Proposed constitution revisions should include Miss ASU

If there were ever a time when “apathy” has absolutely no place among our student body, it is now. For those of you who are unaware, it appears that the students of Alabama State University may have a tremendous opportunity to improve the quality of their lives - and really begin to feel this “transformation” that university administrators often reference in their speeches and publications. The Student Government Association made extensive revisions to the present constitution and they are proposing that the students vote on these revisions during Founders’ Week. And while it is obviously apparent that many students have simply lost hope in the SGA, and become lethargic about the present constitution or the proposed revisions, we can all agree that this way of thinking is the reason why the present constitution has gone without being revised for 21 years, and students have less rights than ever. The Hornet Tribune editorial board reviewed the proposed revisions and to say the least, we were very impressed with the authors and framers. Not only do the proposed revisions speak to 21st century student needs, but it also addresses a litany of other issues that were either ambiguous or dated in the present constitution. Items that truly represent “true” progress is the Bill of Rights which not only addresses fundamental freedoms and basic values, but addresses the rights of students to have control of their intellectual property and the right to be involved in their curriculum decision-making. The Executive Branch expanded to include an attorney general, a position that ensures productivity and accountability, but the position should be an elected position instead of an appointed position. The SGA president appointing his own chief law enforcement agent could turn out to be disastrous. The Legislative Branch represents a 360 degree change as the senators will originate from the eight colleges. There are more legislative officers and the job descriptions are clear, current and progressive. The Judicial Branch of government, unfortunately, is by far the weakest area of revision. Instead of students being able to be judged by a jury of their peers, they are still minutely limited in scope as to jurisdiction and Student Affairs is still in control of discipline. In others words, while the U. S. Supreme Court has the final say in judicial matters for the nation, the SGA Judicial Branch has no power to decide anything with finality for its citizens. The issue that is truly unsettling and unwise is the deletion of Miss Alabama State University from the proposed revisions. And while this board can readily see that Miss ASU does not fit in either of the branches of government as an empowered politician, why would the student body relinquish the power to select and manage their queen? Who, in their right mind gives up acquired power? And even though the current SGA president believes that the SGA will work with the Hardy Center in terms of Miss ASU’s management and selection, the truth of the matter is that the SGA president is graduating in May and once that power is relinquished, there is no agreement and Miss ASU becomes the property of the administration and they will be able to select and manage whoever they choose to represent the students. Is that what students really want?