The Cavalier daily :: Wednesday, February 25, 1970 :: University of Virginia Library

In a move designed to satisfy all
elements without "weakening" its power,
the Student Council acted last night to
accept President Edgar Shannon's
"recognition" but not his "approval" of
the new Council Constitution.

The move was made in reply to
President Shannon's letter of February 16
requesting the submission of the recently
ratified constitution for his "approval."

Citing the standing practice of obtaining
presidential approval for constitutions,
Mr. Shannon wrote that the
constitution "must be submitted to the
President of the University for approval
and consequent delegation of powers
derived from him."

Several Council members disagreed.
"We're a bargaining agent, and if he wants
to delegate power to us, that's fine," said
Councilman Charles Murdock. "But we're
responsible only to the student body, not to
the administration."

Some of the other Council members
objected to the debate, saying, as one
representative remarked, "We haven't been told
to do anything yet, so let's just ask for approval
and proceed as we have been."

President Shannon's letter further noted the
Housing Councils operate through the Council,
and that "In approving this Constitution,
therefore, I do so with the understanding that
Student Council accepts responsibility for
discipline and will include this purpose in its
by-laws."

In addition, Mr. Shannon wrote that "the
President of the University, as with past
Constitutions for student government, reserves
the right to withdraw the powers delegated
pursuant to this Constitution whenever in his
opinion it fails to work in the best interest of
the University."

Some of the Council members cited these
passages in opposing the request for approval,
adding that the authority should rest only with
the students.

"We should tell him we accept his
recognition, but not mention his approval,"
suggested Judy Wellman, representative from
the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Accordingly, Councilman Buzzy Waitzkin
moved that "we write President Shannon
indicating that our relationship with him is
unchanged, that we accept his recognition, and
thanking him for his letter..."

The motion overwhelmingly passed by voice
vote.

In the weekly report on the injunction
involving the Students for a Democratic
Society, attorney John Lowe advised the
Council to allow him to attempt an
out-of-court settlement.

Three law students asked for an injunction
last semester to prevent the Council from
allocating $49 to SDS, alleging that SDS was
"politically oriented" and therefore ineligible
for student activity funds.

The entire Council had been enjoined in the
proceeding, but some doubt was raised whether
the new Council members are legally involved.

Councilman Gene Lockhart asked if those
representatives who voted against the original
allocation could withdraw from the case, but
Mr. Lowe suggested that such action be delayed
until the possibility of a settlement was
investigated.