[DEFEATED] World University for Peace

[Rotwood]

OOC: there is only something like 50 difference in individuals, though, so it isn't leading on that front by much

[Bears Armed]

"Yo, I'm against dis university stuff. When a broda' or a bi-*censored* needs a mudda' *censored* poppin, you pop one. Forget all this peace and love bull*censored*. Fo'get dat. We needa' represent da' hood up in dis mudda *censored*.

Sounds as though the universal translators need an overhaul again...

[Canadian Eggplants]

So long as there are eggplants available at the lunch buffet...

[Wrapper]

OOC: there is only something like 50 difference in individuals, though, so it isn't leading on that front by much

Yes but four or five nations have turned a close vote into a landslide. I know, them's the rules. Guess I'm advocating an overthrow in all the big GCRs -- a, umm, peaceful one of course.

[Mousebumples]

OOC: there is only something like 50 difference in individuals, though, so it isn't leading on that front by much

Yes but four or five nations have turned a close vote into a landslide. I know, them's the rules. Guess I'm advocating an overthrow in all the big GCRs -- a, umm, peaceful one of course.

FTR, it looks like only 3 of the GCRs have even voted at this point.

Moronist Decisions and Shadow Afforess are both WADs for UCRs.

[Averane]

Nice, original idea. It may certainly be useful to train diplomats specializing in resolving conflict peacefully.

[Kalukmangala]

"This would be more attractive to me, and the nation of Kalukmangala, if the University offered other curriculums, as well. It is my belief that we should be trying to create well rounded individuals with studies in all fields, as opposed to creating a University solely based on peace and diplomacy. If there were other fields offered at the WUP, I believe it would be more attractive to other nations, as well. Possibly having a Core curriculum that is devoted to peace, but then also requiring other elective classes in fields of their choice, and actually being able to obtain those degrees (say in Music or English), while still having that Core education.

I also believe that establishing the University, as well as calling on nations to establish the same curriculum in their respective Universities is overkill. For these reasons, I cannot support the WUP."

[Ballooned]

(3/31/15 UPDATE: Swapped the first two posts in this thread so that the current draft is on top; added current draft, including bylaws. 4/1/15: Fixed grammar errors. 4/3/15: Spelling error, clarified some wording on hiring. 4/5/15: Category: Education and Creativity/Educational. 4/7/15: Preamble edit, clarified degrees, added "conflict resolution", eliminated tuition/scholarships and reduced micromanagement... slightly. 4/8/15: rewrote "HEREBY ESTABLISHES" clauses, moved CALLS FOR clause (for now) to the front. 4/9/15: moved CALLS FOR clause back, abridged title and U name. 4/16/15: Tweaked funding and preamble; SUBMITTED.)

RECOGNIZING that the WA, as a body of nations, should stand for peace and maintain neutrality in all matters of international conflict;

REALIZING that, even in times of strife, it is necessary to implement peace as the endpoint of a war;

YET BELIEVING that worldwide educational resources in peace and conflict resolution are insufficient;

The World Assembly HEREBY ESTABLISHES the Peace Studies Trustee Board (hereafter "the Board"), which shall have the following duties:

I. Founding and administering the World University for Peace (hereafter WUP or "the University"), which shall offer Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees in peace-related studies including but not limited to irenology (peace and conflict studies), conflict resolution, diplomacy, and related international law.

II. Hire faculty and teaching staff based on their academic qualifications with no due regard to their nationality, culture or gender. Faculty must include members of the academic community eminent in the fields of irenology, conflict resolution, diplomacy, and/or related international law.

III. Solicit supplemental funding for the University via private and public donations and voluntary governmental grants, including the land used for WUP campuses. The Board and the University shall not charge students tuition.

IV. Solicit and evaluate feasibility studies from all member nations and determine the location of campuses throughout the world.

V. Submit periodic reports to the WA on the University's progress.

Additionally, the World Assembly:

REQUESTS member nations to submit feasibility studies on the placement of a WUP campus within their borders;

ENCOURAGES those nations where such a campus is not feasible, to allow WUP students and faculty residing within their borders access to virtual WUP classrooms at no additional cost to students and faculty;

MANDATES that member nations allow WUP students residing within their borders the same rights, privileges and responsibilities accorded to other college and university students residing within their borders (including those in student exchanges or study abroad programs), in accordance with applicable national and international laws;

URGES member nations to employ WUP graduates in both public and private sectors, in an effort to promote peace as an alternative to war whenever and wherever feasible;

CALLS FOR member nations to promote peace by adding irenology and related studies to the curricula of their national and government-funded universities.

