Student organization calls for end to governmental overreach during
pandemic
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[November 20, 2021]
By Kevin Bessler
(The Center Square) – A student
organization with chapters in Illinois is launching a new petition drive
to end what it calls the “endless pandemic.”
Young Americans for Liberty (YAL), with chapters at several Illinois
colleges including Illinois State University, SIU and NIU, is hoping to
rally students, faculty and alumni to stand up for an “America where you
can walk freely and make your own decisions.”
“There is still no end in sight, let alone these lockdowns that have put
people out of work, destroyed businesses and opportunities and made
horrible impacts on mental health, especially for young people,” Chief
of Staff Sean Themea said.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the organization has fought COVID-19
vaccine mandates on 23 college campuses.
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Photo courtesy of Illinois State University
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YAL said they had a chapter located at Western Illinois University, but
a spokesperson disputes the claim.
“Western does not have a registered student
organization known as YAL.” said Darcia Shinberger.
As for COVID-19 guidelines, Shinberger issued the following statement.
“We follow local, state and federal, including CDC, guidelines in
making and enforcing our policies. WIU will continue to make
decisions for the safety and well-being of our University community
based on guidance from health officials at the local, state and
federal levels.”
YAL has also influenced policymaking at the state level, rallying
legislators to fight back against COVID-19 restrictions. Members of
YAL’s Hazlitt Coalition, the organization's network of more than 170
pro-liberty legislators from nearly 40 states, have filed 25 bills
defending citizen’s rights against COVID-related infringements.
The petition, which is expected to garner 100,000 signatures, will
be promoted on social media and circulated on college campuses
around the country. |