DCCCD Trustees Approve Concealed Carry Policy

On Tuesday, June 6, 2017, the DCCCD Board of Trustees approved the recommended rules and regulations for concealed carry developed by the District Concealed Carry Committee and proposed by Dr. Joe May.

The draft copy of the policy approved at the meeting is available in the DCCCD Boardbook (https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=40634001). The new policy is to be implemented by August 1, 2017.

Trustee Phil Ritter moved to add a sunset provision the policy which will require the Board to revisit the policy on or before October 15, 2019, as further guidance and experience may dictate changes or modifications. This was also approved.

Sunset Language added to the Policy: This policy takes effect August 1, 2017. The provisions of this policy are hereby declared to be severable such that if any provision of this policy or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is declared invalid for any reason, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this policy. The provisions of this policy shall be null, void and of no force and effect on or after October 15, 2019, unless the Board of Trustees has taken action before such date to renew, extend, modify or change such policy. Nothing contained herein shall prevent or prohibit the amendment, modification, suspension or repeal of this policy before such date as may be determined necessary by the College District Board of Trustees.

More detailed information on the policy and procedures for implementation has been posted in an article in MyPortal, accessible here: https://myportal.dcccd.edu/Lists/DatatelPortalNews/CustomDispForm.aspx?ID=2156

Update on SB 11, Concealed Carry

On October 12, 2016, the Presidents of all seven colleges were notified by Rob Wendland that a District Office committee has been formed to address concerns about SB 11, the concealed carry law. The Presidents were asked to put forward the names of people who could serve on campus committees, which will be formed in order to provide input to the district group. Per the Chancellor’s directive, this is to be an advisory group, and the intent is to develop one policy for the entire DCCCD rather than separate policies for each college.

Copied here is a portion of the email from Rob Wendland, so that you can see the intended plan and the membership of the district committee

Presidents-

            The Concealed Carry Committee at the District Office has begun meeting in an effort to assimilate information and resources, and provide a framework and process, to ensure that the District is prepared to meet its obligations under Senate Bill 11 (commonly referred to as Campus Carry).  The law, which takes effect for the District on August 1, 2017, requires the District to establish and promulgate reasonable rules and regulations, after consultation with students, faculty and staff, for the concealed carry of handguns by license holders in college buildings and facilities.  In order to develop these rules and regulations, including identification of those areas where handguns may not be carried, the District’s Concealed Carry Committee will work in collaboration with Concealed Carry Committees at each of the Colleges to gather input and information from students, faculty and staff, which will be assimilated and provide the basis for recommendations by the Chancellor to the Board of Trustees.  

The District Concealed Carry Committee is currently comprised of:

Rob Wendland, General Counsel

Tricia Horatio, Assistant General Counsel

Justin Lonon, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff

Issac Faz, Associate Vice Chancellor, Public and Governmental Affairs

Lauretta Hill, Commissioner of Public Safety and Security

Brigham Wilcoxson, District Emergency Manager

Richard Plott, District Director, Institutional Research

Georgeann Moss, District Director, Internet Publishing

Jasmond Anderson, Facilities Design Specialist

Matt Hinckley, President, Faculty Council

Brenda Welcome, President, Professional Support Staff 

Kent Seaver, President, Administrator Council

Liaisons from each of the colleges should have already been identified (the requested deadline was Oct. 25). Please check with your FA officers for more details.

About the district committee, Rob Wendland further indicated that: 

We are working on a District web page which will serve as a repository of information and resources related to concealed carry on campus.  We are also endeavoring to create one or more survey instruments which will be sent anonymously to students, faculty and staff, seeking information and input regarding the issues related to concealed carry on campus.  We are also working with our peer institutions and other colleges and universities which have already addressed, or are currently addressing, concealed carry on campus rules, regulations and issues.

Each college's Concealed Carry Committee will be assisting is developing methods for gathering feedback--including town hall forums and surveys. The membership of each college's committee is supposed to be identified no later than December 5, 2016. Please consult with the VPI or President for an update on the status of this at your college.  

TCCTA publishes new article on "guns on campus" issue

TCCTA has published a new article on their blog about the issue of guns on campus. All DCCFA members are encouraged to peruse the article located at this link.

Faculty Council affirms official DCCCD policy prohibiting firearms on campuses

The recent shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon again has brought to our attention the issue of firearms on campuses.

The District Faculty Council affirms and endorses the official Dallas County Community College District policy regarding firearms on campus, as articulated in the Board of Trustees policy manual, under "Student Rights and Responsibilities," 

All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct. In addition to activities prohibited by law...the following types of behavior shall be prohibited:

1. Intentionally causing physical harm to any person on College District premises or at College District sponsored activities, or intentionally or recklessly causing reasonable apprehension of such harm or hazing.

2. Unauthorized use, possession, or storage of any weapon on College District premises or at College District sponsored activities.

3. Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning, or threat of fire, explosion, or other emergency on College District premises or at College District sponsored activities.

4. Intentionally interfering with normal College District sponsored activities, including but not limited to, studying, teaching, conducting research, duties of the College District administration, or fire, security, or emergency services. 

The Faculty Council also affirms and endorses the following Board of Trustees policy regarding weapons on campus.

Students shall not bring on College District property or to any college or College District sponsored or related activity any gun, weapon, simulated weapon, or any device identified below:

1.Razors;
2.Chains; or
3.Any other object, 

including school/college supplies, used in a way that threatens or inflicts bodily injury on another person. 

The Faculty Council also affirms and endorses the following purpose for the aforementioned policies:

The purpose of policies about student conduct and discipline are to provide guidelines for the educational environment of the College District. This environment views students in a holistic manner, encouraging and inviting them to learn and grow independently. Such an environment presupposes both rights and responsibilities. Free inquiry and expression are essential parts of this freedom to learn, to grow, and to develop. However, this environment also demands appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. Students must exercise these freedoms with responsibility.

Message from TCCTA regarding Umpqua Community College shooting

Dear Colleague,

We are all shocked and saddened by yesterday’s tragic events at Umpqua Community College, in Oregon. As a response in the wake of the tragedy, Alliance Work Partners (AWP) through its partnership with TCCTA has agreed to offer pro bono counseling services to all Texas community college employees who may be affected by the shootings in Oregon.

Even with no direct contact, employees are going through a range of reactions and responses. There may be fear, concern, etc., as a result of yesterday's events.

Let faculty and staff know that AWP EAP services are available to them 24/7 as they continue serving their students. Anyone wishing to do so, may receive counseling at no charge by calling 1-800-343-3822.

TCCTA and AWP are here for Texas Community College employees.

Many thanks,

Richard Moore
TCCTA