The following is the official 2014/2015 S-PAC at NYU policy platform as decided by our current membership.
School Choice & Education Policy:
Student PAC believes that America’s education system needs significant improvements to better serve our children and prepare them for the job market of the future. Public schools need dramatic improvement, starting with reforming the teacher tenure process so that the best teachers are paid more and keep their jobs while poor teachers are required to improve if they wish to keep their jobs. Education also requires increased involvement from parents, and control over funding and testing standards should be kept at the local and state levels instead of at the federal level, although the federal government should increase the funding it provides to local school districts. School choice, while good in theory, limits America’s ability to improve its public school system, which is designed to benefit everyone regardless of income level.
Poverty & Welfare Reform:
Student PAC at NYU believes that poverty continues to be a serious problem in America today and that policy solutions are needed to help those in need. Because work levels are dramatically low for those below the poverty line, we believe that welfare programs should strive to find employment for those receiving benefits. However, Student PAC opposes placing strict work requirements on food stamps for fear that needy Americans may be pushed further into poverty. Furthermore, we oppose expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit to non-custodial parents, as data shows that the EITC does not succeed in increasing work levels. However, we support legislation that would force companies to provide paid maternity leave. The policy would help strengthen families and provide financial security for mothers at a time when they take on large, new expenses.
Entitlement Reform:
Student PAC understands and values the importance of America’s major entitlement programs (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid) for improving the quality of life for the elderly, the poor, and the disabled. However, we are aware of the growing cost of these programs and the strain they place on the nation’s financial resources. It is imperative that reforms be made to ensure that these programs are there to help future generations of Americans. Student PAC supports various reform proposals from both parties, including raising eligibility ages for Social Security and Medicare, reducing benefits for those at the top of the income distribution, and setting a realistic cap on the annual growth of entitlement programs. Benefits should not be cut for those already receiving benefits or near retirement, but steps must be taken to ensure the growing cost of entitlement programs does not consume so much of the federal budget that money must be diverted from other important programs such as national defense or education.
Climate Change:
In order to cut its carbon emissions, the United States should continue to pursue clean sources of energy including solar, wind, and nuclear power. Rather than have the EPA impose costly regulations on energy businesses, the government should offer tax credits and other incentives to clean energy companies. The United States has a responsibility to reduce its own carbon footprint, but it should not enter into costly international agreements that allow other nations to free-ride on American efforts. The United States should lead the way on this issue by continuing to pursue clean energy sources regardless of what the rest of the world does.
Gun Control:
The Second Amendment to the US Constitution explicitly grants the right to keep and bear arms, but like the First Amendment right to freedom of speech, this freedom is not unlimited. States should ensure that a proper background check system is in place to prevent guns from falling into the hands of criminals or those with mental illnesses. Americans should be allowed to own guns for the purposes of self-defense, hunting, or sport, but guns with high magazine capacities or high firepower should be restricted. States should be allowed to vary in their gun laws, as different cities and states will have different problems with gun violence and vastly different gun ownership rates.
Illegal Immigration:
America's immigration system needs serious, bi-partisan reform. This reform must include provisions to tighten border security to prevent future illegal immigration, but a pathway to citizenship must be offered for those currently in the US. Current refugee children should be granted sanctuary and enrolled in public schools, but the border must first be secured to encourage legal immigration in the future.
ISIS:
ISIS poses a very real threat to the stability of the Middle East and the security of the United States. The ISIS threat warrants a strong response from America and its allies in the region. The President should establish an international coalition to oppose ISIS, one that includes Middle Eastern nations who must fight against the advance of terrorist groups to preserve their own stability and security. However, the United States should not intervene in the Syrian civil war or appear to support the Assad regime. The President should order an aggressive campaign of airstrikes to destroy ISIS and must consider the option of sending American ground troops if the situation becomes more dire and American lives continue to be threatened. Arms should not be provided to groups that will eventually turn the against America. As commander-in-chief, President Obama must respond to ISIS immediately to protect the American homeland and not wait on a divided Congress to vote to show its support.
