Lone Star College: Student Group Threatened with Probation and Derecognition for Posting Flyer

The Young Conservatives of Texas were among a variety of other student organizations distributing flyers at Lone Star College-Tomball during an event in which student groups attempt to recruit new members. The YCT's flyer included a satirical list of "Top Ten Gun Safety Tips" including "If your gun misfires, never look down the barrel to inspect it." Program Manager for Student Activities Shannon Marino told the YCT Chairman that the flyer was inappropriate and confiscated the flyers. Comer appealed to Dean of Student Development E. Edward Albracht, but Albracht also said the flyer was inappropriate and invoked last year's shootings at Virginia Tech. Marino informed Comer that the school's legal department would be reviewing the flyers and that afterward, the school might disband YCT or put the group on probation for the year. FIRE contacted the school administration about its violations of the YCT's rights. Afterwards, FIRE received an e-mail from Brian S. Nelson, General Counsel for the Lone Star College System. Nelson stated that any "mention of firearms and weapons" is inherently a "material interference with the operation of the school or the rights of others" because such language "brings fear and concern to students, faculty and staff."