Open Thread: Word Cloud Edition

By The Editors

As DC Students Speak continues to advocate for the priorities and interests of students across the District, we want to take a moment and ask you: what do you want our top policy priorities to be? What changes would you like to see in D.C. government, and what reforms would you like to see take place.

Leave us your comments and thoughts below -- we're going to turn them into a Word Cloud, and we'll let you know what the results are!

Voter Registration at AU: More Progress for More Students

By Michael Panek (American 2014)

It gives me great pride to announce that last week, as a part of our school’s Freshman Service Experience, DC Students Speak: American University was able to register over 75 students to vote in Washington DC.  Over a two day period, we combed the campus with a wonderful group of freshman volunteers whose enthusiasm couldn’t be dampened by rejection or rain.  Ultimately, they exceeded our wildest expectations, and registered more students to vote than had been in any other two day period in recent AU history.

This feat could not have been accomplished without Evan Brown and Tyler Sadonis, who put long hours into brainstorming and planning this registration push.  I’d also like to thank ANC Commissioners Jake Sticka, Deon Jones, and Tom Smith, who all came to speak to our volunteers and get them fired up about participation in local politics.

It is very easy to forget the importance of voter registration.  Though college students make up almost 15% of DC residents, if we do not vote, we give politicians no reason to listen to our voices and consider our needs as they craft laws and legislation.  As a group, we must continue to push to register new student voters and turn them out at the polls.  Our push last week showed that this is more than possible.  Otherwise, we can expect more laws from DC government in the spirit of last spring’s Noise Ordinance: laws that are targeted at students, unfairly punish students, and show no regard for student input.

Creating a Political Ruck.us

By Raymond Glendening (Chief Strategy Officer of Ruck.us)

If you ask my father or uncles about their politics, you will get a story about going down to Democratic Party HQ and volunteering for Kennedy’s presidential run.  For me, as a 31 year old, the political party was less relevant because information was more available to me to make my own decisions.  The internet was in a premature state, but cable television was in full swing.  For the next generation?  Political parties are less relevant than ever.  Want to find out about a candidate?  You can google the person and have 100 sites that will inform.  Want to donate to one?  One click away.  Want to promote a candidate on your own?  Twitter, Facebook, etc. is a vehicle.  Further, loyalties to a specific line of thinking (i.e. “Democrat” or ‘Conservative”) are less relevant than ever.  People want to connect with people that think the same way on their issue(s), and  engage politically with them on that issue.

The two political parties have become anachronisms, and the growing disconnect between them and the way technology allows us to live our lives led to historic political disaffection.  A Pew post-election poll in 2010 found for the first time in modern American history, Independents outnumbered Democrats and Republicans in terms of party affiliation.  In other words, in the world’s only major two-party democracy, the majority of people are saying “no thanks” to both parties.  Of course, “Independent” does not necessarily mean “moderate.”  Independents (as well as those that still identify as partisans) come from all over the ideological spectrum.  Many liberals think the Democratic Party needs to come left, and many conservatives think the Republican Party needs to move right.  For most of us, however, politics is dynamic.  While we might be considered “left” on some issues, on others we are ”center” or “right.”  Indeed, the whole idea of a linear political spectrum is fiction; politics exists in 3D.

We have already seen social media erode the foundations of the two parties.   The biggest political movements in the last year – the union fight in Wisconsin, the Arab spring, the Tea Party – were all external events powered by technology.  While the world was changing, the parties lamely stood by and watched.  Of course, some in politics have been wise to this trend.  President Obama, for example, built an entire organization, Obama for America, OUTSIDE the Democratic Party (it still exists as Organizing for America).

Read More

DC Millennial: 9/5 Weekend Links

By Jake Sticka (Georgetown 2013)

Each weekend we attempt to offer a smattering of the great content that DC's student newspapers produced the week before.

Social Media Policy Set Forth to Protect University, Administrators Say: The Hilltop reports that as of May, Howard has a new social media policy in place. Students are restricted from using "Howard University's name to promote a product, cause, political party or candidate." The school's Chief Information Officer claims that several students have already been expelled as a result of this new policy.

Academic Year Kicks Off With Renewal, Renovations: Howard students also return to campus with six  academic and residential buildings under renovation.

University Debuts M Street Shuttle and SafeRides Texting Option: The Hoya reports that Georgetown has decided to add a third off-campus shuttle, this one running from the University's front gates to M Street and Wisconsin. The move came in the face of community opposition to the school's Campus Plan.

Last Call Looms for Healy Pub: In an interview, Georgetown President John DeGioia revealed that he opposes a student proposal to bring a bar back to campus.

AU continues process to move WCL to Tenley Campus: AU has applied for further processing with the DC Zoning Commission on its proposed law school move.

Main campus parking rates rise again: AU has also raised its on-campus parking rates to $988 per year. The Eagle notes that this rate is still significantly cheaper than the $760 to $860 per semester fee that George Washington students pay.

