Members discuss social space
By JASON McFARLEY
Assistant News Editor
On the heels of a contentious meeting that called into question the group's purpose, the Campus Life Council (CLC) on Monday looked to further its work by forming a new task force.
Throughout the 30-minute meeting, members were cooperative with each other and focused on two areas of concern that may benefit from CLC task force work: University social space and freedom of speech. The council, however, was barred from forming a new task force because it was one member short of the 12 representatives needed to achieve a quorum.
The collaboration and overall good humor evident on Monday was in contrast to the CLC's Jan. 22 meeting, where members discussed the possibility of structural changes for more than 75 minutes. This lengthy meeting featured no less than two tense exchanges between three council members before talks were abruptly halted.
On Monday, members generally agreed on what issues a new CLC taskforce could effectively address.
Bill Kirk suggested a taskforce to head up social space concerns. Kirk said the Alumni-Senior Club in particular could be a hub for students.
"The building's just sitting there, not getting the greatest use it could," said Kirk, assistant vice president for residence life. "We need to look into a more creative use of University social space."
Welsh Hall rectress Sister Adrienne Piennette said she has seen firsthand a problem with the current social space situation. Residence halls can't accommodate large dances or student gatherings, she said.
"I always hear from the girls in my hall that what they want is a place to dance," Piennette said.
The CLC also considered forming a taskforce for freedom of speech concerns at the University.
English professor Stuart Greene said recent controversy surrounding the Women's Resource Center and The Observer may prompt concerns about free speech.
In April 1998, the University placed the WRC on probation following sanctions for distributing information on abortion. That fall, the University banned advertisements from the Gay and Lesbian Alumni of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's in The Observer.
"We want to be certain that there are things in [the student handbook] du Lac that make sure organizations can have certain types of information and if they are placed on probation, that they have due process," Greene said of the WRC which has since been taken off probation.
Dillon Hall senator Brendan Dowdall urged members interested in the free speech issue to work with him on a proposal on the subject. Dowdall, member of the Coalition for Free Speech, is drafting a proposal that the group will present to the Office of Student Affairs this month. The draft will highlight areas of free speech in which the coalition believes the University could improve.
In other CLC news:
u Student body president Brian O'Donoghue said a forum on teaching and tenure is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. The forum will be open to Notre Dame students, faculty and staff members.
All News Stories for Tuesday, February 6, 2001
