Chancellor Opposes Senate Bill 1467

March 4, 2011

Tucson, AZ – Pima Community College Chancellor Dr. Roy Flores today issued a statement expressing his views on Senate Bill 1467. The text of the statement follows:

The Arizona Legislature is debating Senate Bill 1467, which would allow persons possessing a valid permit to bring firearms onto the campuses of institutions of higher education, including Pima Community College.

I believe that this legislation will not make PCC’s campuses safer, and might have undesirable negative consequences.

Police chiefs from higher education institutions throughout Arizona have said they believe that allowing firearms on campuses will make the campuses less safe. I wholeheartedly agree with these experts, who are trained in the use of firearms and dedicated to ensuring safety at higher education facilities.

Additionally, I believe that the bill interferes with the autonomy of the Pima Community College Governing Board. Board members have been elected by the people of Pima County. A locally elected board should have the authority to decide this issue.

CONTACT:
A. Rachelle Howell, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Marketing,
(520) 206-4850