Ball State Daily

MUNCIE, Ind. — In Julie Snider’s Advanced Placement Government Class, she started a project with them in August. For the first semester, she would bring her students to Muncie City Council meetings to learn the inner workings of local government.

After the first semester, Snider assigned students to research local issues and then develop a proposal to present at a council meeting. Snider’s students decided to create a proposal on pedestrian safety, specifically on the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Walnut Street.

“A couple of students in the class brought up the idea because we’ve had students hurt out there, and ever since the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) came in, I don’t think they’ve realized how congested the area has become,” Snider said.

The students worked together throughout the semester to find statistics that show the community's concern for pedestrian safety.

“They created a poll to send out to people, including teachers, students and members of the community, to see if they were open to having a scramble light there at the intersection, and there was very strong approval for it,” Snider said.

According to the students’ survey, 90% of the community felt unsafe crossing that specific intersection. Then, the students addressed the council with their findings which many community members agreed with.

“After we finished proposing our resolution, a couple of members of the community stood up and actively supported this with no hesitation,” student Clayton Dick said.

For Dick, this project means more than just a regular class assignment.

“They believe it as I do. Children’s safety should be valued as one of the most important things in our community.” Dick said.

The support doesn’t stop at the meeting. Councilwoman Sarah Gullion supported the proposal and invited the class to meet with her in April to learn how ordinances are created.

While this proposal is still a resolution, students say that it’s a step towards safer streets and making their voices heard.