There's a misconception about what "rights" are, and how they're defined. This is a philosophical issue you're bringing up. Let me try to answer these questions for you, as I did my undergrad and graduate studies at two different SUNY schools.
*You're correct, you do have the right to your privacy; however, you living on campus is considered SUNY property. Campus police can come into your dorm room whenever they want if there is evidence that a campus rule is being broken. This is where you have to be smart. Even though they can search the dorm, they cannot search your property (jean pockets, bookbags, your own furniture) unless there is probable cause or a warrant. Don't get mad, be smart. Why continue to live somewhere if you don't like it? Let the school know with your wallet and live off campus.
*Smoking is another issue (which, I'm assuming, is the reason why you brought up your post.). You have the right to smoke. But can't other people have the right to decline breathing 2nd hand smoke? When your action affects someone else, it's not considered a right. Your privilege to smoke around others can only be handled with fairness, hence why they don't want people smoking in the dorm rooms. In addition to this, I'm sure you've been to large gatherings at a house where people are smoking. Then the next day your clothes smell like shit. Are you going to wash my clothes even though I wasn't the one smoking? How about this perspective: That last article you wrote, replace the word "smoke" with "drinking beer". I'm not going to get into the whole issue with drunk driving, but lets say I love to drink beer, I drink so much, I puke all the time and it eventually gets on your clothes. I have the right to drink, but am not responsible for the puke stains on your clothes? I get nauseated by cigarette smoke, and I think it's a good rule. If you had your own house, go for it. I don't care if you smoke.
You seriously need to be a bit more analytical when it comes to defining rights. Another example, I have the right to take a piss. So why I can't I take a piss on you, without me getting a lawsuit, and be charged with a misdemeanor?
There's a simple explanation: I don't care what you do, as long as it doesn't affect anyone else. If it does, there needs to be a fair consensus with the individuals living around you. This is why people in politics cry and act like whiny pieces of shit. Check your ego and your selfishness, then act.
*SUNY Schools are state subsidized. A tuition increase means nothing. You paying your $4500 tuition (+living expensis) doesn't even touch the cost of a private institution. SUNY gets the rest from NYS tax payers (another issue of "rights"). I agree some professors don't deserve their "high" salaries, unfortunately, what some SUNY schools are doing right now are ONLY hiring PHd professors, with no background in teaching. Professors at a SUNY School do not get paid as much as you think they would. New professors with a PHd will only start off anywhere between 45K-75K. Kind of shitty right? Imagine if you went to school for over 10 years, and only get paid 45K, at the end. Essentially it's like this: School wants PHd professors, but the professors with a PHd that CAN actually TEACH (after all, that's what they're there for) wants more pay. So now, the school is left with rookie teachers, or digruntled PHd assholes. Those reviews you give teachers at the end of the semester are important. Be honest, and speak with your professor at the end of the semester and let them know how they did. You'd be surprised at the number of professors who will actually take your words into consideration.
Best of Luck.
- Location: Buffalo
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