Opinions

To the Spectator—

Your most recent staff editorial, A Call to Discussion, claims that the Student Union (SU) has not “objectively considered the SU-College Office switch,” an assumption that we fear that Parents’ Association (PA), some students and other constituents have come to as well. This could not be further from the truth.

Naturally, as an organization that has operated out of the SU offices for some time, we have some sentimental attachment to that space. But it is unfair to assume that we, as student leaders, have not evaluated both sides of this proposal objectively and thoroughly. Not only did we engage in a lengthy and comprehensive discussion specific to this issue prior to that actual vote, but SU members have also discussed this issue countless times within our own organization and with other students and organizations as well as at Student Leadership Team meetings for the past several months.

As far as the students are concerned, we have come to an agreement on this issue. The SU offices—SU, Big Sibs, Spectator, and ARISTA—are student spaces. This is how we see it now and will continue to see it. This debate should not be a recurring issue that detracts from the other operations of all parties involved. It was neither the students nor the college office that initiated this proposal and seeing as neither the administration nor the students have shown themselves to be strong proponents of the switch, it is certainly not a space for the PA to divide and distribute as they see fit. We are always eager for student input and encourage our peers to speak their views, but we ask that the PA and the administration respect our decision concerning this issue.

—Jamila Ma & James Kim
Student Union President and Vice President ‘07-‘08