Student Congress will vote on a controversial bill next week that, if passed, will require the Tar Heel Rifle and Pistol Club to jump through unnecessary hoops to receive funding for ammunition.
This bill should be killed by Student Congress for two reasons. First, it unfairly discriminates against an officially recognized student group. Second, it sets a perilous precedent for the future.
The version of the bill that Student Congress will vote on requires a three-fifths majority to approve funds for ammunition purchases — which only the Tar Heel Rifle and Pistol Club has bought this year.
Every other student organization only needs a simple majority for funding approval for everything but food.
This unique requirement is discriminatory. If the motivation is gun control, this bill is still misguided.
Tar Heel Rifle and Pistol club has an extensive record of safety and safety training.
In fact, finance committee chairwoman Brittany Best spoke up, saying that Student Congress was opening itself up to a discrimination lawsuit, mentioning that it was no secret that some members openly oppose the club politically in Student Congress.
Phasing out a student organization for political reasons is unjust.
Moreover, the bill would require the club to store its ammunition with the Department of Public Safety — even though its unclear whether DPS is on board with the idea.
