By dropping the constitution requirement NEIU is failing its students. At least that is the message NEIU history professor Dr. Susan Rosa wants students to get from the latest announcement coming from the Provost’s office. About two weeks ago Provost Lawrence Frank announced via email to the university’s professors that a decision had been made to drop the constitution requirement to make students eligible to graduate.
The official reason given for the change is that many other universities in Illinois are also abolishing it. Before finalizing the decision, Frank did not consult with the faculty at large, opting instead to consult two faculty committees.
Rosa, who gave a speech during the Free Speech Symposium and later agreed to be interviewed, suggested that there may be sinister consequences to the decision that students are not yet aware of.
In order to appeal to more students, the university is working hard to make it easier for students to graduate. While this may appeal to students now, it should not be because it means that they end up being cheated out a crucial part of their education.
“Rights unknown are rights that go undefended,” says Rosa. Students who are not educated in their rights are less likely to stand up for themselves, including in the face of university policies.
Take for example the recent change in activity hour; many students have done nothing to express their feelings about the change because they do not realize they have a right to do so. On the other hand, student groups who spend more time learning and understanding their rights have raised their voices in reaction to the activity hour change.
During the fall semester in 2009, when the government cancelled all MAP grants for the following spring, students mobilized across campus and across Illinois. They protested the change and demanded better of their government.
It was their right as citizens to speak out against the changes and their efforts brought positive results. A permanent removal of the constitution requirement would mean that students are no longer aware of and encouraged to use those rights.
In the words of Rosa, “Northeastern should be a place where low income students are able to get an education equal to an expensive liberal arts education.”
Students should understand that just because they pay less than students who attend Ivy League schools does not mean they should not get a quality education equal to those of other students. Northeasterners have a right to an equal and balanced education.