Guns put ISU nuclear program at risk
BOISE — Since the passing of Senate Bill 1254 — the bill allowing concealed gun carry on state university and college campuses — Idaho State University has raised issue with Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, concerning their nuclear research unit.
ISU’s nuclear research unit runs on the guidelines set by the national Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which has a zero-tolerance policy regarding firearms at licensed nuclear facilities. ISU President Arthur Vailas told Otter the research program is at risk, if the Idaho Legislature continues to support introducing concealed firearms on campus.
Otter said he had no idea as to the commission’s guidelines.
S.B. 1254 is scheduled for a committee hearing in the House State Affairs Committee Thursday. The bill passed in the full senate last week.
Discussing Jurisdiction
The University of Idaho Dean of Students Office is expected to meet with student leaders later this week to discuss the scope of the recently approved jurisdiction changes to the Student Code of Conduct.
Interim President Don Burnett approved the changes in January, which extended the jurisdiction of the code to cover off-campus activity. When Burnett signed the changes into effect, he included a signing statement asking the Dean of Students to clarify the changes.
“I expect the Dean of Students to consult with leaders of the Faculty Senate, leaders of the ASUI Senate, and leaders of the student GPSA and SBA, in developing general criteria for these determinations and in updating the criteria as circumstances may warrant,” Burnett wrote in the statement.
The Argonaut will have more information as it becomes available.
Title IX review this week
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights will be on campus this week to review the University of Idaho’s compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendment Acts of 1972. Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sexual harassment and sexual violence including rape.
The representatives will be on campus Wednesday and Thursday. They will conduct focus groups to discuss sexual violence with students, as well as host open office hours Thursday from 12:15-4:30 p.m. to talk to anyone who would like to discuss campus sexual violence — including survivors of sexual violence or harassment. The representatives will be in the Student Union Building Chief’s Room and International Ballroom West during the visit.
According to Carmen Suarez, UI Title IX coordinator, the OCR does keep public records of their visits are subject to public disclosure laws. However, any identifying information in the records is redacted or removed before public release.
Contact information for representatives is available on the uidaho website for anyone unable to meet with them during their campus visit.