WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2003
NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 3
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
KU general counsel advises against USSA
By Richard Gintowt
rgintowt@kansan.com
rksan staff writer
An opinion from the University of Kansas's general counsel has stalled and most likely killed a student-approved effort to join the United States Student Association, a student lobbying organization.
In a referendum last April, students approved a mandatory student fee of 50 cents per semester to pay for USSA membership. Of the 3,038 students who voted, 61 percent favored joining.
The USSA lobbies for student interests and organizes and trains students in student government.
Jim Pottorff, general counsel for the University, recommended the University administration not approve the fee because it did not meet the Supreme Court's requirement for viewpoint neutrality, expressed in the 2000 case of Wisconsin v. Southworth.
According to the Supreme Court's opinion, the First Amendment permits a public university to charge its students an activity fee used to fund a program to facilitate extracurricular student speech if the program is viewpoint neutral.
The court discouraged the use of referendums to approve such fees because referendums may not accurately represent majority opinion.
Because of the general counsel's recommendation, Richard Johnson, dean of students, informed Andy Knopp, student body president, that the proposed mandatory fee would not be forwarded to Chancellor Robert Hemenway for approval.
The decision surprised Catherine Bell, KUnited student body vice president.
"We didn't even know the general counsel was reviewing it," Bell said. "I think in everybody's mind it was a done deal."
Bell said Student Senate did not plan to appeal the decision.
The only other way to fund the membership would be through Student Senate's reserve account for activity fees.
Blake Shuart, Student Senate legislative director, said that scenario was unlikely.
The general counsel's decision disappointed student senators like Travis Weller who supported joining the USSA.
"We're losing out on a lot of educational opportunities for students," Weller said.
The general counsel's decision was good news for students who never supported joining, such as Dani Davey, Overland Park senior.
"There's so many students that aren't as liberal as the USSA and they're not getting represented," Davey said.
— Edited by Jennifer Wellington
DOLE: Visitors flock to celebrate Institute CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
sented Norton Smith with a plaque, naming him a "true gentleman, scholar, and friend."
Dole also recognized Jack Lucas, a Medal of Honor recipient from Mississippi. Lucas, who fought in World War II, lied about his age and joined the army at age 14.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor at age 17. Monday night, before the USO show, Lucas met Dole and said one of his dreams in life was to meet former president Carter.
Yesterday, Dole brought Lucas up on stage to greet the former president, and after a formal handshake, Lucas gave Carter a big bear hug.
"They're the real reason why we're here," Dole said. "Our ranks may be dwindling, but our memories endure."
Veterans such as Lucas are the men the Dole Institute's dedication is honoring. Dole said.
"To the young who seek information and inspiration," he said. "Never stop reaching for the stars, no matter the difficulties."
He also stressed the importance of the Dole Institute to future students and generations.
The dedication ended with the crowd's lively rendition of "Happy Birthday."
— Edited by Annie Bernethy
Available Now and Aug. 1 $ ^{1st} $ Large 2 BR Apartments
- Pool
- Exercise Facility
- Fireplaces
- *W/D Optional
- Central Air
- Laundry on Site
- On KU Bus Route
- Cable Pd-$35 Savings!
Ask About Leasing Specials!!! 841-5533 Small Pets Welcome! George Waters Management, Inc. www.apartmentslawrence.net
CASHCA$HCASHCA$H
CA$HCASHCA$HCASH
CASHCA$HCASHCA$H
CA$HCASHCA$HCASH
EVERYDAY MORE OF IT. ALWAYS.
We buy back your books EVERYDAY
SELL YOUR TEXTBOOKS