Where I Stand -- Laurie Nearhood: Talks beget respect

Editor's note: More than 850 juniors and seniors from area high schools participated in the 45th annual Sun Youth Forum Nov. 21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Students were divided into discussion groups on seven selected topics. Laurie Nearhood of Cheyenne High School tells of her group's opinions on state and local issues.

The Sun Youth Forum is a unique opportunity for students to come together and express their ideas and concerns with their peers and community leaders.

In the Home in Nevada discussion group, key issues included the storage of nuclear waste in Nevada, proficiency examinations, same-sex marriages and the role gambling and alcohol should play in society.

Students expressed concerns about the possibility of nuclear waste being stored at Yucca Mountain. While some fear contamination during transport and storage, the majority of the students felt that the economic benefits outweighed the risks.

The impact of gambling and alcohol on youth has long been debated in Nevada. Students said that living in an environment where alcohol and gambling are always present actually has made alcohol and gambling less appealing. While these students felt they were relatively unaffected by these issues, they recognized that not all of their peers possess the same level of responsibility. Therefore, they supported keeping the legal drinking age at 21.

Students agreed that proficiency examinations are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of Nevada's schools. However, they felt reform is needed. Some argued that the examinations should not be a requirement for graduation. Some students put a great deal of effort into their education but are incapable of comprehending the content being tested. These students need a high school diploma to enter the work force. Everyone agreed that those who wish to attend college should have mastered the skills necessary to pass these tests.

The most heated topic of the day was the legality of same-sex marriages. Emotions flared in the group; opinions were evenly divided. Some students protested that it is a violation of religious beliefs and the sanctity of marriage to recognize same-sex relationships. Others stated that it is not their right to judge choices made by others. Approximately 75 percent of the group supported civil unions as a compromise solution.

Anytime a large number of people discusses complicated issues, disagreement is inevitable. However, there was a high level of respect and maturity displayed at the Sun Youth Forum. Through open-minded consideration, students gained a new perspective on issues. During one discussion alone, more than a third of the students reversed their stance based upon new information presented by their peers.

Those who were fortunate enough to attend the Sun Youth Forum arrived with their own opinions and left with respect for the rights of others to disagree with them.

archive