Student Loan Debt:
Student loan debt is a massive problem in America that will severely hinder current generations that are assuming more proactive and direct roles in the national economy and socio-political spectrum. It will also hurt older generations that are dependent on programs such as Social Security or Medicare that are funded through payroll taxes. The government should help financially-burdened families send their children to college, but it should not be giving out so much money that universities continue raising tuition rates in order to receive more money in federal grants. Loan interest rates should be lowered so that they can be more affordable for the families that qualify for them and need them, but these loans should not be handed out freely. In addition, eligibility requirements should be raised in order to make sure that the right amount of loans are being given out to families and students who will pay them back rather than continue to provide large loans to students and families who will fail to repay them. Future grants should also be structured similar to the Pell Grant, where aid is disbursed based on the classes taken.
Income Inequality:
Income inequality has been growing rapidly in recent years under both Republican and Democratic administrations. Since the 2008 recession, economic policies have largely benefited the wealthy, who are able to invest in places like the stock market at very low interest rates, while the middle and lower classes are not able to take advantage of these policies. This has allowed the wealthy to prosper while the majority of Americans have struggled to recover from the recession. While we believe that taxes should not be raised on the wealthy, who create jobs and drive the economy, Student PAC believes that the federal government should raise the minimum wage to help those at the bottom of the income distribution. Ultimately, income inequality is not bad as long as all Americans share in the prosperity. As long as everyone is made better off, economic policies should allow businesses to prosper in order to create jobs and expand opportunities for everyone.
Israel:
In accordance with the policies of the Bush and Obama administrations, Student PAC supports a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The US should play an active role in mediating peace talks between the two states and encourage non-violent engagement. However, we believe that Israel has the right to defend itself against attacks by Hamas and is allowed under the rules of war to retaliate even if it causes some Palestinian causalities. The US has rightfully designated Hamas as a terrorist organization for its stated mission of destroying Israel, and it should continue to provide aid to Israel that supports its Iron Dome missile defense systems.
Capital Punishment:
Student PAC does not support the use of the death penalty. Studies have shown that capital punishment does not deter crime, and proper justice does not permit the government to take the life of an individual even if they have committed a heinous crime. Furthermore, advances in forensic science have helped free individuals who were wrongly convicted of a crime and sentenced to death. States should not be allowed to execute convicted criminals if there is any possibility that new evidence could prove their innocence.
War on Drugs:
Student PAC supports legislation that treats drug abuse as more of a health issue than a criminal justice issue. Mandatory minimum sentences should be reduced or repealed, as the United States currently has the highest incarceration rates in the world due to drug convictions. Furthermore, states should be allowed to decriminalize or legalize medical and recreational marijuana if they so choose. Student PAC also supports the legalization of recreational marijuana by the states since criminalizing it has proven to be costly and an unnecessary infringement on personal liberty. The Federal government should not classify marijuana as a Schedule One drug and should consider revising its protocol for DEA drug busts, which has proven to be too aggressive.
Racial Discrimination and Police Brutality:
The fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, by a police officer is a tragedy, and a fair investigation needs to be conducted to figure out exactly what happened and why. To avoid partiality towards the police, a special prosecutor should be commissioned, and the FBI should conduct a civil rights investigation to determine if the police officer unfairly profiled Michael Brown due to his skin color. Across America, police officers are far too often using excessive force to make arrests or keep our communities safe. Police forces should have the resources necessary to protect citizens and maintain order, but they should not be given military-style weapons. The American justice system must also be reformed such that it no longer unfairly incarcerates African-Americans and Latinos, whom statistics show are far more likely to be targeted, frisked, and arrested by police.
Keystone XL Pipeline:
Given the environmental problems it presents and the relatively few jobs it will create, Student PAC opposes the construction of the Keystone pipeline. The Keystone pipeline seeks to bring oil from Canada's oil sands, which emits 17% more greenhouse gases than normal oil, across the Ogallala aquifer, which supplies clean water to millions of Americans. Not only would the Keystone pipeline contribute to climate change, but it would potentially endanger a valuable clean water source. Student PAC supports reducing American dependence on foreign oil, but foreign oil should be replaced by clean energy alternatives.
