The Jambar
Warmer nights and longer days mark the beginning of summer, bringing the spring semester to a close. While there is no curtain call, everyone on campus should give themselves recognition for enduring an eventful, confusing start to the year.
Program additions and the upcoming Kilcawley Center renovations were in the spotlight for much of the semester, with many community members anticipating and celebrating these plans.
Although several changes happened directly on campus, there have been national and statewide issues that have directly influenced the university.
The year kicked off with a controversial presidential election that introduced many concerns regarding the fate of the university and its students. Since then, Senate Bill One has been passed, placing limitations on the university and its First Amendment rights. The legislation can be summed up in one word — vague.
Vague legislation is dangerous legislation.
For example, SB1 directly dismantled all university diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, but failed to define what is considered DEI. This will alter learning outcomes, course offerings and student organizations, eliminating many opportunities without a clear-cut definition or explanation.
How these changes will be implemented is up for debate, as hazy wording leaves much up to the imagination, begging many questions — at what lengths will the government go to ensure these rules are followed? How sensitive is this legislation? Can universities have their funding cut due to a minor violation?
The answers to these questions are not direct, and if they are not explained soon, many universities will be blindsided by funding cuts, fines and unwarranted investigations.
A month after this decision, Youngstown State University was hit with another shock. 14 international students had their visas revoked by the federal government. This decision threw these students off course, altering their personal, academic and professional careers indefinitely.
These students were part of a nationwide order made by President Donald Trump’s administration, revoking the visas of over 500 students. This decision was made less than 100 days into Trump’s term, which means there are over 1,300 days left of executive orders and constitutionally questionable legislation.
The point of this recap is not to fearmonger, nor is it a reminder of the bleak state of our domestic affairs. This is to those who are worried about the future, from international students whose education could be stripped away at any time, to faculty and staff who may deal with attempts to censor vital history and information.
There are people who pick and choose when the Constitution applies to them, because their decisions are based on a standard of ethics that simply does not exist. Decisions they make affect all individuals — individuals who hold themselves to high standards — those who know that the only way to earn respect is to give it.
The future is scary and unpredictable, and a university that prides itself on international enrollment, affordability and education has brought tens of thousands of students, staff and faculty into one community.
Even with an uncertain future, these challenges have shown YSU and its community can persevere through adversity and navigate through the unknown, together.
