Letter: DSG executive vice president clarifies debate policy

A few notes of clarification.

First, visitors are always welcome at Duke Student Government meetings. We provide a space of public forum at the beginning of each meeting to let students express their concerns. Students interested in speaking need only email me or sign up prior to the start of the meetings, which are held at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Sanford 04. Any student who follows these procedures will be heard.

Second, DSG is bound by its constitution to "represent the student body in University decision-making." The resolution regarding war in Iraq was presented in a Duke framework and thus granted consideration. However, after 30 minutes of rigorous debate, the legislation was rejected nearly two to one. Regardless of one's opinion, two things are certain:

One, DSG granted concerned students respectful access to the meeting yet chose to disagree with them, either on principle or because it felt it was not within DSG's purview. That disagreement should not be seen as disrespectful, but rather as an indication of the variance of opinion on the issue and that the concerns about the war, its impetus and its impact are not easily framed in terms of "right" and "wrong."

Two, the protesters at last week's meeting showed utter disdain for the respect they were shown previously not only by hypocritically overtaking the democratic methods they purport to uphold, but also by attempting to force their opinion on others by violating the basic premise of democracy, which is majority decision.

DSG will continue to address student concerns and discuss them when appropriately introduced.