By JEFF CARLTON
Associated Press Writer
     
DALLAS (AP) - Two community college students who favor carrying
concealed weapons are challenging their school's restrictions on
campus protests.
     
Clayton Smith and John Schwertz Jr. announced Thursday that they
have filed a federal lawsuit in Dallas against the Tarrant County
College District. They contend the college system restricts their
First Amendment rights by controlling the time, place and manner of
protests.
     
The students plan to participate in a nationwide demonstration
next week known as "empty holster protests," calling attention to
polices forbidding concealed weapons on campus. School officials
limited the protest to a designated area and prohibited students
from wearing empty holsters.
     
The Tarrant County College District chancellor didn't return a
message left by The Associated Press.
     
     
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)
     
AP-NY-11-05-09 1420EST