each other and with university officials, Interim Dean of Students Steven Pinkenburg said.

“A university official took anonymous notes from speakers to include in an executive report for the president and Board of Trustees,” Pinkenburg said.

Accordingly, the discussion permeated through all levels of the community, concluding with the choice to opt out of Campus Carry.

Dean Pinkenburg specifies that out of the three forums — one for students, one for faculty members and one for employees — were “overwhelming in favor of opting out.”

In contrast, Pinkenburg explains that the student forum possessed more individuals with opposing opinions, but, despite the contrasting stances, he was “pleased to have so many viewpoints in the room and, although they may not agree with one another, everyone was respectful of each other’s comments.”

Freshman Lillian Goebel agrees with the university’s decision to opt out.

“I think for St. Edward’s it was the right decision,” Goebel said. “It is such a small campus that it just doesn’t feel like we would need something like that in place.”

Her commentary is practically synonymous with Dean Pinkenburg’s assertion.

“Just as university leadership has stated they believe concealed handguns on campus present significant concerns and are not conducive to a positive learning environment, it appears the majority of faculty, staff and students agree.”

The university continues to improve campus safety and provide students with the tools and guidance to appropriately respond to threatening situations. Though St. Edward’s has eliminated the possibility of students carrying weapons on their person while on campus, the community persistently explores enhancement of safety procedures.

These developments include the formation of a new position, director of campus resilience, to further improve emergency responses.