February 24, 2017 - As part of a year-long process to train and prepare for the implementation of “Campus Carry,” Panola College will host an active shooter class on Wednesday and Thursday, March 1-2. The two-day event will be held inside and around the Gullette Technology Building, just off Bird Drive. Wednesday’s session begins at noon and runs until 6 p.m., and the training will resume on Thursday morning and continue all day.
In addition to College personnel, 30 law enforcement officers from Texas and Louisiana will participate. The training consists of lectures, and live scenarios designed to teach participants how to best respond in the event of an active shooter on campus.
Trainers will use blue gun drills to simulate situations in which a shooter may enter a classroom, hallway, or somewhere on the grounds around the building. College staff and faculty members will participate in the drills. The guns are a blue color to avoid any possible confusion during the activity.
Because of the sensitive nature of the event, all normal activities in the Gullette Technology Building have been relocated or canceled for the two days. Welding and ITV classes have been canceled. Testing services will be available in the Monk Building on campus.
“Panola College is a safe place to study, work, and live. The upcoming active shooter training is just part of our preparations for the implementation of the law that will allow the concealed carry of handguns on community college campuses,” stated Dr. Greg Powell, Panola College President.
The “Campus Carry” bill, passed by the 84th Texas Legislature, allows licensed individuals to carry concealed handguns on academic campuses. The law went into effect on university campuses on August 1, 2016. The effective date for community college campuses is set for August 1, 2017.
When the law was passed, Dr. Powell assembled a committee to survey faculty, staff, students, and community members, and to outline a plan to best comply with the state law.
“Campus Carry” applies only to individuals who have obtained a license to carry a concealed handgun. Open carry of a handgun is not permitted by a license holder on Panola College property, even if the handgun is holstered.
Dr. Powell will present to the Board of Trustees a detailed list of rules recommended by the committee regarding the implementation of the state law on Panola College properties in Carthage, Marshall and Center.
In general, all handguns on campus must remain in the possession of the licensed holder, and secured in a concealed holster. When not on the person of the licensed holder, the handgun must be secured in a locked vehicle, locker, safe or other restricted area.
Once the law goes into effect on community college campuses in August, updates to the suggested rules may be needed, according to Dr. Powell.
Submitted by Donna Yates
