As the DAILY NEWS noted in our June 30 issue, Ball State administration seems intent on ignoring those student voices concerned about possible sports cuts. Bad as that situation is, it could be worse.
In Ohio, a new law allows universities to go far beyond ignoring students. It allows activists to be silenced.
Under the law, state schools are required to expel any student convicted of "rioting" or "failure to disperse," according to the Lantern, Ohio State's student newspaper. The provision is meant to discourage senseless violence on campus, but non-violent political demonstrators are also frequently charged with "failure to disperse."
Such students will be denied any state financial aid for two years.
Like laws linking drug offenses to financial aid, this measure only affects lower and middle class students. The wealthy can afford private schools if they are expelled, and they don't need financial aid. Also like current drug laws, this measure punishes students twice for the same offense.
Although some students may be willing to risk fines or arrests for social causes, many will likely shy away from risking their education.
This law could further encourage the political apathy of our generation by limiting our participation in the process. It could limit the ability of citizens to petition their government and publicly question authority.
But the worst of it is: laws like this could deny society the benefit of hearing the ideas of the young.
In a state where students were once shot during a protest, the Ohio law will certainly be challenged by civil rights groups. But, in the meantime, other states-- and the federal government-- may consider such provisions. It is our job to speak out against them, before we lose the right to speak out at all.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
