4 Wednesday, October 28, 1970 University Daily Kansan KANSAN comment To rent and rave about student apathy is just bop as frank K菠莎' $paan Na na scauffed saddle shoes, yet in part and parcel the major problem plaguing the Student Senate is the prevailing mood of disinterest and overt boredom reflected by the attendance records of the senators in the last few weeks. Ideally, the responsibility of representing a constituency is an honor and a charge to be guarded faithfully. Here, the honor is a sham and the charge a faulty pantomime acted out by several all-to-patent puppets. After all, it's hip to be in "student government" isn't it? What is particularly frustrating is that KU does have one of the really innovative vehicles for students involvement found anywhere, and is especially in the vanguard in the midwest. But the effectiveness of this document is weakened with each quorum call that fails and could eventually go the way of other such zealous tracts, that have faded into impotency from inattention. According to StudEx, students in any school may recall their senator if he fails to meet the responsibilities he assumed when he was elected. Student senators are not inviolate. If we assume that the Senate Code is a document worth preserving then those who are ultimately responsible for their own representation must assert themselves and demand something more than passive representation from their representatives. Tom Slaughter Elmer F. Beth: a Scholar KANSAN By CALDER M. PICKETT Professor of Journalism Many generations of University of Kansas journalism students, if we compute generations as being comparatively brief time span, knew Elmer F. Beth. He has been before them in the classroom in the years in which he was taught to enter to the east of Watson Library, from 1940 to 1952. In 1952 Elmer Beth began to stand in front of the students in the remodeled building that was to become known as Flint Hall. He stood there in the classroom, questioning, probing, engaging in a repartee that to the uninitiated could be frightening. But he kept it simple, and frequently heard the loud laughter, and you knew that in Elmer Beth's classroom things were happening, students were learning. He was one of the real teachers of the University, a scholar himself, a man with a fine mind who expected his students to be taught in the classroom, as well as out. His great speciality, and his great love, was press law, and when his students left the Law of the Press class they knew he sked, and they knew they had learned. To those of us on the journalism faculty, especially those who had been with him for a long time, he was one of the great ones. We listened to him, and we talked with him, and we loved him for his wit and for his humanity. He was a second father to some of us, and probably a grandfather to another. He took us to fairs and rides, and we laughed and talked—and almost never argued. Elma Beth's life had had its share of tragedy. His son, Roger, died in the mid-'50s, and his wife, Ella, had several years of serious illness before her death in 1967. Through Ella's illness Elmer drew the admiration and respect of many, in the tender care and assistance he constantly gave her. He married again, just this past June, and he and his bride, Morene, were living in their new home and Elmer seemed to be making a fine new dress for heart attack in May that slowed him down from his usually hectic routine. This fall had seemed a happy time for him. If there is any consolation it might be that Elmer Beth's last months had seemed good ones. His colleagues, those now at KU and those who had worked with him nationally, students who had engaged with him in Socratic dialogue in the classroom, will remember him as one of the great men of journalism education. An All-American college newspaper Kansan Telephone Numbers Newsroom—UN-4 4810 Business Office—UN-4 4258 Published at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 47613, exhibited both buildings and examination permission for 8-year board class projects. Published by NEWS STAFF News Advisor Del Brinkman Editor Monroe Davis Admin Editor Campus Editor Tom Slaughter Editor Jim Crowley John Brown Stewart. Sports Editor Je Thorne Bill Rowland. Editorial Writer Joe Bullard Editorial Writer Mary Coyle Art and Design Mary Coyle Editor Merrilyn McMullen Admin Editor Don Harker Assistant Sports Editor Don Harker Secretary Craig Parker Photographer Jon Hoffman. Photo Manipler Mike Badenreich. BUSINESS STAFF Business Advisor Mel Adams Business Manager Mike Banks Advertising Manager John Laksoe Assistant Adm. Mgr Ron Carter Assistant Adm. Mgr Ron Carter Classified Adm. Mgr Shirley Blank Circulation Manager Todd Smith Consultant Adm. Mgr Bob Patterson Member Associated Collegiate Press How Significant Was Senate Vote? The rescinding of the rule providing for 20 per cent student representation on all University policymaking committees will probably be less significant in the long run than many students (notably members of StudEx) are making it sound. The action was taken at last Thursday's meeting of the University Senate by a vote of 212-184. It was instigated by Dean Thomas Gorton of the School of Fine Arts, who urged the faculty "not to sell their academic birthright for a mess of pottage called student involvement." Gorton's remarks, as well as the 212-184 vote, are indicative of what might be termed a "faculty backlash." An increased voice for students means, to some faculty members, a lesser voice for themselves, who have reached their positions of authority through professional competence and years of academic preparation. This is assuming that the majority of the 212 were voting on the substance of the rule rather than its present form or the manner in which it was adopted. There are indications that many of the 212 who voted to rescind the 20 per cent rule voted so because of the fashion in which it was originally adopted. Gorton cited "vagueness" in the wording of the rule. It was originally adopted by the University Council, acting in place of the Senate, which had been unable to get a quorum to do business at a series of meetings last spring. Understandably, many faculty members felt the measure had been shoved down their throats, without an opportunity for the entire University Senate to approve or reject it. Many felt there was danger in allowing a precedent to be set in that way. In their typical hyperbolic fashion, StudEx, issued a statement after the vote, assuring that "the rights of the students of this University to legitimately and institutionally articulate their concerns were denied and unilaterally removed by the actions of the University Senate." The rule, with some new wording, will be resum- mitted at a special Senate meeting called for Nov. 5. The rescinded rule merely made mandatory the in- clusion of student representatives on policy com- mittees. These committees will continue to retain their student members, as many in fact included student representatives before the mandatory rule was passed. Thus the tangible effects of the tentative rescinding are likely to be nil, unless the rescising is distorted into something that it simply isn't. Students should attempt to understand the faculty's feelings on this issue—their feelings at not being able to vote on the rule originally and their desires to avoid setting a precedent for that sort of circumventing of their interests and authority. Far from being an effort to "remove the rights of the students to articulate their concerns" this vote was chiefly an assertion by the faculty of their position in the University community. The decision itself is likely only a temporary one, but meanwhile, the hyperbole it is generating is its only substantive effect. Bob Womack Extreme reaction can be as unproductive as compulsive resistance to change. In both cases, resources and resources may be wasted. Greek houses in general received valid criticism for the examinations for Homecoming. In response to that criticism, Greeks, in line with the mood of many students invited to revamp Homecoming. LETTERS The revamping consisted in the installation of monitoring displays and reconditioning the labor and resources to worthy service projects. This is a noble tribute to our customers. Griff & the Unicorn There is no reason why Greek houses should need an excuse for philanthropy. Throughout the year, much time and monies are expended by the Greeks in worthwhile charities. To the Editor: Homecoming, as the name implies, is a welcoming of alumni on their return to campus. No phone calls were made or administered or what courses were offered at the time those alums were students, they still should be warmly welcomed to visit one day out of the year. W of Wigma Chi fraternity and Gamma Phi Beta sorority felt there was a need for labor and resources in this area as well. If Extreme Positions 'Unproductive' More Student Involvement I believe that my remarks at the recent University Senate meeting were seriously misrepresented in last Friday's Kansan. To the Editor: It is my intention to introduce a substitute motion at the next meeting of the University Senate that would serve to insure at least as much student representation and input into the University's legislative process as the ill-fated Senex action would have, while reserving the ultimate decision-making power to those members of the University Community, students and faculty who demonstrated their dedication to the ideals of the University and their competence to guide it. I did not state, nor did I intend to imply, that faculty members, as opposed to students, are "reliable." I did state that faculty members here are carefully selected on the basis of numerous criteria, several of which relate rather directly to their ability to contribute to the University. William Silvert Assistant Professor of Physics To become a student at this University, on the other hand, requires only graduation from an accredited Kansas high school. It is not my belief that high school graduation automatically individuals to participate in the governance of a university. I totally reject the allegation that I said "... students do not qualify as scholars." I think that most students here are fully involved in the "community of students," and I believe that such students should be far more deeply involved in university governance than is now the case. Again, however, my concept of a scholar