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University Daily Kansan/Thursday, September 19, 1991
OPINION
Take a bow, Senate
New lecture series is a welcome addition
The Student Senate-inspired idea of a new and improved lecture series is great; an idea whose time has finally come. The lecture series will officially be called "The Kansas University Student Lecture Series." The student community finally will get the opportunity to nominate and bring national and international speakers to campus.
Numerous other prestigious universities have lecture series, so why not the University of Kansas? KU is just as big as most other schools, and we are the biggest school in Kansas. Kansas State University has a lecture series that brings four renowned speakers to its campus yearly. Senate's goal is to make
the KU Student Lecture Series as reputable as K-State's, but this year's plans are to bring just one renowned speaker.
Even though the lecture series is a fantastic idea, student organizations should still have the option of seeking funds from Student Senate to bring speakers to the University after all other avenues of financial support are exhausted. Well-known speakers are great for KU's reputation. They help KU grow and prosper. But the numerous local and not-so-prominent speakers who appear at KU provide a tangible and irreplaceable service.
Senate's recent approval of funds to help bring Cesar Chavez to the University during National Hispanic month is a prime example.
While he is not the most well-known speaker in the country, his message will help diversify student opinions.
It would be nice to know that groups will have a place to go in the future to solicit funds for speakers like Chavez.
We must commend Student Senate for taking the initiative to set up a lecture series such as this one. Student Senate is providing about $20,000 for this first year and is spearheading the fund-raising drive to continue the series in future years.
James Baucom for the editorial board
Senate's call for Fulcher's ouster not surprising
But now it is time for senators to address their actions, motives, future goals and KU's white-structured power system
walking toward class Thursday I couldn't help noticing the headline on the book of Kansans littering the lawn. "Senate Votes to Expol Fulcher." Obviously, I can't say I was shocked by the headline. The whole issue has been a media circus from the beginning.
As an African-American male, it hurts my heart to see one of my brothers fall. Sharing the same goals for the advancement of our race, we've struggled through the same barriers of injustice and inequality that lie at the very foundation of our country. I've seen Fulcher work tirelessly to make things a little better for African-American students at the University of Kansas. However, he made a tragic error. Fulcher was undoubtedly wrong in his actions. It is unequivocal
ly wrong for a man to strike a woman for any reason, and such behavior indeed must be reprimanded, regardless of race. All men must learn how to respect women and be man enough not to strike out in anger.
Secondly, Fulcher should have realized that white political leaders are eagerly looking for reasons to discredit and destroy African-American leaders at every level. One only has to look at the constant attack African-American politicians such as Jesse Jackson, Emanuel Cleaver and Douglas Wilder face. Fulcher should have known that there were people who would be threatened by an African-American student body president, and who would be waiting for a chance to doubt his credibility. Unfortunately, he gave them the opportunity they
Cedric Lockett
Guest columnist
were looking for.
I'd like to turn my attention to the Student Senate. Battery is indeed an impeachable offense. However, it seems strange that although many current senators knew about the battery during elections, they waited until after winning their seat to make it an issue. Furthermore, I doubt our Student Senate would have voted to remove Fulcher from the presidency had it not been for the pressure applied from outside forces. When rumors of the assault began to surface, they should have immediately addressed the issue. It is hypocritical to wait until it is politically convenient to "do the right thing." If they too should consider resigning because their
attempts to sweep the ordeal under the rug are as repulsive as Fulcher's behavior.
In addition, I am concerned that now that they have removed Fulcher from office, they will pat themselves on the back and return to business as usual. If they are truly serious about stopping domestic violence, they need to focus their attention on putting in place some firm policies concerning battery and sexual assault. These are issues that won't go away simply by impeaching Fulcher. Not only are strong policies needed, but support networks need to be more widely publicized. Free counseling for an unlimited time for victims and perpetrators of domestic violence needs to be established. Senate can make a positive outcome of an unpleasant situation by making some worthwhile policies. Otherwise, their removal of Fulcher from the Senate is nothing more than a useless half-hearted gesture.
Cedric Lockett is a Fredonia senior majoring in political science.
Question: What should the University of Kansas do with Hoch Auditorium?
John Gambie
Sophomore
Journalism/English
Overland Park
"It needs to be renovated, and I'd rather see it transformed into smaller spaces than the larger theater that it was. Classes consisting of 700 students makes no sense."
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Jamee Weniger
Senior
Broadcastnews
Arlington Heights, Ill.
"I was disturbed when I heard about the fire. This KU landmark should definitely be restored, no matter what the cost."
Tonya Sanchez
Senior
Education
Brooklyn, N.Y.
"Knock it down and rebuild it as a modern, totally renovated version."
"With the new building they are building they should consider the need for another building with both office and classroom space combined with a target theater."
Estelle Gay
Senior
Advertising
Besancon, France
"Rebuild it the way it was as a large auditorium."
Tanja Bolle
Senior
Anthropology
Pallatine, Ill.
"I don't want another Wescoe Hall. Rebuild it in the style it was before."
KANSANSTAFF
HOLLY LAWTON Editor
JENNIFERREYNOLDS Managing editor
TOM EBLEN General manager,news adviser
News Erik Schutz
Editorial Karen Park
Planning Sarah Davis
Campus Eric Goraki
Sports Mike Andrews
Photo Brian Schooni
Features Tiffany Harness
Graphics Melissa Unterberg
Editors
KATIE STADER Business manager
RICHHARSHBARGER Retail sales manager
JEANNE HINES Sales and marketing adviser
Business Staff
Campus sales mgr...Lee Bryant
Sales manager...Jennifer Claxton
National sales mgr...David McWilhne
Co-op sales mgr...Laike Keefer
Production mgrs...Jay Steiner,
Wendy Stertz
Marketing director
Creative director
David Habigher
Classified mgr...Jennifer Jacquoin
Business Staff
Letters should be typed, double-spaced and fewer than 200 words. They must include the writer's signature, name, address and telephone number. Writers affiliated with the University of Kansas must include class and homework, or faculty or staff position. Guest columns should be typed, double-spaced and fewer than 700 words. The writer will be phonetized. The Kansan reserves the right to reject or edit letters, guest columns and cartoons. They can be mailed or brought to the Kansan newroom, 111 Sausfer-Flint Hall.
Last Hurrahs
AFTER A WEEK OF PUSHING THEIR RELIGIONS VIEWS ON COLLEGE STUDENTS, THE FANATICS HAVE GONE.
THE HALLS ARE NOW PEACEFUL STUDENTS ARE NO LONGER LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF ARMAGEDDON
bv Mike Romane
IN FACT, SOME STUDENTS HAVE RESUMED SKIPING CLASSES WITHOUT FEARING THE WRATH OF GOD. . .