Correction appended.
Ohio University Student Senate spoke to concerned students Tuesday night about the upcoming referendum vote that will determine the senate’s stance on allowing concealed carry for OU’s campuses.
The open forum was the second of two informational meetings held by the senate to educate students on Ohio Senate Bill 199, describe the referendum process and discuss channels that students may use to express their opinions.
Tuesday’s forum was structurally similar to the first forum, which took place Jan. 12.
Student Senate President Hannah Clouser stressed the importance of students voting in the referendum and being vocal about their opinions.
“We are specifically concerned with student opinion,” Clouser said.
The senate body will present its stance on allowing concealed carry for OU’s campuses to the Board of Trustees in March.
The senate’s stance will be developed based on the majority of 100 votes. If 50 students vote, the votes be counted as proportional to the 50 votes assigned to the senate for the referendum. If fewer than 50 students vote, that number will count toward the total vote.
“It’s really important for you all not only to vote in the concealed carry referendum that is happening, but also be sure to talk to your elected senators to let them know how you feel,” Clouser said. “They will be voting based on how their constituents feel, ideally.”
In the referendum, students will have the option to vote "for” concealed carry, suggesting that the Board of Trustees institute it on all OU campuses, or “against” concealed carry, suggesting the Board of Trustees to “maintain the status quo” and continue not to allow concealed weapons on campus, Clouser said.
The senate has not held a referendum before the vote that will take place Monday, Jan. 23 and Tuesday, Jan. 24. This referendum was created to provide the Board of Trustees ultimately with insight on students’ opinions about concealed carry.
“The Board of Trustees are the ones that ultimately make this decision,” Clouser said.
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated how the votes will be delegated. The article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information.
