Campus Reform: University of Arizona

The internet makes it possible to view events that happen hundreds of miles away instantaneously. Case in point: the recent commencement address given by University of Arizona professor Sandra Soto, in which she used her platform to denounce the state's new immigration bill (SB 1070) that 70 percent of the state supports.

For her political remarks, Professor Soto was booed by those in attendance. As US News reported, "It's not clear if the jeering and booing is in disagreement with what she was saying, or just disapproval of her choice of venue. Either way, the speech stirred the pot." (Decide for yourself by watching the video clip at the end.)

I'd argue that the video is clear. People are booing Professor Soto. The entire situation brewing in Arizona is one that is bubbling up in pretty much every state across the nation, in which the failure of the federal government to deal with illegal immigration has forced states to introduce new measures.

However, this episode at the University of Arizona casts doubt on the recent bill passed by the ASUA (Associated Students of the University of Arizona) student government, denouncing actual bill passed by the state government:

The Associated Students of the University of Arizona approved a senate resolution opposing Senate Bill 1070, Arizona’s new immigration law.

The senate only approved it after several amendments to the wording and language.

Gov. Jan Brewer signed Senate Bill 1070 on April 23 and there has since been a national and local outcry of strong opposition to this decision.

The resolution, drafted by Sen. Dominick San Angelo, states at the bottom, “Be it resolved that the Associated Students of the University of Arizona Senate would like to express the strongest possible opposition to SB 1070. University of Arizona students should not be subject to unwarranted police action, particularly in an institute of higher education.”

“I think we’ve come up with a strong resolution that shows how UA students feel,” said Sen. Deanna Mariner.

Sen. Scott Rising said he was proud of the senate for taking a stance on Senate Bill 1070.

“We’ve found a stance that we believe represents the most students possible,” Rising said. “We’re still not going to make those in favor of the bill happy.

It seems a major disconnect exists between the students at Arizona -- as evidenced by the Soto video -- and the student senate. The student government voted 9-1 to pass the bill denouncing the Senate Bill 1070, yet students voiced their opposition to Soto's derision of the bill in a manner not conforming to the view that all University of Arizona students are opposed to the sane law passed by the state.

Nationwide polls show 65-70 percent of American's favor what Arizona is doing and 70 - 75 percent of Arizona residents polled favor the bill. The student senate at the University of Arizona appears to be run by left-wing zealots who would have joined in standing with the Democrats who clapped for the Mexican President as he lambasted the new Arizona law in Washington DC.

This whole ordeal shows that apathy and indifference to the left on college campuses is the reality, not that students are inherently leftist. When left to their own devices, students would rather enjoy time with friends then engage in politics.

However, when students no longer fear for their grades by conforming to their teachers leftist views, moments like the one Soto found herself confronted with are the norm.

If you find yourself facing a similar situation at your school, Campus Reform is here to help!  Contact the Campus Reform staffer for your region for free, personalized assistance.