Valdosta State University will host a discussion and debate on Senate Bill 101 at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, in Jennett Lecture Hall Room 2211. Faculty, staff, students, and residents of the surrounding community are invited to attend.

 

The Georgia House of Representatives passed SB 101 in March with a vote of 116 to 55. The Senate has yet to act on the House’s vision for gun legislation. However, that could happen in January 2014. The bill, if adopted, would force universities, colleges, and technical schools to allow concealed weapons on their campuses.

 

Sponsored by the Student Government Association, VSU’s discussion and debate will feature commentary from the university’s College Democrats, College Republicans, Debate Team, Division of Student Affairs, and Police Department, as well as representatives from the Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus. Local state legislators have also been invited to attend.

 

James Peterson, professor and head of the Department of Political Science, will serve as moderator.  

 

As of May 11, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and 369 colleges and universities in 41 states — 235 four-year colleges and universities and 134 community colleges and technical schools — have joined the Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus. VSU, Georgia Southern University, Savannah State University, and Georgia Military College are the only institutions in Georgia whose faculty senates or presidents have already voiced opposition to the proposed weapons legislation.

 

Contact Will Jimerson, president of VSU’s Student Government Association, at (229) 333-5682 or wcjimerson@valdosta.edu to learn more.