MSA passed a resolution standing in solidarity with UMKC and providing resources for those affected by gun violence.
The Missouri Students Association passed Senate Bill 63-58 on Feb. 20, stating that the association stands with the University of Missouri-Kansas City following the recent shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade that left one dead and 22 injured.
The resolution states that “the Mizzou community stands in solidarity with the UMKC student body as they process the traumatic event that took place in their own community.” It will also provide resources on MSA’s website and social media platforms for those affected by gun violence.
The resolution was proposed by Cody Jenkins, an at-large senator, and MSA Legislative Cabinet members Maggie Funston and Trey Trapani. The resolution was passed 45-0 with one person abstaining.
Jenkins initially wanted to propose the resolution following the fear he experienced when unsure of the safety of his sister, who lives in Kansas City and attended the parade.
“She was at the parade, and she was there by Union Station,” Jenkins said while presenting the resolution. “I can say with certainty, the scariest moments of my life was between getting the news notification that there was a shooting at the parade and hearing back from my sister to make sure she was okay.”
According to the authors, they didn’t want this resolution to have a political stance for or against gun reform.
“It’s much more effective for us to have a response that caters to the mental trauma that individuals are going through, rather than trying to further any kind of political agenda in this very divisive time,” Funston said.
The authors also hope this resolution will lay the groundwork for a larger conversation surrounding gun safety on and off college campuses. However, Trapani, who will direct the off-campus safety efforts as the external affairs chair, does not yet have a specific plan in mind aside from listening to as many perspectives as he can.
“Right now, I can’t make a definitive statement if we’re going to advocate for one policy or another,” Trapani said. “What I can say is that we’re going to be gathering as much information as possible on how guns affect Mizzou and the Columbia community, and see what recommendations we can make to students, administration and local governments in regards to that.”
Edited by Genevieve Smith | gsmith@themaneater.com
Copy Edited by Audrey Dae Bush and Briana Iordan | biordan@themaneater.com
Edited by Scout Hudson | shudson@themaneater.com
