University of Virginia Library

Power Issue

There is some likelihood that a
"New Constitution" will be among
the referendum issues on the April
28-29 ballot. I disfavor the measure
because its provisions will not
rectify the problems incurred under
the present Constitution, viz: the
lack of jurisdiction and qualified
representatives. With respect to
jurisdiction (power, authority and
responsibility are related terms),
the problem is not easily resolvable.

The Administration or Board of
Visitors or State of Virginia are not
likely to delegate more than petty
"responsibility" to an official
council of the student body. Since
THEY will not condescend to US,
it is necessary for us to infiltrate
administrative committees and put
more than token pressure for or
against proposals before them.

Although these suggestions make
for but an artificial
self-determination, they are the
best we can do during these, dark
ages.

A student government of
approximately 300 would make for
an interesting experiment, but does
not promise to be beneficial in the
struggle to acquire authority.

Secondly, from my experience
with the Student Council and two
dormitory councils, I am doubtful
that we can begin to find (no less
elect) but a fraction of 300
"qualified" students. By qualified I
mean knowledgeable, dedicated,
articulate, etc. These may be
stringent criteria but the many
geeks presently serving us dictate
that they be so. This problem is
interdependent with the now
negligible jurisdiction. Until
meaningful authority is vested in
student hands, any student
government can but play Romper
Room and scribble on reams of
paper.

Thus, the need is not for a "New
Constitution" but for student
activists who will extract power
from up ABOVE.