'U' holds second forum on allocation of student space

By Robert Gold

Daily Staff Reporter

A panel designed to analyze student group office space allocation listened to student and community concerns yesterday for the last time before it gives its recommendations to University President Lee Bollinger later this week.

The three person group, formed by interim Vice President for Student Affairs E. Royster Harper, is scheduled to pass on its suggestions to Bollinger by this Friday.

Yesterday's public forum, which attracted about 70 people, primarily discussed the Michigan Union Tower societies - Michigamua, Vulcans and Phoenix - and their use of the top three floors of the building.

School of Social Work student Ken Young said many people have been upset by items belonging to Michigamua.

The panel is "attempting to work on policy when what is really needed from the administration and the University is a statement that (this) is wrong," Young said, referring to artifacts many have deemed offensive.

Starting in early February, members of the Students of Color Coalition occupied Michigamua's meeting space for 37 days.

At the event, several members of Vulcans spoke up on behalf of their group.

Engineering senior Steven Laux publicly disclosed his membership to Vulcans for the first time.

"I will no longer remain silent in what I feel has been an attack of our group," Laux said, adding that any accusations of group racism are false.

Many speakers addressed their concerns about the goal and structure of the panel.

School of Social Work student Diego Bernal said the forum needed to be publicized more. "I think the panel should not completely rely on students to gather information," Bernal said. " I would also like to find out if the panel would like to speak to" University legal counsel.

Following the meeting, panel member Patricia Gurin, a psychology professor, said all comments and information given to the panel have been public.

The three member group is also scheduled in October to give Bollinger its recommendations regarding administrative and faculty relationships with student groups.

Social Work associate Prof. Brett Seabury said that the panel should look at issues beyond Michigamua, Vulcans and Phoenix.

Seabury labeled the groups as secret societies and urged the panel to look into the possibility that similar groups exist on campus. "Maybe this is just the tip of the iceberg," Seabury said.

Steve Zalek, a University alum and 1987 member of Michigamua, said the SCC and Michigamua should be able to work out its differences.

"Call me naive, I personally don't believe in any secret society and conspiracy theories," Zalek said. "It wouldn't hurt to talk again."

"This is not about office space. This issue is about the kind of country that we can become. The University of Michigan has publicly undertaken to meet that vision by standing up against those that would dismantle affirmative action. This is the time that foot dragging is unbecoming for a leader like" the University," Rackham student Cedric Deleon said.

Members of Michigauma: New Traditions for a New Millennium did not speak at last night's forum.

- Daily Staff Reporter Lindsey Alpert contributed to this report.