The American Civil Liberties Union, or ACLU is a nation wide organization. With a mission statement “to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and laws for all the people.” They seek to educate Americans. However, the ISU chapter, seeks to educate campus about their first amendment rights. At their “What’s Up Wednesday” tabling event, President Kenzie Glass stressed this mission.
“As the ACLU – ISU chapter, we really focus heavy on being able to really educate the student caucus about their constitutional,” Glass said.
They were not alone in this event, as they worked in partnership with the ISU Police Department. And of course, with Pawficer Korg. Their table had pamphlets on what to do if you’re stopped by police, what rights you have as a protester, and what rights you have as an average American citizen.
“Well, I think it’s important for everyone to know what their rights are. Not just as a citizen, or excuse me, as a member of Illinois State University, but as a citizen of this, of this country,” Mike Gardner said.
As members of the university, ACLU-ISU wants their fellow community members to be safe, smart, and informed.
“I always try and tell people that again, although you feel like living through out your every day life, like none of this stuff applies to me it always feels like that until it inevitably does,” Glass said.
The ACLU has bi-weekly meetings everyone is welcome to attend in Schroeder hall.