Albany Student Press 1970-10-23

The recent rulings which grant University administrations the power to review and censor the appropriations of student governments on campuses in New York pose an intolerable threat to student autonomy. The procedures that have been established by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees allow University presidents to impose their own political beliefs and biases on the entire system of student governance. This system must be eliminated, and the rights of students to self-governance must be upheld. It is vital that the Student Associations of the State University (SASU) take immediate action at its October 24th meeting to insure that these rights arc reclaimed. The attempt to sabotage student rights in New York State not only deprives students of the freedom to run their campus activities; indeed, it threatens the guaranteed constitutional principles of self-determination and political expression. At the meeting this Saturday, therefore, student governments must take immediate action reasserting their sole, legitimate authority over the disbursment of student activity fees. They must move as quickly as possible toward freeing themselves from the crutch of mandatory student t es. It is this crutch thai fostered the present situation that does not allow students to govern themselves. If all that emerges is pious rhetoric or statements of principle, then student association leaders will have failed in their first responsibility: protecting the freedom of that government. From that meeting should emerge a call for a statewide referendum on mandatory fees and plans lor an effective campaign to educate the student voters to the necessity for voluntary fees. From that meeting, as well, should emerge I he basis for a plan for the implementation of a voluntary fee. For it is apparent that student governments must now "enforce" llieii own collection through price differentials and through rendering the use of their facilities and membership in their clubs, contingent on the payment of lees. In short, student governments must move immediately to a separate corporate status. The matter is urgent. Never has the need for constructive and collective action been greater. To allow the situation to worsen is to surrender inalienable rights. Student Association loaders face the responsibility of reclaiming the authorit) ihey have surrendered through dependency on stale and university protection.