Shots fired!Fritz Steiner,University of Texas at Austin‘s architecture dean, says that he isleaving his post because of the state’s new campus carry laws. “I would have never applied for another job if not for campus carry. I felt that I was going to be responsible for managing a law I didn’t believe in,” Steiner toldThe Texas Tribune. National media have sensationalized the story, andSteiner has even appeared on NPR to tell his story, which includes a new deanship atUPennactive July 1.
Sources tellANthat the real reason Steiner left Texas is because of feuds with the president of the University, which included a lack of support for a new architecture school building. Steiner claims that the president “hung him out to dry.” However, sources say that the real reason UT won’t be getting a new architecture school building any time soon is Steiner’s inability to raise the funds to do so. He claimed that he was angry and hurt by the president. They described it as an ungracious performance that came off as undignified.
While Steiner left the school citing the gun law, sources say that he was silent for the six months of debate over the law, when he really could have had an impact on its implementation.
“Yes, there are other reasons relating to the state support for public research universities in Texas, but there is no ‘feud’ with the president. He’s someone I admire and respect greatly,” Steiner toldANvia email.
