So it's that time of year again: mass textbook buying. Some would think that the new law signed last year, the Textbook Affordability Act, would help prevent some of the usual headaches that are associated with buying required textbooks.
Unfortunately, it is apparent in these first few days of classes that professors have completely disregarded the bill, which requires them to make it public knowledge 30 days prior to class beginning which texts will be mandatory for that semester. Thus far, I have had to purchase no less than six books that were not made known to me 30 days prior to the first day of class. Hence, I had to purchase them the quickest way possible (bookstore) versus the most affordable way possible (Internet). Heck they weren't even made known to me until the first day of class.
Could the reason be that the law signed by Gov. Charlie Crist does not state a penalty for those instructors/schools that don't adhere to this law? This begs the question, what the hell is the purpose of passing and signing legislation if there are no repercussions for those who knowingly disregard said law?
These professors are supposed to be role models, instructing students to adhere to the rule of law. Yet, when it comes to God knows what sort of backdoor dealings they have with publishing companies and bookstores, the rule of law gets tossed out quicker than the "don't tase me, bro" guy at a John Kerry rally.
This is a very disappointing precedent our instructors have set in regards to following (or in this case, not following) laws we may not be a fan of.
