Youths divided on refugees, united on legal pot

By Anthony Martinez

Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015 | 2 a.m.

What’s on our teenagers’ minds? In its 59th year, the Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum is intended to answer just that question. The annual gathering, which this year attracted about 1,000 students, provides an opportunity for public high school juniors and seniors to discuss issues of the day in groups of 40 or so students moderated by a community leader. Each group selected one of its participants to reflect on the experience. This column is written by Anthony Martinez, a senior at Desert Oasis High School. Publisher and Editor Brian Greenspun is turning over his “Where I Stand” column to these young adults, who have something to say.

Youth Forum participants addressing the topic “Home Means Nevada” discussed serious issues regarding the Battle Born State, including education, lack of qualified teachers, immigration control and legalization of marijuana.

Education was one of the greater topics discussed, and the one that will affect most of the kids in the room. Everyone agreed we did not have enough qualified teachers, our Advanced Placement classes are being taught by long-term substitutes and, as Cat from Cheyenne High School said, not enough teachers are invested in their students; a majority are young and some are still in training. Another student said his school was ranked as a five-star school last year and a four-star school this year, and he wonders if it’s due to the influx of substitute teachers instead of qualified instructors. We agreed we want teachers who are ready and qualified to teach.

A majority of the delegates agreed immigration was a touchy subject, and we learned some students could relate personally to the issue. Students raised their voices when debating the topic. One said, “Immigration will happen. It’s inevitable,” and another said, “Most people view immigrants as terrible criminals, and Syrian refugees as terrorists, but they are seeking equality along with a better life.” Others said undocumented immigrants take the bare-minimum jobs, and that we should reform the system instead of making them build a wall between those who are undocumented and hope.

The group specifically discussed Syrian refugees, with two sets of ideas emerging. Another group of students wished to abstain because they admitted not knowing enough about the topic. Some exclaimed, “This is the home of the free! But don’t we want to protect it?” Everyone in the room agreed we must speed up the process of allowing refugees in Nevada. But we were evenly split on whether we needed background checks on Syrian refugees who have been suffering for months and are seeking asylum from further torture.

The most agreed-upon topic was the legalization of marijuana use and possession. It is beneficial for people and should be legalized for recreational use. Possession of marijuana is the 14th-highest reason for arrests. Colorado is having success with legalized marijuana, with a dropping crime rate and a great source of tax income for the state. Students agreed that the money could go to great use in Nevada. We enjoyed and encouraged the idea of more education funds and boosting the Nevada economy for our future.