Published: November 06, 2009 10:39 pm      

College can’t restrict empty-holster demonstration

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — A federal court decision will let Tarrant County College students wear empty holsters in public areas when they protest a ban of concealed weapons on campus next week.

However, they can’t wear the holsters in the Fort Worth-area school’s classrooms and hallways.

Clayton Smith and John Schwertz sued because officials limited the protest to a table on the front porch of the student center, and told them they couldn’t wear empty holsters.

U. S. District Judge Terry R. Means of Fort Worth granted a temporary restraining order on Friday. It prevents Tarrant County College from restricting the protest by Students for Concealed Carry on Campus.

The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas represents the two.

A hearing in the case is set for Nov. 16 in federal court in Fort Worth.