University of Virginia Library

Proposed Constitution's Defeat
Urged In Letter From Ford

Because of the considerable concern expressed by a
large number of students over the fate of the proposed
new student government constitution, the Student Council
is presenting this document to the student body for
ratification or rejection in elections this week.

Earlier the Council had decided, with only one dissenting
vote, not to submit the proposed constitution
to the students. However, having been petitioned by
over 500 students, the Council felt it incumbent upon
itself, because of the great interest displayed, to afford
the entire student body the opportunity to make what
is certainly a decision of great importance. Also on the
ballot will be two amendments to the present Council
constitution.

The Student Council strongly urges the defeat of the
proposed constitution and the passage of the amendments
to the present constitution.

The Council has been preparing the new constitution
since early in the spring semester. However, despite the
lengthy consideration already given the document, the
Council feels that passage at this time would be unwise
because there are a number of significant issues
involved which have not been adequately resolved and
require further deliberation and study.

At the time the Council voted not to present the
new constitution for ratification, there were a number of
points of contention, including the size of the Legislative
Council, eligibility requirements for candidates,
popular election of the President of the Student Council,
the need for a separation of the legislative and executive
branches, and an apportionment plan for the Legislative
Council. The Council has not reached agreement
on any of these issues.

The members of the Council have had more time to
consider and cautiously deliberate on the provisions
of the new constitution than the average student, and we
have not yet reached a consensus. It would be wise for
the student body to allow the Council more time to
study the document. Therefore, the Council recommends
rejection of the new constitution.

Ratification of the two amendments to the present
constitution is recommended. The first will remove the
requirement that 60 per cent of the students vote on an
amendment—a major obstacle to amendments in the
past—and will allow those interested in student government
to more easily make changes deemed desirable. At
the same time, by requiring that two-thirds of those
voting vote in favor of the amendment, it ensures that
a substantial majority of those interested are in favor
of any change.

The second will allow the membership of Council to
expand as the student population and the demands upon
councilmen's time increase. This will permit the Council
to maintain its representative character in a growing
university.