By Michael Strickland
Idaho's "fiscal conservatives" seem to be ignoring cost implications, among other things.
Idaho State University could lose its license to conduct nuclear research from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
That would be the case if a bill to allow (for those with enhanced concealed weapons permits and retired law enforcement personnel) guns on college campuses becomes law, Idaho Gov. Butch Otter said.
The Idaho State Journal reported that Otter made the comments Friday to about 30 people attending a meeting with ISU’s College Republicans.
Otter said ISU President Arthur Vailas told him Thursday that the commission has a zero-tolerance policy regarding weapons at licensed nuclear research facilities, putting the school’s nuclear research efforts at risk if the bill becomes law.
“I had never heard that before,” Otter said.
SOURCE: Idaho Press Tribune
In my previous diary I discussed the bill, introduced by Sen. Curt McKenzie of Nampa. It recently passed the Senate 25-10. The House State Affairs Committee held a hearing on the bill Thursday.
The proposed law has been a point of contention between legislators and educational leaders. The Idaho State Board of Education unanimously voted against the motion on Feb. 3, and several administrators testified at the public hearing on the bill, the newspaper said.
If they want to increase campus safety, why doesn't the Idaho Legislature invest that same money into rape-awareness and prevention, anti-voilence education, increased services for the mentally ill, and more support for faculty, students and staff (including security personell) at all levels?
- Part of The College of Western Idaho's instruction is done off the main Nampa campus in buildings that are privately owned where landlords don't permit guns. "This is a very complicated matter that may affect the landlords’ decision to allow our college to occupy space in non-owned locations."
- CWI has both high school students on campus who are earning college credits and toddlers who are part of early childhood learning programs.
- The bill impedes CWI's ability to make decisions that create a learning environment conducive to learning.
SOURCE: Idaho Statesman
A Republican senior official at Boise State summarized the issue:
Bruce Newcomb, Boise State's lobbyist at the Capitol and former Republican House speaker, questioned whether the enhanced-carry permit— it requires an eight-hour class and 98 rounds fired during live training — was enough to prepare someone to act in a high-stress situation.
"When there is a gun in the hand of a person who only gets training one day in five years, well, I think that's irresponsible," Newcomb said.
Newcomb said he even fears firearms might play a new, dangerous role in disputes over heated classroom discussions or even grades. Educators, he said, are worried.
"I had one professor say to me, 'If this bill passes, all my students are going to get A's,' " Newcomb said.
Among other points, College of Western Idaho President Bert Glandon contended the bill is not clear in its definition of a “campus,” does not consider the range of younger age groups that visit a college campus and does not address how the regulation would be enforced.
“CWI does not have lockdown capabilities, armed security and any other resources that would be necessary to enforce the regulations,” Glandon said.
This is all happening in the climate of Idaho's incredibly cash-strapped state of education.
He added that they have spoken with law enforcement, who believe it can create confusion during a dangerous situation. Glandon also added the bill has cost implications that are not addressed yet.
“CWI has already identified the potential for signage, armed security and other resources necessary,” he said. “... Our college campuses do not fit within the traditional campus structure by way of locations, diversity of students and capabilities of enforcement. We do not believe that this bill will keep our campuses safe and secure.”
So Idaho's conservatives are now for increased funding for education?
Officers in ISU’s Public Safety department currently do not carry firearms and Idaho State University Director of Public Safety Steve Chatterton said passage of the concealed weapons on campus bill might lead to arming those officers. He said this would mean more costs for additional training and weapons. Another issue could be an increase in liability insurance premiums that stem from having an armed campus security force.
The Idaho Democratic Party added:
A governor with a tiny bit of leadership would just stop the guns on campus bill with a veto threat.
So, university leaders and law enforcement (who were denied the chance to testify in the Idaho Senate) could not appeal to the common sense of our governor, or GOP politicians, and block a bill legalizing guns on campus. GOP politicians were not open to hearing about declines in enrollment because students would rather sit in classes with unarmed peers. GOP politicians didn’t care that university campuses are some of the safest places to be in Idaho–without arming a paranoid minority itching to flash their peacemakers.
(And, isn’t it weird that these self-anointed gun champs would outlaw guns in some situations where no state law exists? Hint: this has nothing to do with liberty and everything to do with special interest money and beating rightwing election drums.)
Well, let’s see if an economic argument will have any effect. (Which is hit or miss with a bunch that thinks it’s swell to lead the nation in percent of minimum wage jobs.)
We need a governor who can and who will lead.
EXCERPT USED BY PERMISSION
Last week, Glandon also told media that CWI would have to arm their security guards if this bill passes, and that the cost would, of course, be shifted to taxpayers.