Fight for your right

ACLU's party handbook a necessity for all

n an effort to inform students of their rights while having a good time, the University branch of the American Civil Liberties Union recently published "House Party Handbook: Know Your Rights." This informational brochure covers topics such as "how to keep the cops away" from festivities, "how to handle [them]" if they show up, and "how to avoid getting caught for doing illegal things." It even comes complete with cutout signs that students can post to prevent unauthorized entry by civilians and officers alike.

The ACLU should be applauded for its efforts to educate the student population. Such knowledge will help guard against students unwittingly forfeiting their right to privacy. Not many people know that police officers often do not have jurisdiction to enter a party. They are only allowed to enter a building in three circumstances: If they have a search or arrest warrant, if there is a 'real emergency' inside the house (e.g.: if they hear a cry for help), or if the resident allows them inside. The Ann Arbor police often trick students into incorrectly believing that they are allowed inside. In such cases the spirit of the constitutionally protected right to privacy is violated, even if the letter of the law is not.

It is important to note, however, that in no way does the ACLU encourage illegal behavior. The handbook specifically states the best way to avoid getting caught for illegal activity is to not commit such crimes in the first place. It recommends checking ID's and warns against selling alcohol. The handbook aims to prevent students from unintentionally breaking laws they do not understand, not to teach students how to commit crimes without getting caught.

By writing about this issue, the ACLU addressed an extremely relevant topic to students' daily lives. Even though the handbook may not address typical civil rights issues, it does inform students of valuable civil liberties here on campus.