The Florida legislature’s warning shot regarding a bill that would allow guns on college campuses has caused a commotion at UF.
About 100 UF students will meet on Turlington Plaza Sunday afternoon to chalk up the campus with inspirational messages and Bible verses to show love to those who need it most on Valentine’s Day.
An inch too close.
The right to carry arms generally should not be infringed, except in limited places deemed sensitive. Florida defines these “places of nuisance” as airport terminals, courthouses, prisons and some government buildings. These places inevitably are protected by metal detectors and security guards due to their sensitive nature. Under these circumstances, a common citizen could be expected to accept a temporary forfeit of his rights knowing that, in return, these sanctuaries provide reasonable measures against danger.
It wasn’t a scene from a western shootout, but Tuesday’s Student Senate meeting was full of heated debate.
Contrasting the recent Alligator poll, which found that 69 percent of respondents were against state permission for guns on campus, there have been few letters attempting to discredit the gun control position while ridiculing the holders of that opinion.
Nicole Iovine’s paranoid Jan. 26 raving (“Carrying Guns on Campus Unnecessary”) was not only short on specifics but also completely failed to comprehend why it is necessary to defend oneself. Nicole claimed there are 30,000 people killed each year by firearms; she neglected to mention how many of those 30,000 are dangerous criminals who are killed in the act of committing a violent crime.
To quote James Madison: “Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.” On Tuesday, the Alligator published a letter regarding the Florida Senate bill that would legalize concealed carry on campus. Most of the arguments presented in this letter, and by gun control advocates nationwide, play upon common fears and misconceptions people hold about firearms and their place on college campuses.
The number of times firearms have been used to overthrow a tyrannical U.S. government: zero.
State Sen. Evers’ proposal to allow guns on campus would be disastrous.
One Florida state senator is pushing for a bill to loosen gun control in the state as well as the classroom.
About 160 students participated in Alpha Phi Omega’s third Campus Cleanup Extravaganza on Sunday which was followed by a celebration on Flavet Field with free food, games and an award ceremony.
Ian Elsner puts safety first: No fire indoors, and new members are not allowed to play with knives. Elsner is the president of Objects in Motion, the official UF juggling club. The club will hold its first solo performance, “Objects in Motion Live! and in 3D” Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom. Objects in Motion has more than 50 active members, with an average of 30 participants at each activity, he said. Contact jugglers balance an acrylic ball on their bodies and allow it to roll across their arms, shoulders and hands.
UF’s Office of Off Campus Life is encouraging students to take advantage of free massages, yoga and board games to take their minds off looming exams.
This October, seven UF students were selected to receive grants from the Florida Campus Compact College Access Program within AmeriCorps.
While college students generally associate Solo cups with gameday fun and hazy weekends, they may soon be associating the brand with a more philanthropic and ecologically friendly type of fun.
The Student Senate unanimously passed a bill to allocate $170,000 for maintenance in the Reitz Union Game Room at the meeting Tuesday night.
Students sorted themselves by sticky note on Thursday night.
Vegans and vegetarians will be delighted with the new “Meat-Free Mondays” campaign at Gator Dining locations.
UF freshman Shawn Abrahams is like most college students his age. He likes to watch football games and hang out with his friends, and he is looking forward to getting more involved with his new major, botany.
Solutions by The State News
