To the Editor:
The following is in response to last week’s letter from Douglas Thomas, the president of the University’s Democrats. While I understand his frustration over not meeting the encumbrance placed on him by the Student Government Association, it is unrealistic of him to place the blame of his particular situation on student government. As a former member of SGA and two-time president of an SGA club, Thomas should have been aware of the rules governing encumbrances. If he was unclear as to the requirements put on the University’s Democrats, he should have followed the lead of the African People’s Organization, Hofstra’s Organization for Latin Americans and numerous other clubs and simply asked to have the rules explained to him. These organizations took the initiative to have their encumbrances lifted and were successful.
The reason the University Democrats lost the money allocated to them to bring in Jesse Jackson is not because they were unable to bring him to the University-it is because Thomas failed to inquire about his case until after the Nov. 1 deadline had passed. In my personal communication with Jesse Jackson’s personal assistant, the Office of Student Activities and Thomas, it was made clear to all parties that Jackson would be unable to come to the University until at least February. While SGA absolutely would have analyzed the circumstances and allowed the University Democrats to keep the allotted amount had they inquired before the Nov. 1 deadline, they did not and the money was subsequently removed from their budget. As a member of the University Democrats myself, I feel this outcome is unfortunate-however, SGA must hold this club to the same standard we hold every club on this campus.
Student Government has been in contact with Jackson since February of this year and is working hard to improve multi-cultural programming and issues of race relations on campus. Already SGA has held well-attended meetings to open up a dialogue on race relations, and we have set aside an additional $10,000 for cultural events.
It is the goal of SGA to make sure all clubs are not just running effectively, but thriving. I encourage Thomas and all club presidents to ask any and all questions that will help them do so. If any student, club or organization has questions for SGA, I encourage you to e-mail us at [email protected], call us at x6960, or simply stop by our office located in Room 207 of the Student Center. I promise you will be greeted with a smile.
Olin Grant Parker
Student Government Association Vice President