College Democrats, ASUM discuss student curator, concealed carry

ASUM representatives discussed the importance of student involvement.

By Will Guldin

Published Feb. 27, 2009

At a meeting Thursday night, MU College Democrats discussed how they could help place a voting student member on the UM system Board of Curators.

Ally Walker, a senior at UM-Kansas City and the legislative director of Associated Students of the University of Missouri said that Missouri is expected to lose a Congressional district after the 2010 U.S Census and that a student curator would be the easiest way for the board to keep nine members.

College Democrats President Brian Roach said he sees this as one of the few chances for a voting student curator position to become reality.

"Personally, I think it was an injustice that it was not passed last year," Roach said. "Now we have an unique opportunity because unfortunately Missouri is going to lose a Congressional district. So now is the time to get it done."

A bill that would have put a voting student curator on the board was passed by the Missouri General Assembly last year, but was vetoed by then-Gov. Matt Blunt. Rep. Bryan Pratt, R-Blue Springs, has proposed a similar bill during this session, which had a second reading last week, but has not been assigned to any committees.

ASUM legislative intern and MU sophomore Anna Osterlind said having a student on the board would offer other board members a different take on many issues.

"Students really have a unique perspective," Osterlind said. "They are involved in the system. They bring some institutional knowledge that the board of curators is so far removed from."

Roach said the UM system students' voice is muted by the fact that there is no voting student curator on the board.

"As the largest shareholders in the university, students deserve to have that voice," Roach said. "To say a person is too inexperienced -- and to put it bluntly -- too stupid to have a vote, when that person is a member of the largest group of shareholders in the university, is ludicrous."

During her presentation, Walker said the best way to influence the passing of the student curator bill is to get involved.

Walker said calling legislators, writing letters and even meeting with representatives personally all could have an impact on whether or not the bill passes.

After the presentation about the student curator position ended, the meeting moved on to the issue of a bill proposed in the Missouri House that would allow anyone with a concealed carry permit to bring and carry firearms on college campuses.

Roach said the College Democrats were against the measure and said the group is trying to raise awareness about the bill.

MU senior Bruce Hall, who identified himself as a conservative Democrat, said he didn't have an issue with a law that would allow concealed carry on campus.

"Concealed carry doesn't stop illegal guns from coming onto campus, but it doesn't encourage it either," Hall said. "And in order to qualify for one of those permits you have to go through all sorts of background checks."