West Chicago Community High School’s government class’s full session took place in the auditorium on April 17, where students debated and voted on controversial bills they had prepared.
After weeks of preparation, the students in the government class step into the auditorium for a full session, which simulates the legislative process, demonstrating how laws are enacted. Six bills were discussed, which are: Reduce Military Spending, Federal Abortion Rights, Eliminating DEI, Legalize Prostitution, Ban Gender Affirming Care for Minors, and Immigration Custody.
Although this class can be difficult, some find it to be a fun experience. Many students and teachers get excited for a full session day because they get to dress up and express themselves in a positive, civil manner with people who have opposing views.
“Their ideas matter, and that they can work with somebody who has opposing ideas in a positive way,” Joseph Zeman, social studies teacher, said. “I think what they most underestimated is the power that they have to make change and force change.”
Government is a required class; it helps students to have a better understanding of legislation and teaches them to be active, responsible citizens in the future. In class, students learn and practice how laws are created and prepare their own in groups to later on present in committee hearings. The students take leadership roles such as chief executive, speaker of the house, and majority and minority floor teams.
“It’s just important that they understand the process of government, because the government is their government. They control what happens more than they realize,” Roberta Felfle, social studies teacher, said.
The Committee hearings happen before the full session, and multiple groups are discussing a few bills different from those of other groups, which are referred to as a caucus. For the full session, teachers choose which bills will be discussed in the auditorium.
“Make sure they’re staying on top of what they need to do. Their attendance is super important.” Roberta Felfle, social studies teacher, said.
Full Session also features a special guest speaker; this semester, there were five guest speakers: Illinois State Senator Karina Villa, Mayor of West Chicago Daniel Bovey, Melissa Martinez, Jim Zay, and Greg Schwarze, who are all part of the DuPage County Board. They came to WEGO to talk about their jobs and what challenges they have faced and overcome throughout their career. Karina Villa expresses how she loves and appreciates all the work the students put into the legislation.
“Your thoughtfulness and how you want to make sure that this is a better state for everyone,” Villa said. “Remember all of the good people in your life that are there rooting for you, cheering for you, and wanting you to succeed, and that includes your state senators.”
