Word: packets
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That substitute motion, by the way, replaced one proposing that the Gay Students Association (GSA) be allowed to insert its pamphlet, entitled "What You Should Know About Sex. . . Between Members of the Same," into next semester's student registration packet. A member of CHUL brought it before the committee at the request of the GSA, which several weeks ago had asked Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III for permission to include the pamphlet in February's packets. Epps had fished around for a little while before finding a rule saying that, despite past "mistakes" and "exceptions," student organizations...
...committee went back to work. And one of its members came up with the suggestion--otherwise known as the substitute motion--that the College establish a second registration packet into which all student groups could stuff their materials. That seemed like a good idea to everyone but the GSA; Dean Fox told the committee, "I certainly can see no obstacle to that. . ." (in translation, "Yes."), and somebody made a motion. The bureaucracy prevailed upon Robert's Rules, CHUL voted on the motion and--poof--the second packet existed. The problem was gone...
While a significant number of students might ignore the GSA pamphlet if it were included in a second, unofficial packet, no one will leave the official envelope sealed. And since the GSA wants to answer the questions and alleviate the anxieties of all students--not just homosexuals--they must reach as many people as possible. It's not as if the truly "official" registration material that addresses homosexuality--little more than one paragraph in the University Health Services handbook--overwhelms students with information...
...Monday took its case to CHUL, asking for permission to stuff information into February registration packets. But the committee ignored the real issue of bigotry and selective enforcement, and chose instead to quickly devise a new system-a second packet to be handed out at registration and specifically set aside for student groups...
While the second packet solution will allow the GSA to get its message across, it does not address the root of the problem, which is not information flow but blatant discrimination. Harvard will not solve its "gay problem" with the purchase of 6000 additional manila envelopes; instead it must clearly, without the shield of Robert's Rules of Order, indicate its support for the civil rights of gay students and then firmly support those rights at every opportunity. Administrators can begin this process by allowing the GSA to stuff its information in next February's registration packet...