One year ago, Charlton Heston, famed movie star and President of the National Rifle Association, came to speak at Saint Louis University. At last night’s Student Government Association meeting, the Senate approved another well-known speaker: Ralph Nader.
The bill to approve the Great Issues Committee selections for the major speakers of the year was approved by acclamation. The bill confirms that a debate surrounding the pros and cons of Napster between Ted Myers of Rhino Records and Chuck D., a widely acclaimed musician.
Controversy arose regarding where Nader would speak and what his presentation would entail.
Fusz Hall Senator Mike Benoist questioned whether Nader would be allowed to speak since former Vice President Dan Quayle was not allowed to speak several years ago.
Phil Lyons, director of Student Life, clarified that Quayle was not allowed to speak, as he was already declared a presidential candidate.
Another major concern was where to host a speaker of Nader’s caliber. Tricia Fechter, chair of the Great Issues Committee, said that the St. Louis Room would not be large enough, holding only 700 people according to fire code.
An additional option is St. Francis Xavier College Church. Several senators voiced concerns about Nader representing the pro-choice movement and whether those views would be appropriate to be presented in a Catholic church.
Senator Paul Woody, Arts and Sciences, said Nader was coming to speak about third-party politics and not abortion. “It’s not a big deal. College Church was just an idea. We have no problem moving from it if necessary,” Woody said.
Dan Schniedermeier, Social Service Senator, was in favor of inviting Nader SLU. “All students would benefit from hearing his issues,” Schniedermeier said. “I didn’t vote for him so I can say with no partisan bias, but I think he would be a very informational speaker.”
Other Business
All five of the bills for the Finance Committee’s spot funding for the fall semester were approved.
The International Student Federation was awarded spot funding because they “incurred unforeseen costs.” Also, the Cricket Club received funding for “the need for an initial capital expenditure for equipment imperative for the playing of cricket,” according to the bill.
Financial Vice President Dane Salazar said the Cricket Club presented a well organized and thought-out proposal for funding. “They asked for uniforms and equipment. As it is, they are only getting enough money for equipment,” he said.
The African American Studies Society was allotted no funds. The society is in the process of trying to restart and had no clear goals as to how to spend their non-specified amount of requested funds, according to Salazar.
Salazar stated the club has extremely high dues on top of purchasing their own equipment. “They do fundraising and generate corporate revenue,” he said, “more so than any other organization on campus.”
Finally, the Black Student Alliance was allotted funds to cover Black History Month including keynote speaker Lesra Martin, attorney and literacy advocate.
“This money will cover not only the speaker, but at least two events every week throughout the month,” said Ricardo Fernandez, BSA senator.
Also in other news, a resolution was passed “to require the Office of Financial Aid to keep a database of scholarships and loan opportunities for international students offered by agencies outside the University.”
“Historically, international students have not been given adequate scholarships,” according to Darrell Bradley, International Student Federation President.
Tanya Usher-Musa, ISF senator, stated the importance of this resolution. “I know as an international student, it’s hard to come to this school,” she said. “We definitely need more scholarship opportunities for these students.”
During the open forum, Commuter Senator Rich Bergin introduced the issue of campus security. Installing security cameras and security booths in the parking lots is essential to campus safety, according to Bergin. Since 1997, approximately 56 incidents have been reported in the lots, he said.
“I shouldn’t have to park my car and wonder what’s going to happen to it while I’m gone,” Bergin said.
The main excuse for not implementing these security measures is money, according to Bergin. “There is no price for safety,” Bergin said.
President Jay Perry said he’s sick of the term “cost-effective.” “If I had a dollar for every time I heard `cost effective’ we would have enough money for a new student union.”
