Responses
In your response to your peers, offer your opinion of where you think there is a disconnect between student organizations and institutions, and offer suggestions for how this could be improved.
Respond 2 classmates discussion
speak in first person. Speak as you are talking to each classmate directly
Emily Discussion:
Student organizations have been a part of the collegiate experience for decades. Clubs and organizations allow for students to participate in extracurricular activities that ensure that students are engaged and embracing the college experience. Students have a legal right to meet and organize on a collegiate campus. These clubs and organizations provide opportunities for students to socialize, engage with powers of similar values or interests and foster new relationships. Institutions often spend large amounts of time, resources and other funds in order to allow these organizations to operate. Without cooperation and resources from the institution, student organizations would not be angle to function and grow on college campuses. Student groups need to operate within the policies and limitations of the campuses, and institutions need to provide the appropriate amount of support and resources. Without the balance, student groups would not be able to function appropriately on a college campus.
Student, organizations can sometimes be considered controversial, but because many college campuses attract a vast range of students, many different kinds of student organizations may be active on the same college campus. Student organizations such as political, religious and social fraternities or sororities are all different organizations that could be considered controversial; however, each organization as a right to organize and function on an institutions campus as long as they adhere to institutional, state and federal regulations (Kaplin & Lee, 2009, p. 513-514). Because students have the right to assemble, they have the right to organize and request recognition for particular organizations. Student organizations should be allowed to congregate on an institutions campus as it provides an outlet for conversation and socialization. The issue becomes when the balance of authority is questioned.
Institutions can deny an institution recognition, funds and other resources if they do not adhere to specific guidelines and protocols. According to Kaplin & Lee (2009) there are 3 main reasons as to why an institution can deny a student organization recognition: all organizations must adhere to institutional policies, if the organization is considered a disturbance or if the organization is considered illegal under local, state or federal laws (p. 515). Students have the right the be a part of institutional organizations, but institutions also have the enact certain restrictions against student organizations. Personally, I think that institutions need to be wary about restricting or denying recognition to student organizations. Students need to feel at comfortable at their college institution; for many students, this is the first time they are able to embrace their own personal values and beliefs without interference from parents or guardians. institutions need to be wary about what they deem as disruptive organizations as well; organizations that preach hate speech, discrimination etc. are obviously problematic, but banning or facilitating to recognize a democratic group or gender equity club would be an injustice to the students. Without an appropriate balance between student rights and institutional authority, students may not be able to participate in various groups and organizations while attending college.
References
Kaplin, W. A., & Lee, B. A. (2009).A legal guide for student affairs professionals(2nded.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Amanda Discussion:
Student clubs and organizations are a way to further ones educational interests while developing leadership skills. The institution has a responsibility to foster such development while remaining true to its mission, vision, and goals, and complying with state and federal demands for funding and accreditation purposes.
Student organizations should be governed with the same expectations the institution holds itself to. A Christian fraternity at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) lost recognition after refusing to sign UNC-CHs antidiscrimination policy (Leaving Religious Students Speechless, 2005, p. 2882). Another example is theGay Rights Coalition of Georgetown University Law Center v. Georgetown Universitycase where the organization was denied recognition due to the Catholic doctrine condemning homosexuality. The District of Columbia bans access discrimination based upon sexual orientation however, the institution was able to argue freedom of religion. The court did not require the institution to recognize the student organization but did require it to provide access to facilities(Kaplin & Lee, 2009, p. 519). UNC-CHs mission, like many other institutional missions I have researched throughout this program, highlight its attention to diversity (The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2020). Georgetown Universitys mission highlights its religious beliefs and foundation while stating it was founded on the principle that serious and sustained discourse among people of different faiths, cultures and beliefs promotes intellectual, ethical and spiritual understanding. We embody this principle in the diversity of our students, faculty and staff (Georgetown University, n.d.).
The UNC-CH example was not about a speech dispute but rather a dispute on membership which may narrow the scope of discussion within the organization against its original members beliefs (Leaving Religious Students Speechless, 2005, p. 2885-2886). There are some protections religious organizations can seek through freedom of expressive association should they discriminate based upon sexual orientation (Kaplin & Lee, 2009, p. 529). I believe there is value in discussion with opposing views. In the example above, allowing access to an organization for someone who shares similar beliefs but may differ in sexual orientation can add depth to the religious organization furthering ones growth in prospective as well as conflict management and other leadership skills. Ultimately the student organization reflects upon the institution. An institution with a mission for inclusivity and diversity must produce guidelines that ensure first amendment rights are being protected and provide oversight to student organizations to maintain alignment and compliance with regulatory standards.
References
Georgetown University. (n.d). University Mission Statement. Retrieved fromhttps://governance.georgetown.edu/mission-statement/
Kaplin, W. A., Lee, B. A. (2009).A Legal Guide for Student Affairs Professionals(2nded.). San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons
Leaving Religious Students Speechless: Public University Antidiscrimination Policies and Religious Student Organizations. (2005).Harvard Law Review, 118(8), 2882-2904. Retrieved fromhttps://eds-b-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=0&sid=bee9d43f-1612-45a3-9428-1488f97a6c30%40pdc-v-sessmgr03
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (2020). Mission and Values. Retrieved fromhttps://www.unc.edu/about/mission/#:~:text=We%20embrace%20an%20unwavering%20commitment,the%20next%20generation%20of%20leaders.
