September 21, 2007 \ The Clarion
NEWS
Page 3
BC students favor
civil rights for all
by John Padgett
Asst. Prof. of English
Students attending a debate
this week overwhelmingly favor
constitutional rights for
anyone within the borders of
the United States, regardless of
their citizenship status.
By a vote of 15-7, those
attending a debate forum
Tuesday voted to affirm the
resolution “Constitutional
rights should be guaranteed to
all individuals within the
borders of the United States.”
The debate, sponsored by the
Brevard Debate Society and
Young Politicians of America,
was the 19‘** debate forum
hosted by the society since
2001 and was held in
observance of Constitution
Day.
Speaking first in favor of the
resolution, Zachery Christy
pointed out that there is a
difference between civil rights,
which are guaranteed by the
Constitution, and privileges,
such as drivers licenses and
welfare benefits.
According to Christy,
curtailing constitutional rights
for select groups of non
citizens could have devastating
consequences for citizens as
well. “To endanger the rights
of the person next to you may
be to endanger your own,” he
said.
Speaking against the
resolution was Stacy Hawks,
who focused much of her
argument on the question of
illegal immigration.
According to Hawks, an
estimated 8,000 people illegally
cross the border daily into the
United States, which would add
up to 2.9 million illegal
immigrants aimually. Since the
4th Article of the Constitution
guarantees states the right to
protect against “invasion,” the
Constitution allows for its
citizens to protect against what
she termed the “parade” of
illegal immigrants.
Following the formal
presentation, a lively debate
ensued. Among the questions
asked were whether this was
the first time in American
history that immigrants, legal
or otherwise, were subject to
suppression of their civil rights,
and whether there was a sound
constitutional basis for
suppressing civil rights for non
citizens.
In an emotional moment,
RyanFefFick wondered how we
could call ourselves Americans
if we favor suppressing civil
rights for everyone in our
country. “At one point do we
start treating them [illegal
aliens] like the human beings
that they are?” he asked.
The Debate Society was
formed in 2001 “to provide a
forum for the awareness and
discussion of issues that affect
students as members of
broader societies, allowing
them through their involvement
to become more responsible
participants within their
polities; [and] to promote
tolerance of divergent
opinions.”
At least two more Debate
Society forums are scheduled
to be held this semester
Family Weekend Schedule
Friday, September 21
3 a.m.-2;30 p.m. Attend A Class With Your Student: Register
Dn-line.
3 am - 3 pm Exhibit; Kevin Hogan; Abstract paintings, prints
ind digital media works. Sims Building, Spiers Art Gallery
12;30 p.m. Family &olf Outing: ($50/person) You must
^eserve in advance. Contact David Nelson, 828.884.8215 or
ielsondm@brevard.edu.
4;30 p.m. Alpha Chi Induction & Omicron Delta Kappa
[nduction Ceremonies: Porter Center, Francis Pavilion.
3 p.m. Senior Pinning Banquet: ($) Porter Center
Amphitheater.
730 p.m. BC Music Faculty, Joint Recital, Porter Center,
Scott Concert Hall
Saturday, September 22
3 a.m.-10a.m. Family Weekend Check-in: AcademicQuad
'Rain site; McLarty Goodson Lobby). Pay registration fee and
jick up your Schedule; Sports Tickets/Passes; and
nformation.
3 a.m. - 10 a.m. Continental Breakfast with Faculty and
Staff on the Academic Quad. (Rain site; McLarty Goodson)
10 a.m. - noon Parent Conferences with Advisors or a
-acuity Member:
10 am - 1;30 pm Exhibit; Kevin Hogan; Abstract paintings,
jrints and digital media works. Sims Building, Spiers Art
Sallery
ll;30-l;30 p.m. Lunch: Feel free to come join us at lunch in
Wyers Dining Hall
Moon - 1;45 p.m. Football Tailgate: Brevard Memorial
Stadium, Brevard High School.
2 p.m. Womens Volleyball: $ Boshamer Gym. BC vs. Lincoln
Memorial
2 p.m. Football: $ Brevard High School. BC vs. Chowan
University
3 p.m. Women s Soccer: $ Main Soccer Field. BC vs.
TusculumCollege.
3 p.m. Comedy Coffeehouse, Porter Center, Francis Pavilion.
Cotmdian Stephano
Sunday, September 23
3;30 a.m. or 10;55 a.m. Worship Service: First United
Wethodist Church. The Reverend Shelly Webb, Brevard
"ollege Chaplain, will be preaching at the First United
Wethodist Church across the street from the College. The
;ntire BC community is invited to attend as part of Family
l/l/eekend.
3 p.m. John Weaver, organ. Porter Center, Scott Concert
Hall $20. John Weaver, a giant in the organ world and long
3ne of America's finest and most accomplished organists, is
’etiring from the concert stage and the Porter Center is
jroud to present him on his Farewell Tour. Tickets can be
purchased over the phone (credit card only) at (828) 884-
3330.