Important Legislative Update for UA Parents

By Beatrice Perry, Chairperson, Public Affairs Committee of the UA Parents & Family Association

In the wake of the senseless tragedies that have occurred at other campuses, notably Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University, Arizona State Senator Karen Johnson has sponsored new legislation – SB 1214 – which allows individuals to carry a concealed weapon on campus. The premise is that if students are armed, they can protect themselves from a potential shooter on campus.

Over the last week, many parents have called or emailed the UA Parents & Family Association to ask what our position is and what we are doing about the proposed gun legislation. The Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) and all three Arizona Universities are opposed to bill SB-1214. The UA Parents & Family Association supports the position of ABOR and our institutions of higher learning in our firm opposition to this proposed legislation.

The Universities' police chiefs have all testified against the bill on the grounds that, for many reasons, it would be dangerous to have an armed campus.
Specifically, the police have stated that their job of identifying a dangerous shooter in a crisis would be made more difficult if armed bystanders are present.

SB 1214 was scheduled for the Rules Committee on March 10, 2008 and may see floor action shortly after this date.

The Public Affairs committee of the UA Parents & Family Association is very concerned about the fact that such a bill will change the fundamental educational nature of our state universities. Every parent should review this legislation and communicate with your own State Senator as well as State Senate President Tim Bee. Non-resident families who wish to express their concern may do so by contacting Senate President Tim Bee’s office at: tbee@azleg.gov /602-926-5683. Your input will help.

You can find information and track this bill.

You can find your State Senator’s name and contact information by typing in your zip code at http://uagrad.org/advocats/home.php or www.vote-smart.org.

The University of Arizona is prepared to handle emergencies of all types. A comprehensive emergency plan has been in place since 2001 and is updated regularly. “The plan is tested against other national incidents and drills are regularly held to ensure proper training for university emergency responders,” incoming Director of the UA Parents & Family Association, Kathy Adams Riester, said. “The UA also goes the extra mile to keep parents informed in emergencies. I encourage all parents to have their students subscribe to UAlert, the UA emergency text messaging system. Students can add a parent or family member to also receive these text messages.” More information about UAlert can be found by clicking the UAlert link on the UA Parents & Family Association home page – www.uafamily.arizona.edu.