2008 Woodie Awards
Senate Causes Debate
Theresa Cevetello
Issue date: 12/11/03 Section: News
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Phi Alpha Psi Senate's Class IV charter was renewed at last week's SGA meeting, although the fraternity is still unrecognized by MSU administration.
Karen Pennington, Vice President of Student Development and Campus Life, said although she respects the SGA's decision, "Considering Senate's record of unproductive behavior, including the injury of a fellow student, the University cannot, in good conscience, consider the recognition of Senate at this time."
During the 2002 Homecoming Parade, Senate behaved in ways that were deemed despicable, inappropriate, and unacceptable by University officials. Their actions included reenactments of the Washington, D.C. sniper attacks and portrayals of Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, O.J. Simpson, and the Unibomber. They also caused injury to an observer after smashing a computer monitor which caused glass and plastic debris to fly into the audience.
The day after Homecoming, administration banned MSU's longest running fraternity from the use of campus property, equipment, facilities, and the ability to function as a student organization on campus.
Instead of Senate losing their charter, the SGA agreed upon sanctions which include a four-year ban from Homecoming events and members of Senate to attend a risk management workshop. Now that the sanctions have been executed, Senate's SGA privileges, such as keeping a mailbox in the office, using the photocopy machine, and sitting in on Greek Council, have been re-instated. The SGA is allowed to have an independent decision from that of administration because it is an incorporated association.
Jacob V. Hudnut, SGA President, said that "hopefully this [the recharterment of Senate] will send a message to administration that students want them back."
At last week's meeting, Hudnut said, "We are voting on an organization that has a seasoned history on this campus and an unquestionable commitment to student life-which is the business we are in."
Karen Pennington, Vice President of Student Development and Campus Life, said although she respects the SGA's decision, "Considering Senate's record of unproductive behavior, including the injury of a fellow student, the University cannot, in good conscience, consider the recognition of Senate at this time."
During the 2002 Homecoming Parade, Senate behaved in ways that were deemed despicable, inappropriate, and unacceptable by University officials. Their actions included reenactments of the Washington, D.C. sniper attacks and portrayals of Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, O.J. Simpson, and the Unibomber. They also caused injury to an observer after smashing a computer monitor which caused glass and plastic debris to fly into the audience.
The day after Homecoming, administration banned MSU's longest running fraternity from the use of campus property, equipment, facilities, and the ability to function as a student organization on campus.
Instead of Senate losing their charter, the SGA agreed upon sanctions which include a four-year ban from Homecoming events and members of Senate to attend a risk management workshop. Now that the sanctions have been executed, Senate's SGA privileges, such as keeping a mailbox in the office, using the photocopy machine, and sitting in on Greek Council, have been re-instated. The SGA is allowed to have an independent decision from that of administration because it is an incorporated association.
Jacob V. Hudnut, SGA President, said that "hopefully this [the recharterment of Senate] will send a message to administration that students want them back."
At last week's meeting, Hudnut said, "We are voting on an organization that has a seasoned history on this campus and an unquestionable commitment to student life-which is the business we are in."