RECOGNIZING that the WA, as a body of nations, should maintain neutrality in all matters of international conflict;

REALIZING that, even in times of strife, it is necessary to implement peace as the endpoint of a war;

YET BELIEVING that worldwide educational resources in international diplomacy, intercultural relations and post-war resource management are insufficient;

The World Assembly:

I. HEREBY ESTABLISHES the World University for Peace Studies (hereafter WUPS), subject to the following by-laws:
(to be written, will address locations/land grants, staff, curriculum, funding, non-fiscal WA support, scholarships)

II. REQUESTS member nations submit feasibility studies on the placement of a WUPS campus within their borders;

III. ENCOURAGES those nations where such a campus is not feasible, to allow WUPS students and faculty residing within their borders access to virtual WUPS classrooms at minimal or no additional cost to students and faculty;

IV. URGES member nations to employ WUPS graduates in both public and private sectors, in an effort to promote peace as an alternative to war whenever and wherever feasible;

V. MANDATES that member nations allow WUPS students residing within their borders the same rights, privileges and responsibilities accorded to other post-secondary students (including those in student exchanges or study abroad programs) within their borders, in accordance with applicable national and international laws.

[Zercera]

We here in Zercera believe that such a university is easily financially feasible, and should also smooth out international relations and the path to peace. It is our firm belief that the WA's role in countries affairs should be to provide a better life for those inhabiting nations, and war is never conductive to a life. With that in mind, we vote YES.

[The Palentine]

The good but unwholesome Senator Sulla stood up from behind his desk. He was wearing academic robes and a miter cap. He gave a most unpleasant smile to his fellow ambassadors in the Festering Snakepit and said,
"You lucky sods! I wish I could sit around and listen to myself all day. I wish to cast my nation's vote on this here proposal. I've dressed up in appropriate academic garb, and shall now sing to you my response."

The reprobate blows into a pitch-pipe and starts to sing in a fairly passable baritone voice...

"I don't know what they have to say
It makes no difference anyway
Whatever it is, I'm against it!
No matter what it is
Or who commenced it
I'm against it!"

"Your proposition may be good
But let's have one thing understood
Whatever it is, I'm against it!
And even when you've changed it
Or condensed it
I'm against it!"

"I'm opposed to it
On general principles
I'm opposed to it!"
<at this point the other members of the Palentine delegation begins to sing...>

"He's opposed to it
In fact, he says he's opposed to it!"

<the senator resumes his serenade after a beat of music>

"For months before my son was born
I used to yell from night to morn
"Whatever it is, I'm against it!"
And I've kept yelling
Since I first commenced it
"I'm against it!"

The senator finishes his song and says,
"Thank you very much. Now I'm off to play Ride the Kinky Pony with the Thessadorian Ambassador. See you in the funny papers!"
With a spring in his step, the good but unwholesome senator leaves the Festering Snakepit.

[Frustrated Franciscans]

Friar Tuck Ferguson approaches the podium with a ukulele made of cheap wood with a base that looks like a pineapple and begins to sing, while strumming the ukulele.
"Peace is flowing like a river.
"Flowing out through You and me.
"Spreading out into the desert.
"Setting all the captives free."

It is clear that Friar tuck isn't a great guitarist and isn't a great singer for that matter. Brother Maynard comes in drenched in his robe from head to toe. "Who let the bathtub overflow," he asked to Friar Tuck. "I'm pretty sure it wasn't Friar John. Where is he by the way?"

Friar Tuck stopped, clearly frustrated that someone, especially a member of the third order regular, would interrupt his performance. "Isn't he at the stranger's bar drinking another Frangelico on the rocks?"

At that moment Friar John came into the chambers holding a piece of paper in his hands. "No, I called the plumbers. Then I went to the library and wrote up our official response."

The Organic Vegan Commune of Frustrated Franciscans
Official Delegation to the World Assembly
“We praise You, Lord, for Sister Death!”
Friar John Sanders, OFM Ambassador and WA representative
Friar Tuck Ferguson, OFM Assistant Ambassador
Brother Maynard, TOR Keeper of the Holy Hand-grenade

It is the opinion of the representatives of Frustrated Franciscans that the need to create a university institution for the sole purposes of studying irenology, an interdisciplinary effort aiming at the prevention, de-escalation, and solution of conflicts by peaceful means, is a complete waste of time for both this international organization and the institution itself. That this resolution would allow otherwise intelligent and hard working people the opportunity to go abroad and study such a worthless and trivial discipline is only magnified by the requirement that the nations have to hire such people in the public and private sectors. (Especially given the fact that such people do not have to be hired in positions where their education could actually be useful; they might be hired to be janitors for all this resolution cares.)

It is our personal opinion that the only need for a "board" is to whack the representatives from Wrapper in the backsides. True peace can only come about through proper religious devotion. We therefore vote no.

"And Friar Tuck," Friar John added. "I believe your third string is flat."

[Shirklandia]

His Honorable Philip Rasha finds the idea intriguing. However, he questions the feasibility of it. If a nation disapproved of another nation or region there, what would stop the government from preventing its citizens from attending?

