Tuesday, October 1 debriefing and reflection on "The Coddling"

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT VOTING AND ELECTIONS? TAKE THE QUIZ

National Voter Registration Day was September 24, so it’s time that you were ballot-ready! While you’re flexing your fundamental American rights, go ahead and test your election knowledge, too.

By Stephany Cardet and AJ Willingham

Question 1

1.    WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE VOTING-AGED POPULATION VOTED IN THE 2018 MIDTERM ELECTION?

53%    OR    32%

2.    WHICH CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ENSURED WOMEN THE RIGHT TO VOTE?

9th Amendment  OR   19th Amendment

3.    ELECTION DAY IS THE FIRST TUESDAY AFTER NOVEMBER 1. THIS DATE WAS SET TO ENCOURAGE WHAT GROUP OF PEOPLE TO VOTE?

Teachers  OR Farmers

4.    HOW MANY STATES, PLUS THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, OFFER SAME-DAY VOTER REGISTRATION?

21   OR   40

5.    IF NO PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE RECEIVES 270 ELECTORAL VOTES DURING AN ELECTION, WHICH GROUP DETERMINES WHO WILL BE PRESIDENT?

Senate  or  House

6.    IN WHAT YEAR WAS THE VOTING AGE LOWERED FROM 21 TO 18?

1945 or  1971

7.    WHAT PIECE OF LEGISLATION OUTLAWS RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN VOTING?

Voting Rights Act of   or 13^th Amendment

8.    YOU KNOW A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE NEEDS 270 ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTES TO WIN THE PRESIDENCY. HOW MANY ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTES ARE UP FOR GRABS, IN ALL?

380    OR     538

9. HOW MANY PEOPLE REGISTERED TO VOTE ON VOTER REGISTRATION DAY IN 2018?

350,000   OR   800,000

10. TRUE OR FALSE: IF YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE BUT FORGET YOUR ID AT A POLLING STATION, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO VOTe

True     OR     False
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I can integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats (e.g., including visual, quantitative, and oral). Evaluate the credibility and accuracy of each source, and note any discrepancies among the data to make informed decisions and solve problems. 


 I can evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric; assess the premises and connections among ideas, diction, and tone. 

Discussion time on "The Coddling".  All participate and we kindly and generously listen to each other.

1. Tensions over free speech in American society (think of Nazis marching in Skokie or the push to ban the burning of the American flag) are not new. How do you see the current "coddling" as different and dangerous? Respond to this question based upon your understanding of the First Amendment. Be specific and reference both the current reading and the background reading on the First Amendment. 

2.Free speech has historically been seen as a tool of those seeking to change American society. Why do you think many college students don't see free speech rights as helping them, but as hurting them? Again, make sure to reference the text.

3.  American colleges are full of incidents that upset many people, particularly members of minority groups. Whether there are speakers who offend, blackface parties or other incidents, this is a reality of college life. How should college leaders and students respond? (Reference texts)

4. Below is an excerpt from the Chicago Statement.  Read over the statement. Check out the list of schools that supported it. Discuss its benefits to the student, faculty and community as a whole.