Students: Immigrants should have access to higher ed
debate situations would enjoy such an environment.
That was evident as we discussed whether illegal immigrants should have access to college education. In our group, we had a handful of immigrants who strongly believed that denial of such an opportunity was unjust and even inhumane. Some told personal stories, which tended to persuade other members within our group to believe them.
We reached consensus that granting people the opportunity to advance in our society was the right thing to do.
One person in our circle came to the U.S. less than four years ago and learned English as she went along. Yet despite this, she managed to articulate a sense of faith and courage on the behalf of other immigrants who reside within our borders, which resonated greatly in our group.
It was from this that we were able to identify the purpose of the Sun Youth Forum. It was a place in which students like ourselves could express our opinions and views about the real world in a controlled environment, breaking the stereotype of the misinformed millennial altogether by engaging in these conversations over ethics and social norms.
Another topic that generated a large degree of conversation was that of freedom of expression, especially in regards to Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the national anthem and whether his action was disrespectful to the military.
Our group had a great parley over these two sides. One side argued that it was disrespectful to the people fighting overseas. The other contended Kaepernick wasn’t attacking the military but rather was calling attention to racial inequality.
But no matter the discourse, the parties maintained a certain level of respect, each stopping to listen to others and allowing them to fully voice their opinion. That may seem like a trivial observation, but it was useful altogether. After the dust had settled, it was with a general consensus that we agreed that kneeling or sitting during the national anthem was an act of free speech, protected by the Constitution.
Although people may argue that the act itself is uncivil, it is a gesture that is protected by the law.
In conclusion, the Sun Youth Forum was truly eye-opening experience that I invite all students to partake in.
To know there are people who are highly engaged in questions about our society is something that infuses me with confidence.
Joe Thomas is a senior at Clark High School.