Dear President Bleicken,

If there was ever a time in the history of Armstrong for our President to take a stand for the well-being of our students, staff, and faculty—now is the time. By signing the petition (included in the link below), you will be voicing your objection to House Bill 859, a bill which threatens the safety and sense of security we now (perhaps) take for granted on our amazing campus. By signing the petition you will urge Governor Deal to veto this bill—one that would make it legal for individuals to carry loaded and deadly weapons at Armstrong.

Please show your concern for the safety of all of us who study and work here by doing everything you can to prevent our highly respected university from turning into a dangerous militarized zone. Please show that you too want to ensure Armstrong remains a safe and supportive environment, as well as the kind of university we pride ourselves on being: one that is academically open, and where the exchange of intellectual ideas are not impeded by fears of hostile retaliation.

Adding your name to this petition against House Bill 859 will not only benefit Armstrong but also the other colleges and universities across Georgia. I hope the leaders of these other institutions will draw from your example and join you in standing up against firearms in the schools of Georgia.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your legacy for Armstrong was that you took a stance for something that truly matters for Armstrong—and its generations to come. Don’t you think you owe it to yourself and to our school to show the courage you ask of us every day with your own motto: “Be Strong! Armstrong!”?

Sincerely,

Scott Kelly
Concerned Armstrong Student