On Thursday, April 4th, Kean P.U.L.S.E. Programming Board hosted Keanu’s Rights in the Miron Student Center Atrium. This event had the purpose of informing students about their Health rights, Educational rights, and Freedom of Speech. The event included three tables of activities such as Create Your Own Political Cartoon, Do You Know Your Educational Rights? and Know Your Health Rights.
From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Cougars were able to learn about their state rights and treatment that is acceptable and unacceptable regarding their demographics. In addition to the activity tables, guests enjoyed hot dogs, and cotton candy while having the chance to enter a raffle after they completed all the tables.
The event, Keanu’s Rights, stressed the importance of college students knowing their rights as they transition and develop within their college journey. Being aware of your rights and understanding them has many benefits such as encouraging students to speak for themselves and others, creating a safe and welcoming environment, and preparing students for being accountable citizens.
Pauline Haynes, a Medical Lab Science major and freshman from Pennsauken, New Jersey shared details about the event.
“For Keanu’s Rights, we’re just learning about rights that specifically can relate to the students like educational, freedom of speech, and political rights. I’m trying to provide the students with more information so they can like be prepared for certain situations because, with students, there’s a big part that comes with using your voice, freedom of speech, and educational, and health rights, especially with students that are still so young. They don’t know all their rights and might make a mistake so it’s good to know a little bit about what you can do," said Haynes.
Teresa Moran, a Psychology major and freshman from Elizabeth, New Jersey explained what she drew at the political cartoon table.
“I’m drawing for immigration. The President doesn’t have more immigration in your country, but the people [who] immigrate is the most important because these people work more and these people work in warehouses and factories," said Moran.
Terri Taylor, an Elementary Education major and sophomore described what she learned during Keanu’s Rights.
“I learned that if a doctor refuses your age, they have to provide medical treatment services without discrimination based on age, religion, nationality origin, sex, sexual preference, handicap, or diagnosis," said Taylor.
Keanu’s Rights was a successful event that informed Cougars about their rights. Students were able to learn topics and laws that they most likely weren’t aware of before. Keanu’s Rights prepared students to speak on behalf of themselves and others and become reliable citizens.