Divestment:
Student PAC at NYU supports NYU Divest’s efforts to lobby NYU to sell its investments in fossil fuel companies. Because Student PAC believes that climate change is a serious threat to the sustainability of our planet, we believe that NYU should not attempt to profit from an industry that is accelerating the pace of climate change. NYU should instead immediately invest its endowment funds in energy companies that are attempting to make clean energy sources more accessible and affordable. Although NYU’s investments in fossil fuel corporations are small compared with the size of today’s energy companies, we believe that NYU can make a tremendous impact by sparking further discussion about the importance of aligning investments with moral convictions and that, in turn, this discussion will lead to more universities and corporations divesting from fossil fuel corporations.
Open Primaries:
Student PAC believes that every student at NYU should actively participate in the political arena. As such, Student PAC opposes closed primary elections as they currently exist in New York. Although over 40 percent of voters are registered as Independents, they are unable to vote in primary elections and decide which candidates are best fit to hold elected office. We support the work of groups like Open Primaries as they lobby the State of New York to allow Independents to vote in primary elections. Student PAC believes that government best serves the people when the people control who serves in government. Therefore, primary elections should be open to all Americans of legal voting age regardless of their party affiliation.
Iran Nuclear Agreement
Student PAC supports the efforts of the Obama administration to reach a diplomatic agreement with Iran. We believe that the United States should do all it can to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon as it would greatly destabilize the region and enhance the possibility of war between Iran and Israel. Iran has not been transparent about its nuclear program in the past, so any deal with the United States must include provisions to allow inspectors short-notice access to all nuclear facilities. Student PAC supports reaching an agreement that removes sanctions and allow’s Iran to develop nuclear energy capabilities, but the United States must verify that no weapons are being made. While negotiations have been shaky thus far, failure to reach a diplomatic agreement would allow Iran to continue pursuing a nuclear weapon with no supervision. Therefore, it is imperative that the United States reach a diplomatic solution with Iran.
Student PAC believes that America’s education system needs significant improvements to better serve our children and prepare them for the job market of the future. Public schools need dramatic improvement, starting with reforming the teacher tenure process so that the best teachers are paid more and keep their jobs while poor teachers are required to improve if they wish to keep their jobs. Education also requires increased involvement from parents, and control over funding and testing standards should be kept at the local and state levels instead of at the federal level, although the federal government should increase the funding it provides to local school districts. School choice, while good in theory, limits America’s ability to improve its public school system, which is designed to benefit everyone regardless of income level.
Poverty & Welfare Reform:
Student PAC at NYU believes that poverty continues to be a serious problem in America today and that policy solutions are needed to help those in need. Because work levels are dramatically low for those below the poverty line, we believe that welfare programs should strive to find employment for those receiving benefits. However, Student PAC opposes placing strict work requirements on food stamps for fear that needy Americans may be pushed further into poverty. Furthermore, we oppose expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit to non-custodial parents, as data shows that the EITC does not succeed in increasing work levels. However, we support legislation that would force companies to provide paid maternity leave. The policy would help strengthen families and provide financial security for mothers at a time when they take on large, new expenses.
Entitlement Reform:
Student PAC understands and values the importance of America’s major entitlement programs (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid) for improving the quality of life for the elderly, the poor, and the disabled. However, we are aware of the growing cost of these programs and the strain they place on the nation’s financial resources. It is imperative that reforms be made to ensure that these programs are there to help future generations of Americans. Student PAC supports various reform proposals from both parties, including raising eligibility ages for Social Security and Medicare, reducing benefits for those at the top of the income distribution, and setting a realistic cap on the annual growth of entitlement programs. Benefits should not be cut for those already receiving benefits or near retirement, but steps must be taken to ensure the growing cost of entitlement programs does not consume so much of the federal budget that money must be diverted from other important programs such as national defense or education.
