TCC Students File Lawsuit Over Protest Restrictions

[CLTX11]

Two community college students who favor carrying concealed weapons are challenging their school's restrictions on campus protests.

Clayton Smith and John Schwertz Jr. announced Thursday that they have filed a federal lawsuit in Dallas against the Tarrant County College District. They contend the college system restricts their First Amendment rights by controlling the time, place and manner of protests.

The students plan to participate in a nationwide demonstration next week known as "empty holster protests," calling attention to policies forbidding concealed weapons on campus. School officials limited the protest to a designated area and prohibited students from wearing empty holsters.

The Tarrant County College District chancellor didn't return a message left by The Associated Press.


http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local-beat/T ... 04607.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ELB]

Good. Go get'em.

[Piney]

I've heard of campuses designating a "free speach area" where student gatherings (protests) can be held-- after completing the proper paperwork so that part doesnt seem too far out of line. But the part about no empty holsters-- that's a bit much IMO. I wonder if TCC would ban jeans if it was a wear your jeans protest ?

Good luck to 'em !!

[G.A. Heath]

I've heard of campuses designating a "free speach area" where student gatherings (protests) can be held-- after completing the proper paperwork so that part doesnt seem too far out of line. But the part about no empty holsters-- that's a bit much IMO. I wonder if TCC would ban jeans if it was a wear your jeans protest ?

Good luck to 'em !!

Piney I like your logic. Those who are seeking support for an agenda that I am morally apposed to often have things like "Wear a tee shirt to support _____________" or "Drive with your lights on to support _________" fill in the blanks with the issue. These types of protests or rallies often manage to count many people who are apposed or indifferent to the issue who have no clue they are "supporting" an issue by following their daily routine. So I say we should have a "Wear Jeans for College Campus Carry Protest" or better yet, a "Wear clothes for campus carry protest."

[pedalman]

There are great resources for students and employees of higher education institutions here:

http://thefire.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Foundation for Individual Rights in Education

[allinhtown]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/met ... 08273.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

saw this on chron.com and wanted to post, but someone beat me to it!! :D


how is it legal to ban holsters?

[longtooth]

It is not.

[ELB]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/07/us/07 ... r=3&ref=us" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A federal court decision will allow students at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth to wear empty holsters next week during a protest over a campus ban on concealed weapons. Judge Terry R. Means of District Court in Fort Worth granted a temporary restraining order preventing the college from restrictions on a protest by Students for Concealed Carry on Campus. ...

more at the link.

As it should be.

[suthdj]

The two articles are conflicting one say it is ok the other says not in the buildings so which is it I have class there on Monday and Wednesday.

[ELB]

I'm not sure restricting empty hoster wear indoors really passes muster either -- they should sort his out at the final hearing (altho that will be too late for this protest). While there are recognized restrictions on speech in the classroom (e.g. if it is a chemistry class, the professor has a legitimate right to forbid students from running on about literature, the health bill, etc), protest symbols that do not disrupt class cannot be forbidden. Some schools tried to ban black ribbons and armbands during the Vietnam war, and the courts (SCOTUS I think, not sure) said no, that's ok. I would see an empty holster in the same category.

[suthdj]

This is what I found posted on TCC's student portal

Due to a court order Nov. 6, 2009, some students may be in public areas of TCC campuses wearing empty gun holsters or distributing related material. These actions will not be permitted in classrooms or adjacent hallways. Please do not be alarmed.



Tarrant County College

I guess that answers my earlier question.