PAGE SIX
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN, LAWRENCE, KANSAS
MARCH 20,1947
Kansan Comments
People's Voice
One thing wrong with student government is that representatives do not know what their constituents want, it is often said.
That is perhaps the obstacle to the most effective operation of any agency on the campus which aims to improve student life, from the administration down. There seems to be no way of getting an accurate picture of public opinion.
The recent student-faculty conference sponsored by Mortar Board and Sachem spent nearly an hour exploring the possibilities for student polls, but found no workable plan. A poll is a huge job, experienced persons said; and where to obtain the services of qualified students was a question no one could answer.
You doubtless can see the fault in simply printing a coupon in the Daily Kansan to be returned by those who cared to express an opinion. Often a minority group, especially if the question is controversial, are much more active than the majority. This was illustrated by the Senior Cakewalk questionnaire printed recently. A local orchestra which wanted the job was trying to find 60 copies of the Daily Kansan.
It was agreed at the conference that a controlled, scientifically-developed plan similar to the Gallup poll should give a fairly representative viewpoint, without necessitating interviews of more than about two per cent of the student body on any question. Valuable polls would have to be consistent over relatively long periods, however; and the necessary speed of turnover in any staff of busy University students would be a drawback in realizing the most good from such a project.
The All Student council conducted a poll on faculty evaluation two years ago, but decided against it this year because of the amount of work involved. The results were communicated privately to individual faculty members; but as for showing the teacher's value to the University, the poll turned up little information not already known by the administration. It was argued that such a "popularity contest" would not be a fair criterion from which to determine salaries or other vocational standing anyway.
--disinterest in campus affairs. At least public opinion would exert some pressure.
Just what would be done with the results of polls was not decided. Public opinion is fickle, one person argued, and should not be the sole basis for action. Whether students even care to voice an opinion was questioned, but the fact that they have not had a chance was given as a possible reason for some of the
Students should be made aware of the significance of questions asked by having access to full information before the poll, it was suggested. That the poll itself should be of an educational nature was countered with the idea that a poll is to discover the existing attitude, not to change it.
We don't want to take away the pleasure you get from gripping a little. But many of your complaints may be justified, and you deserve to be heard. If anyone has a design for the machinery to use in this matter, the University will give it utmost consideration.
The eternal triangle is student government, faculty, and student opinion. Until a practical meeting place for the three, and the many facets of each, is established, any action at all will involve a certain amount of groping in the dark.
What kind of questions would be asked? Would they be local or national; political, social, or philosophical; regarding student, faculty, or administrative action; controversial or unchangeable situations?
After the first World War, debates on questions in public affairs attracted larger crowds than could be admitted, according to Dean Werner. Would this be a practical way of disseminating information today?
An Illinois house of representatives committee voted 9 to 4 last week against investigations of subversive teachings in the state educational institutions. Such proposal was termed a "witch hunting commission investigation based on gossip and hearsay" by one of the group.
Illinois Fears No Reds
A University of Illinois student had written to the legislature saying that he had been flunked for failure to include in examination answers reflecting philosophies "advocated by his professor."
One college senior says the biggest thing education has done for him is to create awe for the human race. After studying sociology, physiology, biology, public health, and abnormal psychology—all the little disease germs and mental pitfalls that lurk for him—he can't understand how any of us ever turned out normal.
LAUNDRY MADE EASY !!!
A government of equal rights must, therefore, rest upon the mind, not wealth, not brute force; the sum of the moral intelligence of the community should rule the state.—Bancroft.
Do away with the fuss of home laundry. Wash with our machines. Use our lines. Plenty of Soft, Hot Water. Seven New Maytag Machines.
CALL 623 FOR APPOINTMENTS.
9-6 weekdays HOURS 9-4 Saturdays
RISK'S
HELP YOURSELF LAUNDRY
1900 Illinois
Phone 623
Honor Black, Evans
Dear Editor---council, said today. The meeting will be the first held since Religious Emphasis week. The group will discuss types of Christianity study they will follow at future meetings.
Among those who witnessed the K.U.-Colorado basketball game Friday night, there are many of us who are astonished by the utter lack of recognition given to Charlie Black and Ray Evans, two of the finest athletes in the history of K.U. This omission is even more surprising in view of the fact that tribute was paid one of the cheerleaders, and other announcements were made.
It is true that these two players have received high praise from the Daily Kansan. However, it has been on the basketball court that they have won fame and glory for themselves and for K.U., and it is there that they should have received the tribute and acclaim of the student body in their last game for the University. It is indeed unfortunate that such a splendid opportunity to show our sincere and deep appreciation for their contribution to K.U.sports history has been overlooked. Never again will a similar opportunity present itself.
Graduate Student (Name withheld by request)
Graduate Student
The University Daily Kansan
Student Newspaper of the UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
Member of the Kansas Press Assn., National Editorial Assn., Inland Daily Post, National Editing Press, Republic Press. Represented by the National Advertising Service, 420 Madison Ave. New York, NY.
York City.
Managing Editor ... Billie M. Hamilton
Editor in Chief ... Alamada Bollier
Assst. Man. Editor ... Marcelina Stewart
Assst. Man. Editor ... William Reed
City Editor ... TWain T. Smith Jr.
Assistant City Editor ... John
Assist. Telegraph Editor ... Wendell Bryant
Asst. Telegraph Editor ... Marian Minor
Art Editor ... Bob Bonebrake
Advertising Manager .. Alma Wuthnow
Circulation Manager ... John Beach
Classified Adv. Man ... LaVoye Geevan
Kenneth M. Promotion Manager ... Mel Adams
The Kansas Press Association
1947
Member
National Editorial Association
A FREE PRESS--YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
COURT HOUSE LUNCH Meals - Short Orders Sandwiches Open 5:30-12:30
Phone KU-25 with your news.
KEEP FIT AND HELP
B U I L D RESISTANCE
TO COLDS AND FLU
BY
DRINKING MILK
Lawrence Sanitary Milk & Ice Cream Co-
Religious Group Will Meet Tonight
A student religious study group, organized under the direction of Rev. Bryan Green during Religious Emphasis week, will meet at 7:30 p.m. in Barlow chapel, Mary Holtzclaw, chairman of the student religious council, said today.
PROTECT
YOUR EYES
Glasss Fitted and Broken Lenses Duplicated
Lawrence Optical Co.
1025 Mass.
Call K.U. 25 with your news.
In the Spring A Young Man's Fancy Turns
TO THE GAL WHO TURNS TO THE BANDBOX
WHETHER SHE WANTS A PERMA-
FOR ALL HER BEAUTY CARE___
NENT, SCALP TREATMENT, FACIAL
OR MANICURE——OR JUST THOSE
"LIVELY LOCKS LASSOED."
For a well dressed Easter come in and try on a striped worsted in double or single breasted style. Or see the new two button suits in a variety of fabrics... worsteds, flannels, cheviots ...
Clothes are the test of your Easter best!!