Welcome to the fourth installment of The State Press Politics Roundup, where we bring you the week's coverage of on-campus and local politics.
This week, reporters spoke with ASU DACA recipients who are continuing to advocate for a legislative solution and coping with the possibility of facing deportation. They also spoke with students at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College who are concerned about their safety in the classroom in the wake of recent school shootings.
Did you miss last week's stories? Catch up here.
In recent USG and campus news
Elections deadline strikes
The deadline for candidate applications for this semester’s USG elections lapsed on Friday night. The two-week campaign starts March 12 and will extend until March 27 and 28 depending on the campus. Open houses and other campaign-related events are not yet scheduled. Results will be announced March 29.
USGD votes down proposed $15 student health fee increase
After delaying voting for a week, USG Downtown voted down a measure to increase the student health fee by $15 next fall with a vote of 2-6-1 on Friday, the only student body to do so. Despite its vote, the majority of campuses support the measure and it will be implemented in fall 2018.
Students will now pay $110 per year. These added funds will extend health services office hours and increase access to specialized care like sports medicine, women’s health and nutritionists. It will also start an online self-help intervention tool, “Telehealth.”
West and Polytechnic to install wellness vending machines
USG Polytechnic and West are finalizing plans to install wellness vending machines on campuses. The vending machines will provide over the counter medicine, condoms and hygiene products to those who do not live near enough to a grocery store.
After pressure from right-wing media, USG cancels masturbation-positive event
USG Tempe cancelled a “shame-free” masturbation seminar after receiving backlash for the event’s name. The event drew criticism from right-wing media sights such as Breitbart, One Nation News as well as local media. Read more here.
With the fate of DACA in the air, recipients speak their minds
As Congress’ March 5 deadline to act on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program looms closer, DACA recipients at ASU are feeling more and more uncertain about their future. Most are still advocating for a "clean" Dream Act, while others are hoping for anything at all, as Congress continues to squawk and shows no sign of compromise on either side. Read more here.
From an ASU classroom to Congress? ASU professor sets her sights on D.C.
ASU nursing professor Heather Ross is running for Congress as a Democrat, challenging incumbent Rep. David Schweikert, R-Fountain Hills. Ross feels her previous experience as a public health consultant would help her in Congress. Read more here.
Students can pay 10 dollars for 60 pounds of 'rescued' produce
On every third Saturday of the month, ASU Changemaker Central partners with Borderlands Food Bank to provide students with access to cheap, rescued produce. By doing this, the groups hope to help students maintain a healthy lifestyle without spending too much money. Read more here.
Teaching students prepare for careers against backdrop of school shootings
In the wake of the Parkland shooting, students studying to become teachers are thinking about the possible safety implications their futures may hold. While most are trying to remain positive, the thought of "What if?" lurks in the back of their minds. Read more here.
Editor's note: A version of this roundup published with the State Press newsletter incorrectly reported the final vote of USG Downtown's Friday vote on the proposed health fee increase. It has been changed to reflect the correct vote.
Reach the reporter at Anicla@asu.edu or follow @AndrewNicla on Twitter.
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