Off course

MSA must tackle issues relevant to campus

Last Tuesday, the Michigan Student Assembly passed a resolution to "condone the life of sanctions on Iraq." This was one of three resolutions that were passed after more than two hours of arguments and debates. In theory, MSA's resolution is sound - it reflects student concern for worldwide issues in time of war and acts of violence. But the resolution is misguided - and MSA is in over its head. The role of student government is not to try and affect international politics, but to deal with issues involving the relationship between University students and the administration. The Code of Student Conduct, which should be abolished for its secretive methods and double jeopardy punishments, is coming up for review this month. MSA worked diligently to compile a report suggesting changes to the Code and should be working to bring the changes to fruition. This is just one issue more pressing - and relevant - to the entire student body than Iraqi politics.

The sanctions were imposed by the United Nations as a means of removing Saddam Hussein from power after Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990. Many people in Iraq have suffered from the extreme shortage of food and medicine - and have died as a result of these imposed sanctions. In passing the resolution, MSA has taken a correct stance on this issue in supporting human rights. But in doing so, MSA is focusing its attention in the wrong direction. MSA President Trent Thompson said "A two hour debate on this topic isn't enough; it takes a lot longer to make sure we are doing the right thing." But it is not MSA's job to "do the right thing" concerning Iraq - its debate wasted time that needed to be spent on other issues.

MSA needs to focus its attention and time on issues that are more closely related to the University. One of the resolutions that was passed during the meeting regarded the raids on parties carried out by the Ann Arbor Police Department - a more practical use of MSA's time.

Later this month, the Code will come up for review. The Code contains policies that affect every student. Currently, there are many problems associated with the Code - most notably, the code acts as a dual process of punishment, as in University football player Jason Brooks's case.

Another issue is MSA's goal of obtaining a student seat on the University Board of Regents. Adding a seat on the board would certainly increase the voice of the students in the administrative sphere.

These are just some of the important issues that will significantly affect students in the future. If MSA is focusing its attention on international issues, pressing University issues might be overlooked during the review process. As a result, the student body will not benefit, but lack the support and leadership that MSA is specifically supposed to provide the student body. MSA should leave international issues aside and concentrate on local issues that will have a greater affect on students. Two hours of deliberation by student government officials will not change the Iraqi sanctions that have been in effect for nine years. But MSA can make significant social impact here on campus - and that is the role of student government.

02-02-99