Q: What is a "Student Bill of Rights"?

A: It is the name of a document of rights to be included in Synergy that will explicitly state some of the major rights and freedoms that we have (or should have) as students of Clark University.

Q: Is it like the Bill of Rights? Isn't that redundant?

A: It reiterates many of the major elements of the U.S. Constitution's first ten amendments (the "Bill of Rights"), and was in fact modeled after that. It serves a similar purpose, too.

It is not redundant in any way, for we students have entered into a voluntary contract with Clark University. Synergy is legally interpreted to be the terms of the contract; specifically, what we get in exchange for our tuition. Because it is voluntary, we get no rights that aren't explicitly mentioned. Synergy makes no mention of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of expression, the right of privacy, or anything other freedom we may take for granted.

The Student Bill of Rights not only makes sure students have those rights, but makes them litigatable. Synergy is a contract, and if the University violates it, students will finally have recourse.

Q: Isn't this being forced on the university because you're threatening/ you've threatened to sue them?

A: No, neither I nor WheatBread ever threatened to sue anybody. The Student Bill of Rights is no doubt a result of the problems with Dean Wingood and the Administration, but it formally represents no kind of settlement. The Administration has been supportive and open to this idea, and, although the document isn't finished yet, they have yet to compromise it in any way. This is especially welcome considering this document will force them, when it comes to civil community and diversity of expression, to put their money where their mouth is-- literally.

Q: What else is going into Synergy?

A: I am also drafting a "Student Freedom of Information Act," (S-FOIA) which makes explicit for the student body the open-document status of the Administration's paperwork. Put basically, the S-FOIA lets students know that they have a right to see what the Administration is planning, thinking, considering, and saying to itself. Many of the documents of the University are technically open, but totally inaccessible for a variety of reasons. The S-FOIA provides for full disclosure plus accessibility. It even mandates a public bookshelf solely for the storage and maintenance of all the proposals, plans, reports, and propaganda put out by the people who run this school (I'm hoping it will go on the landing of the stairs to the second floor of the Geography building).

The S-FOIA may be somewhat obscure, but I believe it is very important. First, at a small school one person can make a big difference, and usually what prevents that from happening is lack of information. This document means that anybody can learn about any part of the university they would like to know about. Second, the student press here would benefit tremendously by having a reliable, accurate source of information about the university and its administration. In turn, their more-accurate reporting and better understanding of the school will empower the students.

Q: Aren't the Student Bill of Rights and Freedom of Information Act somewhat paranoid?

A: Not at all. First, who will claim not to care about their constitutional freedoms? Everybody needs those rights, and some groups, like the press, cannot afford to take them for granted.

The Administration of this school is precisely in the role of government, and we students are citizens. They control almost every aspect of our lives, from what we can do academically to where we live, eat, play, and hang flyers. We're completely subject to their control, yet we're paying them for the privilege. These documents restore some of the student power on this campus, and shall provide protection and freedom for every wave of students to hit this campus into the indefinite future.

Q: What is the current status of getting these documents into Synergy?

A: The new Dean of Students, Denise Darrigrand, has said that this is a high priority of hers, although she did not specifically promise to adopt the Student Bill of Rights or S-FOIA as they were submitted. Last Spring, she said that "updating the policy book is a major concern," but she has not yet made any progress.

This Fall, the issue was passed on to senior Tim Ledoux, who held meetings with Darrigrand. Progress has been slow, and all the student support possible is needed. Darrigrand thus far has not proven herself a friend of the student body, and needs to be shown that the students will not let the issue die. Please contact Tim Ledoux and help the cause.

UPDATE, Summer 1998: Ledoux has graduated, I have moved to Los Angeles, and Darrigrand has essentially dropped the entire issue-- out of site, out of mind. The student body remains unprotected. If there is anyone out there interested in fighting for First Amendment rights, please email me and I will advise you on how to get Dean Darrigrand's help in this matter.