8/29/08 - Star Tribune - Hey, you protesters. Don't you have a quiz on Tuesday?
In the News
Hey, you protesters. Don't you have a quiz on Tuesday?
By Eric Ringham
Last update: August 29, 2008 - 4:17 PM
A University of Minnesota official has issued a warning to students that they might be subject to sanctions if they behave badly during the Republican National Convention. "While I encourage you to engage in the political process, please use good judgment regarding participation in activities that might violate state or local laws or the University's Student Conduct Code," wrote Jerry Rinehart, vice provost for student affairs. "... As an example, if University students are arrested or ticketed for illegal activity that damages property or poses risks to the safety of others (on or off campus), such behavior will be considered for adjudication under the conduct code. ... "
If only Vice Provost Rinehart had been at Kent State. Lives might have been saved.
Students for a Democratic Society (There's an SDS? In 2008?) replied, "This is clearly an attempt to scare students and is meant to have a chilling effect on participation in the protests of the RNC." Yes, it looks like an attempt at that -- but come on. What self-respecting protester, swept up in the enthusiasm of civil disobedience in what feels like a righteous cause, already risking arrest and injury or worse, will stop to think: Wait a minute. What will this do to my academic status?
