Campus and community members will have an opportunity to talk to and engage with President Martha Garcia about the potential purchase of AR-15s for campus officers in combination with tasers. The meeting will also cover reevaluating the restrictions on use of force by campus police officers.

The forum is hosted on Wed. Apr. 9, in building 13, room 1700 from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. According to the forum’s web page, transparency around issues at the college such as the school’s overall budget and campus safety will be prioritized. However, no official agenda has been posted.

The forum’s online flyer describes the event as an open event where students and community members can address the President directly. Attendees can submit questions ahead of time to be answered during the forum or ask questions in-person, time permitting.

One item and what will perhaps be the most debated topic addressed is the purchase of AR-15s and tasers for campus safety officers, an idea first proposed by Campus Safety Chief Kelli Florman during finals week during a Dec. 2024 board meeting.

Mt. SAC’s Faculty Association has officially opposed the purchase of weapons and removal of police force restrictions on campus calling it part of “the militarization of Mt. SAC.” They are urging the campus to attend the forum to share its views with the president and board.

While these events were initially labeled as campus safety forums, the rebrand to a more general name showcases an effort to the community to address a broader range of issues to the campus, though safety still remains front and center.

This will be the first President’s Forum hosted this semester. Following two that were held in Fall 2023 following a violent attack in Building 26, and additional forums that took place in Spring and Fall 2024.