Updated: 2:55 pm., Feb. 5
By James Ratcliff/@JamesR5767
In their first meeting for the spring semester, the Student Government Association announced plans for a concealed carry forum for Texas A&M University-San Antonio students tentatively scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Mar. 19.
The forum will address questions as to whether or not students have the right to bear arms on campus.
Andres Holliday, student body president, said the forum is related to the issues surrounding Texas A&M University-College Station’s Student Senate.
The student senate at Texas A&M-College Station ruled in favor of passing the Texas A&M Personal Protection Act, originally overturned in 2012. The Mesquite reported on this decision made by the Texas A&M-College Station’s student senate in Dec. 2012.
“Ultimately, it will come to a vote that will be presented to the university board for approval, but we want the students and community to talk this over,” said Holliday.
According to the university Student Handbook, firearms and other similar weapons are prohibited.
Holliday said forum plans are still underway, but SGA intends to make sure students have the chance to speak out.
“We want to make this a city-wide discussion and we want the peoples’ voices to be heard,” Holliday said.
In other business discussed during the Jan. 29 SGA meeting, three new SGA senators took their oaths. SGA welcomed communications junior Brian Harrin, senior bilingual education major Vicky Rojo, and junior computer and information systems major Kimberly Vasquez.
Among other items brought up at the meeting were a meet and greet with San Antonio mayoral candidates planned for 6:00-8:00 p.m. April 1.
Holliday said SGA invited five candidates to the meet and greet. All candidates have confirmed.
Also discussed were a potential university event involving the San Antonio Spurs, though representatives did not confirm a date.
Plans were also discussed to gain local support and sponsorships for the annual Jaguar 5K marathon, set for later in the semester.
While no definitive dates were determined, SGA also revealed plans for a multicultural event with local school districts to help educate young students.
As the meeting drew to a close, members among the SGA were selected for the 5K marathon and scholarship committees.
SGA meetings are held every Thursday during 16-week semesters from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Madla Building, Room 254. Meetings are open to all students.
