Italli Liberatore, Student Government Association secretary, President Karen Elliot and Vice President Harley Williams discuss issues concerning the senate-approved bill allowing licensed concealed handguns on Texas public college campuses Monday in Loftin. Photo by Eddie Chozet
Officer applications due on April 6.
By Aaron Martinez
amartinez1628@alamo.edu
The Student Government Association decided Monday to oppose a bill passed by the Texas Senate March 20 that would allow students with concealed handgun licenses to bring guns on college campuses.
On April 11, the SGA will take the input to the Texas Junior College Student Government Association conference in Dallas where the SGA will present it as part of a resolution.
“Because it’s (the bill) not specific, I would say no for guns on campus,” said Jami Keeton, SGA public relations officer. The bill is expected to pass the Texas House of Representatives.
“They (legislators) make it seem like it will be easy to regulate, but how can it be when our campus isn’t inside one building …. If it’s concealed, how can the officers know?”
The students at the meeting, including seven SGA members and two students in the audience, were against the bill, saying they would not feel comfortable on campus knowing a student can have a gun. They said they are comfortable with police officers carrying.
To qualify for a concealed handgun license in Texas, applicants must be at least 21 years old or at least 18 years old if they are a member or former member of the U.S. armed forces.
An applicant must have no criminal or felony history, not be chemically dependent, not be under protective order, not be unsound of mind and not be delinquent in paying fines.
“People know the law about drinking and driving, but do they follow it?” historian Ashton Vanrooyen said. “Even though the law is made, some people still aren’t going to follow it.”
Trustees passed a resolution in May 2013 prohibiting concealed carry in this college district.
In other news, student government officer applications are available until April 3 and are due 9 a.m. April 6. Applications are in the SGA office in 260B or the office of student life in Room 260A of Loftin Student Center.
Students can apply for president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, commissioner, historian and parliamentarian.
Officers receive a voucher to buy textbooks from this college’s bookstore. Commissioners receive a $250 gift card; vice president, secretary, treasurer, historian and parliamentarian, $300; and president $400.
“If you know you’re going to be here for another year and you love SAC, that’s all that’s really needed to apply,” SGA President Karen Elliot said.
Campaigning rules will be discussed during an election orientation noon-1 p.m. April 6 in the craft room of Loftin.
Campaigning will be April 6-May 1 with an open forum noon-1 p.m. April 16 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. SGA advisers will ask questions they believe students would want to know.
Online voting via ACES is April 20-May 1, and election results will be announced May 4.
The next meeting will be noon-1 p.m. April 6 in the craft room of Loftin.
Call SGA at 210-486-0133.
