University of Virginia Library

Council's Forum

Mr. Shannon has said again and again that
he is more than willing to receive any and all
student proposals if they are forwarded to
him through the "proper channels," the Student
Council. He has demonstrated his willingness
to do so in the past, and he has
demonstrated his unwillingness to receive student
proposals from other sources in the past.
Regardless of that, however, there is no doubt
that he is more likely at any time to give a
proposal more rapid and serious consideration
if it comes to him in the manner he requests.
Experience has shown this to true. Thus
the Student Council's role as the "proper
channel" through which student proposals
will meet with the most receptiveness is
obviously crucial.

The Council and its own interpretation of
its role should be of vital concern to every
student who is dissatisfied (or not) with the
current status of student "rights" or "power"
at the University. The Council will debate and
discuss its role tonight in open forum, with
interest centering on the matter of students
and automobiles but expanding far beyond.
We encourage everyone to attend and listen
and offer his own opinions. In that way we
can be sure that the Council is aware of
student opinion so that it can be as representative
thereof as possible.

Its role as the representative of student
opinion is the source of its power. Its power is
the best means for seeing student opinion
effected. The only course for students with
opinions, then, is to avail themselves of that
means. The purpose of tonight's forum is to
encourage and facilitate their doing so.