Joint Committee for Student Rights Celebrates Constitution Day

Students got the opportunity to weigh in on three questions relating to the constitution on Thurs., Sep. 17. The all day event was in celebration of Constitution Day 2009. The newly created Joint Committee for Student Rights and Education put on the event . Three easels were set up in the dining hall, each with a question regarding the constitution. The first question asked "Do you believe that President Barack Obama's practice of appointing 'czars' subverts separation of power. Why or why not?" . One student wrote "No, as long as it does not become permanent." Several other students guided the discussion toward a conversation about Obama's health care plan.

The second question asked " Is Representative Joe Wilson's comment "You lie!" directed at President Barack Obama during an address to the House legitimate self expression under the 1st Amendment? Why or why not?" The question asked students if Wilson was protected by the first amendment, the right to free speech. One student wrote,"I don't believe so because the place where he said it was very formal. I believe he could have expressed his thoughts more constructively." Another student said "Legit, but uncalled for."

The third question asked In response to the Virginia Tech tragedy, the organization "'Students for Concealed Carry on Campus' has been promoting the carrying of firearms for those who have legally obtained permits. Do you agree or disagree with their position and why?" One student said that guns don't kill people. Another student noted "This could e easily abused. I'm for the right to bear arms, just not in class."

Jordan Miles, chair of the Joint Committee for Students Rights and Education, along with other committee members and Dr. Richard Chassey, the director of Honor and Judicial programs, planned the event. Miles explained that state law mandates all universities celebrate Constitution Day in some way. He said this was an easy and inexpensive project. "It's freedom of speech. To a lot of students here it is the most important freedom," said Miles.

Some of the feedback was negative, but Miles still found the project to be an overall success. "When you do these things students are bound to get off topic.. it's freedom of speech," said Miles. Miles added "It is a good thing when students can express themselves freely."

The next project the committee is planning is a ten question professional survey about pedestrian safety. The survey will be sent out to students through their Longwood email around the middle of October and data will then be collected and presented to students and the Town of Farmville.