New Handgun Carry Policy in Place for UTC

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) – While many schools are already back in session, students at UTC still have a little more than a week before they head back to campus.

However, this year will bring the start of something new.

Handguns will now be permitted on campus by faculty and staff.

“The Tennessee Legislature passed a law that allows full-time employees, faculty members, and staff members on public university campuses to carry a handgun”, said Director of Public Safety at UTC, Robie Robinson.

The bill was pass by Governor Bill Haslam in May and the law took effect July 1st.

Robinson said  there are several guidelines people who choose to carry must abide by.

“Register with the police department, they have to have a permit to carry otherwise they have to be a full-time employee. They cannot be enrolled as a student.”

Those who chose to carry must also keep their weapon concealed and with them at all times.

“They can’t leave it in their office, they can’t lock it up when they go to the gym or anything like that. If they don’t have it with them they have to have it locked up in their car.”

Handguns are not allowed at school sponsored events.

Robinson said the new policy has not affected the school.

“This hasn’t changed anything in terms of safety of the campus. I felt like we were safe before and I feel like we are in very good shape and we are very safe now.”