Campaign to boost rights awareness

October 12, 2009 —

As a student, you might think of rule and policy as established fact. But Julie Boon — the history sophomore spearheading Student Association’s weeklong “Know Your Rights” campaign — hopes to change your mind.

The campaign, scheduled for Oct. 19 to 22, focuses on raising students’ awareness of proposed and pending legislation that could directly affect them, and encourages them to make their voices heard. Issues being discussed include offering medical amnesty to minors, lowering the drinking age and legalizing concealed weapons on college campuses.

“Our goal is for students to be informed and engaged,” said Boon, who added that SA will not try to change any opinions. “We want students to make up their own minds.”

SA will place booths in front of the library all week, distributing pamphlets about the legislation and encouraging students to write letters to government officials.

The week will culminate the night of Thursday, Oct. 22, with a panel discussion in the Student Activities Room on student rights and responsibilities. Students who ask questions there will receive free T-shirts printed with the words “Know Your Rights.”

T-shirts will also be available for those who write letters to representatives. Sample letters will be available to make the process simple and quick, Boon said. “You just put in your name, who you want to send it to, what your concern is, and what you want them to do.”

Issue 1: Medical Amnesty

A medical amnesty or “Good Samaritan” bill has been introduced to both the state House and Senate. If passed, the proposals would amend state law so that minors would not be punished for underage drinking if they were seeking medical attention. Under it, minors would not need to fear legal repercussions after calling 911 or taking a friend to the hospital.

The Senate bill has been held by the judiciary committee since March. The House bill, previously scheduled to be debated Oct. 7, has been delayed while representatives finalize the details of the state’s 2010 budget.

Issue 2: Weapons On Campus

A bill to allow concealed weapons on campuses throughout Michigan was introduced to the state Senate on Aug. 20 and is in committee. The bill would nullify campus ordinances against weapons and allow permit holders to carry guns to school.

The bill would also force universities and colleges to allow concealed weapons in all dormitories and classrooms. Michigan State University has already modified its weapons policy to allow concealed weapons in public areas but not in university buildings.

Issue 3: Drinking Age

A third issue SA will be discussing with students is whether to lower the drinking age. Following the lead of Washington- based lobbying group Choose Responsibility, a number of college student groups have joined a campaign to spark public debate about age 21 laws.

The organization has asked the Student Association to sign a petition of support, but SA President Ryan Kanine said he will not sign it until students have had a chance to weigh in.

College officials, too, have joined the debate, including SVSU’s President Eric Gilbertson.

Gilbertson is one of 135 university presidents nationwide to sign Choose Responsibility’s “Amethyst Initiative,” which — according to its Web site — calls for “a broad conversation about realistic alcohol education programs and alternatives to Legal Age 21.”

Gilbertson emphasized that the initiative does not specifically call for lowering the drinking age. “But I do believe that this entire matter deserves renewed attention and consideration,” he said.

Students’ Bill Of Rights

To inform students, SA will produce and distribute a pamphlet called the “Students’ Bill of Rights.” The document will explain the nuances of search-and-seizure laws and the specifics of students’ rights both on and off campus.

“These are just answers to common questions and concerns that students have about the law,” Kanine said.

The communications and graphic design senior explained that the pamphlet will discuss if and when students can refuse breathalyzer tests and police searches, including those of apartments, dorms and backpacks.

By The Week’s End. . .

At the end of the week, SA will mail all the letters to the addressed representatives and senators and tally where students stand on the issues. Students will also have the opportunity to express their opinions on a new blog on SA’s Web site.

If a strong majority of students take one stance on an issue, Boon said, then SA may draft a resolution declaring an official position. “This is an outlet for students to tell us what they want us to do,” she said.

Kanine agreed. “We are the voice of the students,” he said, “and we will take a stand if students have a strong position on something.”