Climate Change:
In order to cut its carbon emissions, the United States should continue to pursue clean sources of energy including solar, wind, and nuclear power. Rather than have the EPA impose costly regulations on energy businesses, the government should offer tax credits and other incentives to clean energy companies. The United States has a responsibility to reduce its own carbon footprint, but it should not enter into costly international agreements that allow other nations to free-ride on American efforts. The United States should lead the way on this issue by continuing to pursue clean energy sources regardless of what the rest of the world does.
Gun Control:
The Second Amendment to the US Constitution explicitly grants the right to keep and bear arms, but like the First Amendment right to freedom of speech, this freedom is not unlimited. States should ensure that a proper background check system is in place to prevent guns from falling into the hands of criminals or those with mental illnesses. Americans should be allowed to own guns for the purposes of self-defense, hunting, or sport, but guns with high magazine capacities or high firepower should be restricted. States should be allowed to vary in their gun laws, as different cities and states will have different problems with gun violence and vastly different gun ownership rates.
Illegal Immigration:
America's immigration system needs serious, bi-partisan reform. This reform must include provisions to tighten border security to prevent future illegal immigration, but a pathway to citizenship must be offered for those currently in the US. Current refugee children should be granted sanctuary and enrolled in public schools, but the border must first be secured to encourage legal immigration in the future.
ISIS:
ISIS poses a very real threat to the stability of the Middle East and the security of the United States. The ISIS threat warrants a strong response from America and its allies in the region. The President should establish an international coalition to oppose ISIS, one that includes Middle Eastern nations who must fight against the advance of terrorist groups to preserve their own stability and security. However, the United States should not intervene in the Syrian civil war or appear to support the Assad regime. The President should order an aggressive campaign of airstrikes to destroy ISIS and must consider the option of sending American ground troops if the situation becomes more dire and American lives continue to be threatened. Arms should not be provided to groups that will eventually turn the against America. As commander-in-chief, President Obama must respond to ISIS immediately to protect the American homeland and not wait on a divided Congress to vote to show its support.
Student Loan Debt:
Student loan debt is a massive problem in America that will severely hinder current generations that are assuming more proactive and direct roles in the national economy and socio-political spectrum. It will also hurt older generations that are dependent on programs such as Social Security or Medicare that are funded through payroll taxes. The government should help financially-burdened families send their children to college, but it should not be giving out so much money that universities continue raising tuition rates in order to receive more money in federal grants. Loan interest rates should be lowered so that they can be more affordable for the families that qualify for them and need them, but these loans should not be handed out freely. In addition, eligibility requirements should be raised in order to make sure that the right amount of loans are being given out to families and students who will pay them back rather than continue to provide large loans to students and families who will fail to repay them. Future grants should also be structured similar to the Pell Grant, where aid is disbursed based on the classes taken.
Income Inequality:
Income inequality has been growing rapidly in recent years under both Republican and Democratic administrations. Since the 2008 recession, economic policies have largely benefited the wealthy, who are able to invest in places like the stock market at very low interest rates, while the middle and lower classes are not able to take advantage of these policies. This has allowed the wealthy to prosper while the majority of Americans have struggled to recover from the recession. While we believe that taxes should not be raised on the wealthy, who create jobs and drive the economy, Student PAC believes that the federal government should raise the minimum wage to help those at the bottom of the income distribution. Ultimately, income inequality is not bad as long as all Americans share in the prosperity. As long as everyone is made better off, economic policies should allow businesses to prosper in order to create jobs and expand opportunities for everyone.
Israel:
In accordance with the policies of the Bush and Obama administrations, Student PAC supports a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The US should play an active role in mediating peace talks between the two states and encourage non-violent engagement. However, we believe that Israel has the right to defend itself against attacks by Hamas and is allowed under the rules of war to retaliate even if it causes some Palestinian causalities. The US has rightfully designated Hamas as a terrorist organization for its stated mission of destroying Israel, and it should continue to provide aid to Israel that supports its Iron Dome missile defense systems.