involves much of what is called for admission to KU. For example, anyone who teaches incoming freshmen must recognize that it usually takes some time for the new student to get about, and that there is more to learning than memorization and haircuts. "Copyright 1970, University Daily Kansan" Service projects are very needed and funds previously used on large displays be reallocated. However, the very one of the gravest problems in existence today is a lack of communication between generations, we believe that we would be foolish to completely abandon this opportunity to meet and talk to these alums when they extend the effort to come to us. small amount of money that is required to welcome those returning to, and make them feel at home is likely young people is also well spent. For these reasons, the Sigma Chis and Gamma Phi elected to retain the spirit of homecoming and take advantage of the opportunity to meet in a relaxed atmosphere with our predecessors. Having done so, and finding our moderate approach to KU '70 well accepted by a larger group of people than ever before, we tend to believe that this has been the most relevant Homecoming of our lives. Dee Burrows Gamma Phi Beta Jim Gilpin Sigma Chi ... definitely out of order! A Continuing Effort Required To the Editor: As we write this letter, the nation is waiting to see the significance and consequences of our new fire preemption fire peace initiative. While this is certainly the most hopeful act by the Nixon administration to date, all those who truly hope for peace will have to back and wait for the war to go away. We must continue to work for policies that promote peace rather than war. This end will be continued support and interest. We are pleased to hear that Russell Johnson, who has trained at the University of the American Friends Service Committee, will be in Lawrence either Nov. 11, 12 or 13. He is a guest speaker and provides experience in Southeast Asia. The Peace Action Coalition is planning a Peace March on Saturday. The march will begin at Central Park at 10 a.m., and travel to the city for a rally will be held at noon (burry food along if you like). At 12:30 the 24 hour peace vigil will begin. If you can help or would like information on these active calls Debbie Deegan at 842-9285. It should not be necessary to reiterate the Lawrence Committee's attitude toward a group of municipality have distorted our activities and our aims. This committee was formed by those who were accustomed to unofficial violence, so we are pledged to continue to act in the future, as we have in the past, in order to manner to build a peaceful world. still need to finish paying for our newspaper ads and radio spots. The radio spots were very well received and we would like to do some more if we can raise the funds. Any contribution that you can make will be heartily appreciated. Jo Wright at 3155 W. 5th Terr. We hate to bring this up,but we Danna Lou Santee living Stoneback, Baltimore The Law Office Committee for Peace in Indochina To the Editor: Resistance Encouraged Not Draft, Tax Evasion In last Thursday's Kansan a news story appeared concerning my appearance as a representative of the War Resisters League at a Student Union Activities Association Minority Opinions Forum. While I appreciate the Kansan's interest in the WRL, and would like to commend the staff for its unbiased reporting, I should like to correct a mistake that was probably my fault, due to my not clarifying the point of the War Resisters League does not encourage evasion of the draft or tax wars. On the contrary, the evasion are totally passive acts, and as we emphasize the active principle of non-violence we encourage resistance to war, not evasion of it. John Wavillier John Weismiller 1308 Vermont The Shadow of Your Smile To the Editor: This letter is not really to the editor but to the girl who smiled at me last week. I do not know who she was nor where she lived nor what her major was nor will it probably ever find out. I was walking to class on a normal afternoon, thinking about an oppressive chemistry test. I was alone in my thoughts and the day's heaviness was showing on me. I was standing on an uncrowded sidewalk. I thought nothing of that; thousands of people walk by me every day. She was different—she smiled at me and I smiled. She sat beside me and I continued our walking in opposite directions. I walked away with a smile. The rest of the day I thought of the girl who smiled at me and thought about how a little girl did this. I give my thanks. I also thought about how other people could be affected by a smile. smile at people. I also hope that other people in this large university can offer a smile to a stranger. Maybe their smile will by the high point of a lonely person's dav. I hope that girl continues to Jacques Blackman El Dorado sophomore Letters policy Letters to the editor should be type-written, double-space and should not exceed 500 words. All letters are sub-words of the title of the manuscript according to space limitations and the editor's judgment. Students must provide their name, year in school and position; students who cannot provide their name and position; others must provide their name and address.