The students of FIU have rights.
It’s such a basic premise on the surface, and any student reading that is probably thinking to his or herself, “Well, of course I do.” But wait—while that idea appears to be so “self-evident” to most of us, it also belies how flimsy the cards that hold up such a towering declaration can be. For example, courts continue to defend “time, place and manner” restrictions on the exercise of free speech.
Movements for social justice across our country are met with noxious gas and disposable plastic cuffs. In Miami, the “99 percent” inspired many students in our city to assemble for their first time. But, at what point will you find yourself face-down on the limestone? We all, at some point, have asked ourselves this solemn question: “Can they do that to me?”
That’s a powerful question to ask yourself, and it’s also the first step to asserting your liberty. FIU students who cannot resist this question will agree that our school needs a forum to discuss these issues. The American Civil Liberties Union Chapter (ACLU) of FIU believes that our academic community has a strong interest in advocating student liberty and educating the public about the changing nature of our civil liberties. Although we are mostly law students, we welcome all students from every department and course of study.
Here in Florida, our Gov. Rick Scott takes a hostile approach to civil liberties. House Bill 1355 suppresses the voting rights of students who vote early, or who live in a different county than the school they attend. HB 1355 also makes it harder for us to register each other to vote. The Governor also wants to order mandatory drug testing for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
If he can do that, does that mean recipients of financial aid can also have their bodily fluids seized without a shred of evidence of illegal activity? FIU is a leader in diversity and in the enrollment of minority students, and many of us accept financial aid. We should guard the rights we retain, and guard them jealously. If not, we might find ourselves pouring into little plastic cups and vials any fluids the state wants to extract from our bodies. And fill it up, please.
Our next event, “Whatcha Gonna Do When They Come For You?” will be held today, Oct. 26, at 5:30pm in the large courtroom of the College of Law. Campus safety representatives and criminal defense attorneys will be on the panel. We urge the FIU community to attend and ask some important questions.
-The ACLU of Florida International University
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