The Civil Rights and Vietnam era democratic protests fade into the rich tapestry of United States history as bright stitches of democratic ideals as a new generation of college students sits complacently in the face of myriad political and social issues. Let’s not miss out on our rights where they count.

A protest against the University of North Alabama’s proposed move to Division I is planned for Monday, March 14 at the UNA Amphitheatre. This protest will take place during the Board of Trustees meeting on the issue, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Apparently, the Amphitheatre was chosen as the site of the protest due to its visibility from the GUC Loft where the Board of Trustees meeting will take place.

This protest isn’t quite as serious as the ones erupting in the Middle East, Italy and Wisconsin, but it represents a fantastic opportunity for UNA students to exercise their First Amendment rights. In a student referendum vote, the majority of UNA students voted against the proposed move from Division II to Division I.

Of course, UNA isn’t a sovereign democratic nation, and it’s nice that the students were considered in the vote at all-but the Board of Trustees will ultimately decide whether or not UNA makes the move.

Some students feel that UNA has planned to make the move from the outset, and that the referendum was just a formality. I will not push my views on the issue, but, for it or against it, it has felt like the move to Division I has been a sure thing all along.

Regardless of any concerns pertaining to UNA’s predisposition to the move, a peaceful protest provides a prime opportunity for those who are against the move to express themselves. I encourage every student who is against the move to attend the planned demonstration-and for those who are for it, plan another demonstration.

Why not? Every student deserves to be heard on this issue. Students have historically advocated non-complacency and nonconformity. As students of a new generation, we cannot complacently sit by and have decisions made for us. To those who voted: good job. To those who care one way or the other: demonstrate your views.

Even the most scathing Facebook status does not match the potency of a physical protest seen by the UNA Board of Trustees from the GUC Loft. In fact, put the status you would have posted on Facebook on a picket sign, so the trustees can read it.

Unlike the protestors of the Middle East, UNA students do not have to fear tear gas and police brutality. Kudos to the UNA administration for that.

Complacency accomplishes nothing-let’s have our voices heard on this issue, and any others that may arise.