Guns On Campus: Self-Protection or Risk?

The Texas state legislature is debating a bill that has sparked outrage amongst college students and parents.

Senate bill 354 would allow Texans to carry concealed handguns onto college and university campuses.  Although this measure has garnered support from many Republicans in the chamber, it remains stalled in the senate because there aren't enough commited votes. "I'm hoping this is just a bump in the road," said Sen. Jeff Wentworth, who sponsers the bill.

To pass this bill, two-thirds(or 21 votes) of the Texas senate needs to approve it. Rep. Wentworth admits that he does not have the votes for Senate bill 354...partially due to Democratic Sen. Mario Gallegos Jr withdrawing his support.

In April, the Houston Community College Board of Trustees agreed on a resolution that strongly urges Texas legislators to oppose allowing guns on college campuses. Along with concerns about student and faculty safety, the letter says that there might be “fiscal burden.” To be more specific, this could cost colleges and universities around Texas an additional $780,000 to $900,000 per year in liability insurance payments, according to HCC spokesman Dan Arguijo.

So if you were a lawmaker in Austin, how would you vote? Do you believe that students should have the right to protect themselves, or do you believe this is a dangerous risk that isn't worth taking?

--Roshawnci Nicole Blanton

Texas education cuts: Dangerous or Necessary?

by Roshawnci Nicole Blanton

Over the past few years, the United States economical structure has taken a hefty beating. As a result of the recession, many entities are being forced to cut back spending. Some of these entities are state governments.

Texas included.

In fact, the Texas state legislature is facing a shortfall of at least $15 billion, and it could be as much as $27 billion, according to the Houston Chronicle. In order to reduce this amount, the state senate is proposing a budget that would reduce funding for public colleges and universities in Texas by at least 9.5 percent. As a result of these potentially massive changes, several chancellors and officials in academia have confronted the Texas legislature to voice their concerns. Many of these college and university officials argue that the reduction in education funding will make higher education less accessible to many Texans. Such a reduction may cause colleges to raise tuition, reduce courses, increase class sizes, or lay off faculty and staff.

While addressing the Texas state legislature, University of Houston Chancellor Renu Khator said, "The UH System understands that all components of state government must do their part in addressing the state's financial crisis, but the higher education reductions in Senate Bill 1 would risk the long-term economic future of Texas.” Khator also said that the $81 million reduction would be the “equivalent of losing 9,300 students, offering 1,220 fewer courses and losing between 300 and 400 faculty members.”

So what do you think? Are these proposed cuts necessary to maintain the long-term economic future of Texas, or will this hinder our ability to properly educate the youth?



      Upheaval in Egypt: Should the U.S. be more involved?

by Roshawnci Nicole Blanton

During the past two weeks, you've probably seen an enormous amount of news coverage on the political uprising in Egypt. The current Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, has come under intense scrutiny from the citizens. Due to high unemployment, censorship, and a low minimum wage, Egyptians have taken to the streets of Cairo to passionately protest Mubarak's regime. Although most of the demonstrations have been peaceful, there has been deadly violence. According to Human Rights Watch, 300+ people have been killed, and over 3,000 injured. In September 2011, when the Egyptian elections are held, Mubarak will resign from the presidency.

President Obama has weighed into the matter, saying that “All governments must maintain power through consent, not coercion. That is the single standard by which the people of Egypt will achieve the future they deserve." Although many pundits have praised Obama for his handling of this matter, some believe that his administration should be more actively involved.

So where do you stand? Do you believe that the United States should negotiate more in order to remove Mubarak from the presidency, or continue to closely monitor the situation from the sidelines?

UPDATE: On Febuary 11th 2011, Hosni Mubarak resigned as president of Egypt, according to the country's vice president Omar Suleiman.