Welcome to the fifth 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 high school students who marched on the Capitol grounds demanding that legislators consider bills to address gun reform and school safety measures. They also delved into a lawsuit filed by a professor who alleges he was not allowed to speak on campus because his views violated a 2016 state law.
If you missed the last roundup, catch yourself up here.
In recent USG and campus news
Crow proposes tuition increases for some
University President Michael Crow released his 2019 tuition proposal Friday, which will not increase tuition for in-state undergraduate students. The proposal aligns with others drafted by Northern Arizona University and University of Arizona that also do not call for a tuition increase.
However, out-of-state tuition will increase by 3.5 percent or $934, and non-resident graduate students will also see tuition rise 3.5 percent or $1,022. The proposals will not take effect until the Arizona Board of Regents votes on them April 5.
Students sue Council of Presidents
A complaint has been filed against the Associated Students of ASU Council of Presidents, alleging the Council has continued to not post meeting minutes in a timely way. The complaint criticizes their inaction, which was a violation of its constitutional bylaws, and argues that it is an issue of transparency.
The complaint was drafted by former USGD Vice President of Policy Ryan Boyd and signed by USGD Senator Yasmin Alvarado Wednesday night. USGT President Brittany Benedict said it was a mistake and that she and the council are taking steps to prevent this problem in the future.
COP agendas will now be posted 24 hours before each meeting and minutes will be posted 24 hours after each meeting, complying to the complaint’s demands.
USG Tempe pulls out of Project Condom fashion show
USG Tempe has cancelled “Project Condom,” a sexual health “fashion show extravaganza” that was scheduled for Thursday. Organizers caved into negative attention surrounding the event which pressured them to cancellation.
A press release was sent to The State Press detailing their reasoning.
“With the nature of this event including students putting forth their creative work, we recognize that this may make them vulnerable to the same negative attention that was so critical of our organization,” the press release read.
This week’s reporting
Student government candidates announced
USG elections have officially begun and the candidates have been named. Candidates will campaign until their election day on March 27 or 28. Read more here.
Forks Estate News Update: Krauss on leave, new ASU building in D.C., Gammage season lineup
Hear a recap of the week’s top stories, presented by State Press reporter Austin Westfall. Listen to the semester's first installment here.
ASU sued by Muslim scholar for alleged violation of free speech rights
ASU professor Hatem Bazian is suing the University, the Arizona Board of Regents and Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich for allegedly not allowing him to speak on campus. Bazian's suit challenges a 2016 state statute that he claims violates his First Amendment rights. Read more here.
National Walkout Day draws students to state capitol
High school students from around the Valley rallied at the state Capitol Wednesday advocating for gun reform and school safety measures. Members of ASU's Young Democrats joined the students to show solidarity during the day of action, which was filled with lobbying lawmakers and public demonstrations. Read more here.
ASU offers scholarship to Arab students in historic partnership
The Al Ghurair Foundation for Education (AGFE) has partnered with the University to provide two types of scholarships to Arab students pursuing a STEM graduate degree. One of the scholarships can be offered online to those who can't relocate for school, giving them access to 28 different STEM programs. Read more here.
ASU industrial designers strive to make a difference in women's health with at-home Pap smears
Two ASU students have developed a self-administered Pap smear test to make the procedure more convenient and less anxiety inducing. The two said the product was inspired by the debate on women's reproductive rights and it aims to provide quality and affordability to those who might not be able to afford the procedure. Read more here.
Reach the reporter at Anicla@asu.edu or follow @AndrewNicla on Twitter.
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