Demolition irks residents: As George Washington breaks ground on its new Science and Engineering Center, some students are frustrated by the noise that construction is creating.

Friday Form: ANC2A’s Asher Corson

CUA’s Single-Sex Dorm Policy: An Update

By Ryan Fecteau (Catholic 2014)

Five floors. One dorm. Hundreds of guys--college guys. Flather Hall, notorious for 5thfloor mischief, now houses freshman guys from top to bottom. Single-sex dormitories have been implemented at The Catholic University of America by President John Garvey.

Prior to single-sex dorms, male and female students were separated by floor. However,administrators from the University’s student life department raised concerns about sex andalcohol consumption. Therefore, as a means of combating what Garvey describes in a Wall Street Journal editorial as “the hook-up culture,” freshman dorms are now segregated by sex.

 The changes have not been well received by the majority of the student body. While sophomores remain in co-ed dorms, Garvey intends to implement the changes in sophomore housing as well next year. Therefore, opponents against the housing change are not limited to just incoming freshmen.

I am deeply disappointed in the University's decision to implement single-sex dorm arrangements. While other universities and colleges begin to offer co-ed suites for students who prefer not to live in a dorm with a same-sex roommate, Catholic is regressing by not even offering co-ed dormsby floor. Moreover, the implementation of mandatory single-sex dorms eliminates student choice.  Certainly, single-sex dorms exist on other campuses, but as a choice available to students who would prefer such a housing arrangement.

 These changes will affect LGBT students on campus who are troubled with a strict single-sex living situation. Additionally, the changes neglect the reality of male to female interaction in the real world. Outside of Catholic, segregation of the sexes is not the reality; women and men interact daily. Single-sex dorms reflect an obsolete culture (at least it was obsolete). The impacts will be seen on the University’s already disappointing retention rate and on the amount of fall freshmen applicants.

 Lastly, I don't believe this will combat 'rampant sex' on campus. The Church's social teaching needs to address the dangers of sex in order for more students to practice the ‘virtues’ described by Garvey. Otherwise, students will continue finding ways to have sex without care for the risks. I think Catholic had the right intentions; however, the administration has approached this issue as a problem to stamp out rather than a complex matter.  The University’s administration needs to listen to student concerns on this matter.  Furthermore, opponents of single-sex dorms must make clear that they support choice. Single-sex dorms are not a toxic concept, but when a student loses the ability to choose such a living arrangement, the mass implementation of same-sex housing residences is a detriment to student living and the development of the University.

ANC Roundup: 2E considers redistricting plan, Washington Harbour development

By Jason Gerson (Georgetown 2014)

Last night’s ANC 2E was a marquee night in local politics. The evening began smoothly enough, with the standard public safety update delivered, an update given regarding Hurricane Irene-related debris on sidewalks, and an announcement of changes to the implementation of a local roads project.

And after local businesses announced their upcoming fashion event, a few feet did shuffle out of the door. But then things got interesting.

With a significant plurality of student voices present, Chairman Lewis moved onto the ANC 2E Redistricting portion of the agenda. Chairman Lewis said that the entire Ward 2 process was chaired by ANC 2E member Tom Birch and that 16 members had been involved in the redistricting panel. Of those 16, 11 were what Lewis called “long-term residents” while 5 were students, apparently a different type of resident. Lewis said that the committee met only twice, and while they unanimously agreed to maintaining the external borders of the ANC and to adding an additional commissioner to ANC 2E, the board, in a 10-6 vote passed the plan Chairman Lewis presented.

Chairman Lewis stated that their instructions were to create a district for roughly every 2,000 residents and as such all members of the committee agreed to add one district. According to Chairman Lewis, with 5,000 students on-campus present, the committee had the choice to “round down” student representation on the ANC to 2 commissioners or “round up” to 3. They chose the former.

Though he conceded that these districts were not close to the 2,000 resident-per-district guideline, he argued that, in his interpretation of D.C. Statute, the panel was permitted to prioritize keeping students in separate districts from residents over drawing each district to have exactly or nearly 2,000 residents.

He asked for a show of hands for those opposed to the plan, and those in favor. Students began to look at one another quizzically wondering what this might mean, and the Treasurer of the Graduate Student Association, Paul Musgrave, voiced his concern at this question aloud. When Chairman Lewis stated that he would apportion speaking time to each side relative to the number of hands raised for each position, Musgrave and Chairman Lewis engaged in a prolonged back-and-forth, in which the Musgrave questioned how such a practice could occur when it had not been put on the agenda.

Chairman Lewis, in a divided vote among the commissioners, determined to allot each side of this issue 10 minutes, and two representatives of each side chose to speak for 5 of those ten minutes. Commissioner Jake Sticka, in opposition to this move, stated that on such a divisive and consequential matter more voices should be included. Chairman Lewis, with support from a majority of the ANC, proceeded with his stated plan, however.

