Student Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians to debate

Published: Thursday, November 15, 2007

Updated: Friday, January 28, 2011 16:01

The Kenyon College Republicans, the Kenyon College Democrats and the Kenyon College Libertarians prepare to shake Rosse to its very foundations on Dec. 4 as their leaders assemble to debate the hottest topics of the 2008 elections.

"Let's Debate '08," sponsored by the Student Association for Voter Empowerment (SAVE) and supported by the political science department, aims to raise civic awareness and educate the campus not only about political activism on campus, but issues that are bound to be controversial through to the 2008 elections.

Matt Segal '08 will moderate, drawing questions on 12 key issues: voting rights, Iraq and the Middle East, education, immigration, civil liberties, GLBT rights, drugs, the Jena Six, health care, the environment, womens' rights and the economy. Each debater will be given a minute to answer a question and 30 seconds for rebuttals.

"Even apolitical people should attend, to hear some new ideas on issues," said Segal. "This is a great way to spread ideas without assigning stereotypes."

"We're pleased and grateful that the Democrats and Republicans agreed with our suggestion to hold a debate, and that they're taking it seriously and promoting it enthusiastically," said Evan McLaren '08, leader of the Libertarian delegation. "And yet, in spite of our gratitude, our eagerness to serve as a public embarrassment to our two odious national parties remains undiminished. We're hoping for a big turnout."

"I expect a clean and spirited debate," said Colin Maguire '08, president of the Kenyon College Republicans. "But make no mistakes, I play for keeps! AMERICA! By the way, Evan McLaren thinks liberals are a bunch of sissies."

The lone female representative, Kenyon College Democrats President Sarah Cohen '08, is prepared to hold down the fort. "While the Democrats can't boast of supporting a former Law & Order actor or a candidate who has proposed eliminating the IRS," said Cohen, "we are proud to claim the donkey as our own. And I'm pretty confident the glory of the donkey will carry us to victory."

Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 7:00 p.m. in Rosse Hall. Even if you don't come to see it, you'll probably hear it.

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Village Record

Jan. 25, 2:28 p.m. — Vandalism: unknown individual(s) threw a bottle that broke the

lower panel of a window.

Jan. 26, 1:01 a.m. — Medical illness: student in Manning Residence Hall assessed and

transported to Knox Community Hospital (KCH).

Jan. 28, 1:01 a.m. — Medical illness: intoxicated student in Caples Residence Hall. As-

sessed and treated by Safety officers.

Jan. 29, 12:02 a.m. — Medical illness: intoxicated student in McBride Residence Hall.

Assessed and treated by Safety officers.

Jan. 29, 1:57 a.m. — Medical illness: intoxicated student in Mather Residence Hall. As-

sessed and treated by Safety officers.

Jan. 31, 6:06 a.m. — Property damage: oversized snowball in Gund Residence Hall.

Jan. 31, 11:09 a.m. — Vehicular accident: two vehicles damaged on public property. No

injuries.

Jan. 31, 3:28 p.m. — Theft/larceny: reported theft of sound equipment in Horn Gallery.

Safety officers contacted.

Jan. 31, 10:36 p.m. — Illegal substance: student(s) admitted to use of marijuana. Drug

and paraphernalia confiscated. Safety officers contacted.

Village Council

Themed housing applications are now available and are due Friday, Feb. 10. Interviews will be conducted on Feb. 12.

The Senate voted against the 2016 Smoke-Free Policy, which would have banned all smoking on campus. The Senate is now considering a more moderate policy.

This policy draws a distinction between predominantly residential and other areas of the campus.

The new policy would allow smoking only in predominantly residential areas and at least two other designated smoking areas on campus that would serve academic buildings. These will most likely be near Peirce Hall and Olin Library.

The new policy would not allow smoking within 15 feet of entrances, exits or windows in residential areas. The College would have difficulty enforcing this rule, but it provides an outlet for residents who worry about people smoking outside their window every day. Senate hopes students will self-enforce this rule.

This policy would disallow smoking anywhere that is not predominantly residential, or a designated smoking area, meaning Middle Path would become smoke-free.

The policy would recommend that the College provide funds for smoking cessation treatment.

The policy recommends that the College come into accordance with Ohio laws that require proper signage for designated smoking areas.

Smoking inside could incur the penalty of losing a point in the housing lottery.

The sanctions resulting from this policy would go through the normal conduct review system.

The policy would be enacted by Jan. 1, 2013. Student Council would utilize the first semester to educate people and designate the smoking areas.

Social Board has made careful considerations about Summer Sendoff and will make an announcement as to their plans over the next few weeks after contracts are signed, according to an official statement from Student Council.

Student Council is also re-evaluating the role they play in events to which they grant large sums of money, according to Sunday's Student Council agenda.