The recently approved campus carry bill, designed to provide for the exercise of second amendment rights on public university campuses in the Lone Star State, was the subject of a sharply slanted report on Telemundo’s national evening news program.
Under the opening headline “No to Arms”, correspondent Ivan Taylor practically delivered an editorial against the measure, which enjoys widespread popular support and was overwhelmingly approved by Texas legislators.
The words “University Students Demand Gun Prohibition” were actually flashed on screen throughout Taylor’s report. Taylor played up the views of student opponents, despite the fact that the initiative also enjoys support among Texas university students. Only one pro-campus carry student was included in the report.
Taylor sought to excuse his lack of comprehensive coverage of the issue by complaining on air that the Texas Governor’s office “left us waiting.”
IVAN TAYLOR: Well, we want to tell you that Noticiero Telemundo contacted the Office of the Governor of Texas in order to obtain a response from his administration to what the students are claiming. We spoke with someone there, but they left us waiting.
In the absence of a statement by the Governor, Taylor surely could have - and should have - found or quoted another supporter of the Texas campus carry bill, whether among state legislators or among pro-campus carry groups, such as the National Rifle Association or Students for Concealed Carry.
As Taylor noted, Texas is in line to become the eighth state to adopt this kind of legislation, which will allow licensed adults age 21 and above to carry concealed guns on campuses within the state’s public university system.
The transcript of the referenced segment of Noticiero Telemundo is below.
Noticiero Telemundo 6/9/2015 6:30 PM
English Translation:
JOSE DIAZ-BALART: In less than a month, public university students in Texas will be able to carry firearms into classrooms, if the Governor signs into law a measure which has already been approved by the legislature of that state.
MARIA CELESTE ARRARAS: There is concern, José, among some university students who oppose the implementation of this law. We go now to Iván Taylor, in Houston, for him to explain in detail. Iván.
IVAN TAYLOR: María Celeste and José, the concern was set forth in this letter that students sent to the Governor of Texas. And it turns out that the campuses that will be given the green light to allow students to carry firearms are public institutions, like this one, Houston Community College. That will not be the case in private institutions, and that is causing concern. Rodrigo Nuñez is not ready for the change that is coming to the University of Houston.
RODRIGO NUNEZ, UNIV. OF HOUSTON: I personally believe firearms should not be in classrooms.
IVAN TAYLOR: The bill, known as SB 11, will allow university students over the age of 21 to carry firearms in public universities, as long as they are concealed.
…
IVAN TAYLOR: But, this other girl believes it will be good for women.
HOLLY LORENZANA, UNIV. OF HOUSTON: One can feel safer carrying a weapon, because one never knows what can happen.
IVAN TAYLOR: Nonetheless, it seems there are more who are opposed to the measure. And that’s why the presidents of 12 student associations signed this letter to Governor Greg Abbott.
JAZZ SILVA, PRESIDENT, STUDENT ASSN, RICE UNIV.: Private universities don’t have to abide by this law.
IVAN TAYLOR: Jazz Silva attends Rice University, which is exempt from the law. Nonetheless, she is among those who signed the letter.
JAZZ SILVA: You can carry a gun to the cafeteria, to a classroom, or a dormitory. It’s dangerous.
IVAN TAYLOR: She believes public institutions like the University of Houston should also have the option of abstaining from adherence to the law. It is worth pointing out that Texas will be the eighth state to adopt this type of legislation. Seven others have already done so. It’s estimated that the Governor will sign SB11 into law this summer. We want to tell you Noticiero Telemundo contacted the office of Governor Abbott, in order to obtain an answer from his administration regarding the university students’ claims. We spoke with someone there, but they left us waiting. Now, the Dallas Morning News indicates that Governor Abbott has until June 21 to sign the bill into law, and everything indicates that will be the case.