GUSA President Mike Meaney spoke first, and chose to emphasize the lack of fairness in this proposed redistricting map. President Meaney spoke at length about his convictions that such a map were statutorily incompatible with the D.C. Bill of Rights, which bans discrimination on the basis of matriculation status. Further, President Meaney spoke to the significant time that student-residents spend in DC as well as the significant sales and other taxes they pay to the D.C. government in residing here for much of the year.

Musgrave spoke next, and he proceeded to wonder aloud about the logic Chairman Lewis offered. If community cohesion means ensuring adult-neighbors don’t have to be represented by students, why are graduate students, who will likely be living in these non-student districts, be forced to be represented by non-student commissioners? Perhaps his most compelling moment was his attempt to elevate competitive districts as something cherished as a key democratic value, as opposed to a nuisance to sidestep.

As discouraging as the imposed format was, both Musgrave and Meaney received loud applause from not just students, but adults as well. Following their statements, representatives from the Burlieth and Hillandale Citizens Associations read short, prepared statements on their support for the co-chair’s redistricting plan.

Afterward, individuals were able to speak. Students focused on their desire to be able to be engaged with the community. One student also spoke about how Councilmember Mendelson had stated he opposed this plan.

Individuals in support of the co-chair’s plan also spoke. Ed Russel, a Georgetown resident since 1952, angered many when he said that “I think that homeowners do have an entitlement to more rights.” Another individual speaking for the co-chair’s plan said that student residents were “transitional,” underscoring the attitude that many in the community have toward students.

Chairman Lewis capped this proportion of the meeting by saying that the committee might reconsider their position if a majority of the committee’s members supported doing so. If they did not, the plan would be forwarded to the City Council as is.

If you are concerned about the current plan, please contact Jack Evans (jackevans@dccouncil.us, 202-724-8058) or Michael Brown (mbrown@dccouncil.us, 202-724-8105), the co-chairs of the redistricting committee on the Council.

Following this part of the meeting, ANC 2E continued with a very long agenda. Of greatest interest to students was a proposal by MRP Realty to add a seasonal ice skating rink to the Washington Harbour development. Arthur Cotton Moore, the original architect of the project, spoke before the ANC about his opposition to several elements of the re-design (although he did support the ice skating rink). The difference in style between MRP and ACM could not have been more clear.

The ANC ultimately praised MRP for trying to update the area, but did not take a firm position on a number of the elements, including the ice skating rink.

Welcome Back to DC Students Speak

By Scott Stirrett (Georgetown 2014)

The 2010-2011 academic year was a significant one for DC Students Speak.  The organization expanded to every university in the District of Columbia, our new website was launched, and we hosted numerous events including a forum for the candidates vying for the vacant At-Large council seat.

We also saw how it remains vitally important for college students to become more engaged in local politics.  Over the past few months, the interests of students have been hindered through ANC gerrymandering in Georgetown, opposition to the AU Campus Plan, as well as the introduction of a draconian new noise ordinance.

As a result, DC Students Speak is more engaged than ever to advocate on the best interests of students throughout the District of Columbia.  We encourage for all interested students to apply for leadership positions at all of our different chapters.

There are nearly 85,000 college students in the District of Columbia.  As a group, students are simply too large of a constituency to have their interests ignored.  It’s time for the interests of student to be heard.  It’s time for action.

GUSA leaders lead campaign for student voice in debt ceiling debate

By Alykhan Merali (Georgetown 2013)

Georgetown University Student Association President Mike Meaney is leading a campaign that over 100 student body presidents have signed on to which calls for Washington leaders to reach a deal on the debt ceiling.  The campaign comes at a critical time in which lawmakers have less than 2 weeks to agree on a deal or risk the United States Treasury being forced to default on its loans.

Former GUSA Finance and Appropriations Chair Nick Troiano was one of the composers of a letter drafted and signed by student body leaders from 40 states.  According to Troiano, "We want to be a voice for our generation where none exists".  DC Students Speak commends and supports the goals of this project which aims to influence debate with the student voice and persuade leaders in Washington to reach a deal on this critical issue.

Students must be involved in the ANC redistricting process

By Alykhan Merali (Georgetown 2013)

The overarching goal of DC Students Speak is to encourage students to be engaged in the political processes that take place throughout the District.  In order for students to have a significant and meaningful role in these processes, students must have proportional representation in each of the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions.

The ANC redistricting process will begin in the upcoming weeks and it is imperative that students take the initiative to join ANC redistricting task forces.  This is the only way to ensure that students will have fair representation at the local level.  We cannot allow the ANCs to gerrymander the district to disenfranchise students.  For too long students have been cut out of politics in DC.  This is our chance to make sure that we get a say in what goes on in our local neighborhoods.

If you are interested in joining a redistricting task force, please contact us at info@dcstudentsspeak.org and we can connect you with the appropriate organizations.