At The State Press, we are of the opinion that being active in politics is one of the most important civic duties that a student can undertake. Whether that means voting or reaching out to members of Congress, having your voice heard is a necessary component of a democracy.
In the political landscape, inaction is not a neutral vote, seen as support of the current state of affairs, or as an indifference to politics. Rather, inaction is a decisive decision to allow for individuals whose views are in complete discord with your own opinion to dictate the politics that directly affect you. Despite this, young voters are muzzling themselves through inaction. The 18-24 age group has regularly had the lowest rate of voter participation of all US age groups since 1964.
Three bills currently making their way through the Arizona legislature have caught the eyes of the editorial board as being especially pertinent to students.
1.
Guns on campus (House Bill 2072)This bill has been introduced in the Arizona State House of Representatives and, if passed, would allow students and faculty (in possession of a valid permit) to carry a concealed weapon at all public universities, colleges and community colleges.
Arizona does not currently require a permit to carry a firearm openly or concealed. However, the Arizona Board of Regents prohibits guns on the campuses of ASU, UA and NAU. The current exception to the ABOR rule is that people are permitted to store a firearm in a locked car so long as the gun is not visible from the outside.
2.
In-state tuition for refugees (Senate Bill 1123)A bill has been introduced to the Arizona State Senate that would allow refugees who currently live in Arizona to receive in-state tuition to the public universities, colleges and community colleges.
Currently, Arizona requires that refugees and all other students be domiciled in Arizona for one year before becoming eligible for in-state tuition. This legislation would allow students who have been granted refugee status by the US and who reside in the state of Arizona to skirt the one year residency requirement before being entitled to in-state tuition.
3.
Revenge porn (House Bill 2001)As its first act of legislation for 2016, the Arizona State House of Representatives has passed House Bill 2001, which makes the distribution of revenge porn a felony. Revenge porn is a term used to describe when one member of a relationship intentionally shares intimate photos or videos of their partner with the intention to “harm, harass, intimidate, threaten or coerce the intimidated person."
This session was not, however, the first time that a revenge porn bill had been through the Arizona legislature. A 2014 bill that took aim at revenge porn passed through both the House and Senate and was signed into law by former Gov. Jan Brewer. The original revenge porn law was problematic because the language left room for artists, journalists and publishers to be prosecuted for their work.
If you feel strongly about any of these issues, you should contact your representatives and express your concerns or support.
Want to join the conversation? Send an email to opiniondesk.statepress@gmail.com. Keep letters under 300 words and be sure to include your university affiliation. Anonymity will not be granted.
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