Blanton art museum in Austin?

[mr.72]

So, is this place off-limits?

It's not posted.

It is at least proximate to UT property.

It claims to be a part of the University of Texas, but I can find no real information as to whether or not this is considered the "premises" of a school.

We went last weekend. I left the gun in the car.

Any input?

[Keith B]

So, is this place off-limits?

It's not posted.

It is at least proximate to UT property.

It claims to be a part of the University of Texas, but I can find no real information as to whether or not this is considered the "premises" of a school.

We went last weekend. I left the gun in the car.

Any input?

The museum is definitely a part of UTA. It was originally named the 'University Art Museum'. See http://blantonmuseum.org/about/history_ ... ission.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I would say it is off-limits even without posting, but IANAL.

[mr.72]

OK, so what is the consensus then?

Is it prohibited to carry on any school property?

Across from my office there is a plat of land that happens to belong to the University of Texas. It's vacant land. Can I not carry on this piece of vacant land because it belongs to UT?

Or does the school property have to be used as a school, as in, students present, teachers teaching, etc.? Not talking about a sporting event. But what about property that belongs to a public school district? What about a church that also has a private school on site, does the entire church become a "school" then?

This appears to be a big gray area to say the least.

I don't think the Blanton Art Museum qualifies as the "premises of a school". But it is a building that is owned and operated by UT.

[seamusTX]

I'll bet that when the Blanton Museum needs police services, they call the UT police; and if you asked the UT police, they would say it's off-limits.

UTMB is the same way.

You could always call their security director from a pay phone and ask. His number is on the web site.

Open land is not off-limits unless a school-sponsored event is going on there.

- Jim

[mr.72]

I'll bet that when the Blanton Museum needs police services, they call the UT police; and if you asked the UT police, they would say it's off-limits.
...
You could always call their security director from a pay phone and ask. His number is on the web site.

Yeah but I bet they will also tell me that the parking lots are off-limits, the public streets that go through the campus are off-limits, etc. I mean, UT is a huge campus. The Blanton is not in proximity of or adjacent to any building where they actually have classes.

Howabout the Frank Erwin Center? Let's say I go to the Circus there... is that "the premises of a school"? It's owned by UT. I find the Erwin Center to be no different than a museum in terms of it being a public venue, not used for education, that is owned and operated by UT.

BTW I am only discussing this for the sake of information and education for all of us. I don't plan to carry in any of these "gray area" places. I am not arguing, just probing for more detailed or specific answers.

[seamusTX]

The Blanton clearly views itself as an educational institution:

A dynamic center for research and enlightening exchange, the Blanton proudly serves as a cultural gateway linking The University of Texas at Austin to the world beyond. The Blanton's university programs offer numerous opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to engage with art. University programs range from student internships, to lively, engaging lunchtime roundtables for faculty, to monthly social meet-ups for Austin area college students. The Blanton's diverse permanent collection allows for learning, teaching, and scholarship in a variety of disciplines.

http://blantonmuseum.org/experience_the ... ograms.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

No one is going to know until some case law is established. In the fourteen years that the CHL program has been in effect, that has not happened.

Hopefully the legislature will change the law in 2011 so that this is not an issue.

- Jim

[RandomMan]

Sorry to dig up a slightly dated topic, but I thought I'd point out a couple of things.

As far as I understand anywhere, where the lights are kept on by University funds is suspect to CHL carry. I can personally tell you that the Blanton Museum, is run by the University and it is at least, used some of the time, to teach classes there (I know this, because I've attended classes and school functions at the Blanton). That would, most definitely make it off limits for CHL carry.

Someone mentioned the Frank Erwin Center, it is again staffed by UT paid staff, so I think it isn't a stretch for the Travis County Prosecutor to hit you with carrying during a school function. After all the employees are a function of the activity and they are paid by the university. Again FEC is used for school functions, sports, graduations, and certain events. I think the even use of these facilities, regularly, by the University would make them difficult to carry on.

In regards to the vacant lot, the law is grey, if a class isn't taught there, then maybe, maybe not, can't tell you there. I can also tell you that pretty much ANY UT building or facility is probably used at least some of the time to teach.

-Rob