Capital Punishment:
Student PAC does not support the use of the death penalty. Studies have shown that capital punishment does not deter crime, and proper justice does not permit the government to take the life of an individual even if they have committed a heinous crime. Furthermore, advances in forensic science have helped free individuals who were wrongly convicted of a crime and sentenced to death. States should not be allowed to execute convicted criminals if there is any possibility that new evidence could prove their innocence.
War on Drugs:
Student PAC supports legislation that treats drug abuse as more of a health issue than a criminal justice issue. Mandatory minimum sentences should be reduced or repealed, as the United States currently has the highest incarceration rates in the world due to drug convictions. Furthermore, states should be allowed to decriminalize or legalize medical and recreational marijuana if they so choose. Student PAC also supports the legalization of recreational marijuana by the states since criminalizing it has proven to be costly and an unnecessary infringement on personal liberty. The Federal government should not classify marijuana as a Schedule One drug and should consider revising its protocol for DEA drug busts, which has proven to be too aggressive.
Racial Discrimination and Police Brutality:
The fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, by a police officer is a tragedy, and a fair investigation needs to be conducted to figure out exactly what happened and why. To avoid partiality towards the police, a special prosecutor should be commissioned, and the FBI should conduct a civil rights investigation to determine if the police officer unfairly profiled Michael Brown due to his skin color. Across America, police officers are far too often using excessive force to make arrests or keep our communities safe. Police forces should have the resources necessary to protect citizens and maintain order, but they should not be given military-style weapons. The American justice system must also be reformed such that it no longer unfairly incarcerates African-Americans and Latinos, whom statistics show are far more likely to be targeted, frisked, and arrested by police.
Keystone XL Pipeline:
Given the environmental problems it presents and the relatively few jobs it will create, Student PAC opposes the construction of the Keystone pipeline. The Keystone pipeline seeks to bring oil from Canada's oil sands, which emits 17% more greenhouse gases than normal oil, across the Ogallala aquifer, which supplies clean water to millions of Americans. Not only would the Keystone pipeline contribute to climate change, but it would potentially endanger a valuable clean water source. Student PAC supports reducing American dependence on foreign oil, but foreign oil should be replaced by clean energy alternatives.
Divestment:
Student PAC at NYU supports NYU Divest’s efforts to lobby NYU to sell its investments in fossil fuel companies. Because Student PAC believes that climate change is a serious threat to the sustainability of our planet, we believe that NYU should not attempt to profit from an industry that is accelerating the pace of climate change. NYU should instead immediately invest its endowment funds in energy companies that are attempting to make clean energy sources more accessible and affordable. Although NYU’s investments in fossil fuel corporations are small compared with the size of today’s energy companies, we believe that NYU can make a tremendous impact by sparking further discussion about the importance of aligning investments with moral convictions and that, in turn, this discussion will lead to more universities and corporations divesting from fossil fuel corporations.
Open Primaries:
Student PAC believes that every student at NYU should actively participate in the political arena. As such, Student PAC opposes closed primary elections as they currently exist in New York. Although over 40 percent of voters are registered as Independents, they are unable to vote in primary elections and decide which candidates are best fit to hold elected office. We support the work of groups like Open Primaries as they lobby the State of New York to allow Independents to vote in primary elections. Student PAC believes that government best serves the people when the people control who serves in government. Therefore, primary elections should be open to all Americans of legal voting age regardless of their party affiliation.
Iran Nuclear Agreement
Student PAC supports the efforts of the Obama administration to reach a diplomatic agreement with Iran. We believe that the United States should do all it can to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon as it would greatly destabilize the region and enhance the possibility of war between Iran and Israel. Iran has not been transparent about its nuclear program in the past, so any deal with the United States must include provisions to allow inspectors short-notice access to all nuclear facilities. Student PAC supports reaching an agreement that removes sanctions and allow’s Iran to develop nuclear energy capabilities, but the United States must verify that no weapons are being made. While negotiations have been shaky thus far, failure to reach a diplomatic agreement would allow Iran to continue pursuing a nuclear weapon with no supervision. Therefore, it is imperative that the United States reach a diplomatic solution with Iran.