With the return of chair for the international studies program Dr. Tahir Shad as the advisor of the International Student Council (ISC), some changes are being made involving the club and its activities.
One of the changes occuring within the group is that it is now open to those who are not international studies majors. The club was originally intended for international studies majors only but the is now open to people who simply have an interest in international events and activities the club has to offer.
"The intent of the group involves the academic pursuit of international policies, their relevance, history, future, and so much more I can't believe it," said John Killeen, President of the ISC.
One of the major activities being held for the ISC is the creating of the Amnesty International Chapter, an international human rights group based in England that campaigns against abuse and for human rights.
Additional ISC President Emily Getman said, "We will be writing letters, informing people, and basically campaigning to legislatures, people involved in policy corporative planning, and anyone else that can make a change. We're writing to them, expressing our concerns involving human rights, and making suggestions as to what they can do to improve the situation."
Getman also mentioned reasoning behind the need for an Amnesty Chapter.
"Right now, there is a big problem in the United States with refugees seeking asylum," said Getman. "These refugees are being imprisoned with criminals for an indefinite amount of time, which calls for major concern."
Getman added, "Another important issue involving human rights is the use of tasers, electric shock belts, OC spray, and stun guns. In addition, the whole issue of the death penalty and police brutality is an important aspect that we would like to make known."
There are several activities that will take place in order to further raise the human rights issue and heighten the issue of creating an Amnesty Chapter.
"We will be hosting speakers, organizing faculty lectures, eat sandwiches from brown bags, and also advocate for positive change worldwide; that is, fight for social injustice and economic inequality," said Killeen.
"The lectures will be held by faculty members as well as foreign ambassadors and persons dealing with US foreign policy and also representatives of other countries, international organizations who have views divergent from the US perspective."With the leadership of Dr. Shad, the group will also be taking a trip to Washington D.C. to continue their constant efforts to educate people on the importance of human rights and ending abuse, as well as doing other things to raise awareness on and off campus.
It is highly stressed that although the club is names International Studies Council and was initially intended for international studies majors, all are welcome.
"The majority of the 20-member club are American members, though it is not certainly exclusive," said Killeen. "The point is not to gather internationals, or exchange students, but to gather International Studies majors, into a Council."
The current push for the ISC is creating the Amnesty Chapter.
"Our biggest goal right now is to educate people on the issue of
human rights and abuse," said Getman. "People can write letters,
campaign, hold protests and do whatever they can to raise awareness. We're
not saying that we can change everything, but we're not going to stand by
and let it happen."
300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782