[Wrapper]

OOC: Individual nations still in favor by a few percentage points... and the big guns are still churning out against votes. I am however getting a lot of positive feedback, so I am going to pursue the gameside issue -- which as I think about it is a much better fit for an idea like this.

IC: Oh... screw this crap, we're spending the rest of the weekend at the bar. Maybe we can convince Ambassador Hedishi to pass a, umm, "peace pipe" around....

[Applebania]

Joshua stands.
"McMasterdonia hasn't voted yet. There's still hope!"

[Nesixar]

This is odd. There was a huge surge of against votes at the beginning and now the increase on both sides is almost the same. What's happening? There seems to be more than enough support judging by this forum.

[Wrapper]

Joshua stands.
"McMasterdonia hasn't voted yet. There's still hope!"

Neither has the new 10000 Islands delegate. They're likely doing a poll, that's usually how Cerb used to vote.

[Wrapper]

Joshua stands.
"McMasterdonia hasn't voted yet. There's still hope!"

Votes Against: 3,722: McMasterdonia (472)

And still, the individual nations are slightly in favor. Score one against the so-called "lemming effect".

[Zentay]

"A resolution to promote funding and the development of education and the arts"

"World University for Peace"

Okay so which is it? Why is a resolution for peace categorized under education?

[Defwa]

"A resolution to promote funding and the development of education and the arts"

"World University for Peace"

Okay so which is it? Why is a resolution for peace categorized under education?

You should try reading the resolution.
The WA just affirmed its support for the read the resolution resolution. Appreciate that, dammit

[Goddess Relief Office]

This proposal has my support. Granted our region is miniscule next to the top regions so its not worth much.

[Zarkanians]

1 major problem, 1 minor problem:

1. "The world"
We've already established through past (defeated) proposals that the WA acknowledges the existence of a multiverse beyond Earth.

1. "Feasibility studies" and weak phrasing:
You've made this proposal effectively toothless by allowing nations to choose whether they'll allow the existence of these universities in their territory, and you can't actually force anyone to allow students to make the pilgrimage.
Or, as the poet wrote it:

YOU CAN'T MAKE ME YOU CAN'T MAKE ME YOU CAN'T MAKE ME YOU CAN'T MAKE ME YOU CAN'T MAKE ME YOU CAN'T MAKE ME YOU CAN'T MAKE ME YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!

(I am sure that at some point the poet wrote that.)

A personal complaint:
The WA having the ability to dictate the curriculum without taking into account the nation's tech level, cultural and biological uniqueness, etc. is extremely silly.

I realize that it's a little late for corrections now, but if it makes you feel any better, you wouldn't have gotten my vote anyway; Zarkanians is against this on principle.

[The United Federation of Galaxies]

The people of The Collective Assembly of Nations wishes to promote the idea of peace; to that end I, the Delegate to the World Assembly, affirm this resolution.

[Wrapper]

All OOC since my Ambassador is out getting stoned on 4/20 (kids, hugs, not drugs):

1. "The world"
We've already established through past (defeated) proposals that the WA acknowledges the existence of a multiverse beyond Earth.

I used the word world, not earth. After all it's a World Assembly, not an Earth Assembly, that would sponsor this university. If the WA's "world" extends well beyond the earth, then world is the correct word in this context.

1. "Feasibility studies" and weak phrasing:
You've made this proposal effectively toothless by allowing nations to choose whether they'll allow the existence of these universities in their territory, and you can't actually force anyone to allow students to make the pilgrimage.

One, please read Ard's mod ruling earlier in this thread regarding optionality. Two, to put a campus in every nation would be unwieldy and expensive. You don't need a campus in every nation -- especially in those ultra-militaristic "kill the hippies" nations where such students could be unsafe. And three, study abroad is covered under a separate resolution, and duplication, contravention, or reliance on that resolution would likely make this one illegal.

A personal complaint:
The WA having the ability to dictate the curriculum without taking into account the nation's tech level, cultural and biological uniqueness, etc. is extremely silly.

No, this complaint is extremely silly. Since I RP a FT nation (the "puddle jumping" in our name refers to interplanetary wormhole travel) I am very sensitive to making resolutions as generic as possible so they would be applicable to all tech levels. Or, if you prefer a pseudo-IC explanation: The "gnomes" on the board know about tech levels and would hire faculty accordingly for each campus.

I realize that it's a little late for corrections now, but if it makes you feel any better, you wouldn't have gotten my vote anyway; Zarkanians is against this on principle.

Well now, that's the most sensible thing you've written here.

[Hakio]

"Once again fhe rights of individual nations are being trumped by delegates...."

WA Ambassador
~Sia Hedishi

[Separatist Peoples]

"Once again fhe rights of individual nations are being trumped by delegates...."

WA Ambassador
~Sia Hedishi

"Nations who volunteer their voting power to said delegates, and can revoke it at any time..."