This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at MSU chapter.
On November 12, students from colleges and universities across the state of Michigan headed to Lansing to advocate for House Bill (HB) 5691. The bill, currently in committee, would change the definition of “employee” in the state constitution to protect workers not compensated for their work, like unpaid interns and volunteers. As the law stands today, it is not illegal for interns and volunteers to be sexually harassed in the workplace. Representative David Knezek, who introduced the bill, and the Michigan Equal Protections for Interns Coalition (MI EPIC), hope to make internships safer in a world that increasingly requires internships for a successful career. Students who have met with representatives reported having positive responses, and there’s a good precedent―similar legislation recently passed in Illinois, Oregon, New York and Washington, D.C. This is an issue likely to resonate with many collegiettes and it’s not too late to make a difference! Want to offer input on HB 5691? Contact your state representative. Every voice counts.