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Page 12- The Michigan Daily-New Student Edition-Perspective-Thursday, September 9, 1993
THE DIAGPOLICY:
Much ado about something
by Bryn Mickle
Daily Staff Reporter
The University's purpose should be
to foster intelligent and well-informed
debate - not stifle it. So why is the
University doing its damndest to kill
one of the most popular forums for
debate on campus?
In my many years at this institution
-and they are numerous--Ihave seen
the Diag used for all forms of public
expression. What does the Diag pro-
vide? It's an everyday impromptu pul-
pit for Preacher Mike. T'he Diag also
doubles as a collection agency staffed
by a multitude of homeless folks and
other wayward souls. Weird beatnik
types, posing as students, lurk behind
trees to ask, "Psst, interested in revolu-
tionary socialism?"Amultitude of cam-
pus groups assemble here and pass out
propaganda in pathetic attempts to gain
your patronage. In short, the Diag is a
gathering place.
Like every good, open space, the
Diag is the best place to stage a public
protest. In the last year, the Diag has
seen an army (a very small army) of
Teaching Assistants assemble to com-
plain about unfair wages and the lack of
a good health-care plan. Students cov-
ered the Diag with chalked slogans to
protest the University's installation of
the Statement of Student Rights and
Responsibilities. The forces that advo-
cate the legalization of marijuana came
together to herald their cause. Where
else on campus could the average spec-
tator see thousands of freakish-looking,
long-haired weirdo-types smoking the
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MIHE*LLE*GUYI*uyr
Ganapati Swamo (right) and Prithusrava Dasa (left) play Hare Krishna songs to attract potential worshipers.
EVAN PETRIE/Daily
This surly squirrel keeps a careful gaze for unscrupulous chalk-users.
UNIVERSIIY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL CEN.R
VOLUNTEERS
plants you never found in grandma's
herb garden?
The University, however, seems to
think protest is a bad thing. In their
infinitewisdom, administrators searched
high and low, broad and far to cure the
plague of student activism. Finally, af-
ter months of brainstorming, a solution
was found.
To remedy the evils of p
University instituted the Di
To the naked eye, the policy i
set of innocuous guidelines.I
the Diag, the policy:
Calls for protesters to
permit for Diag use, a full sev
CARING FOR GENERATIONS
To find out how you can help,
attend one of the following information sessions:
advance of the event.
rotest, the Prohibits the use of chalk for the
ag policy. expresspurpose of scrawling on theDiag.
s merely a Establishes space limitations for
To protect protests and prohibits illegal drug and
alcohol use.
obtain a Obviously, the University's Vice
'en days in President for Student Affairs Maureen
Hartford, championed this stellar plan
in a vain attempt to rid the University of
that pagan celebration known as Hash
Bash. Hartford's rationale for the Diag
policy was to save the squirrels who
habituate the Diag from the perils of
breathing chalk dust (Yes, she actually
. said words to that effect during a Uni-
versity forum). I'm sure the squirrels of
Ann Arbor are lining up outside her
office to offer thanks.
It seems to me that, by limiting pub-
lic assembly on the Diag to one hour
daily and charging those who organize
said assembly, the University is not
doing alot to promote issues of freedom
of speech. Let's face it, the Diag policy
was written for one reason - the total
elimination oftheHash Bash. Evidently,
Hartford is not a big fan of leafy, green
illegal substances.
I don't oppose the University's at-
tempts to move Hash Bash off its prop-
erty. If the school does not want to be
connected with an event that attracts
FILE PHOTO every freakina300-mileradius,I'mnot
going to stand in the way. However, the
University should not try to beat Hash
Bash at the expense of every other stu-
- dent on campus. The Diag is an ideal
place for people to convene for a cause
and restrictions on its use do nothing to
foster protest.
Student activism is constantly being
caiticizedforbeingweakandill-informed.
If students are not encouraged to partici-
pate, they will most likely stay inside and
and let others form opinions for them. Protest
nes whe ishealthyandshouldnotbethreatenedby
problem. weak-mindedniles.TheDiagcanbemome
Sr than just a place to sit around or toss a
ervices frisbeeback andforth.
more
Monday, September 13
Tuesday, September 14
Thursday, September 16
7-8pm
University Hospital Amphitheater
4-5pm
University Hospital Amphitheater
7-8pm
Matemal/Child Health Center Auditorium
For more information, cal 936-4327
Jason Gunder takes part in the annual Evans Scholars "Car Bash" on the Diag. Nice helmet!
REALITY
THAT'S TRUE...
UNLESS
YOU CARE ABOUT:
OPPORTUMTY
LEADERSHIP
FRENDSHIP
SCHOLARSHIP
SERVICE
5 CounselingServices
Welcomes New Students
Welcome to your new home. We hope you find the diversity
campus life all that you want it to be. However, there may be tin
you will feel the need to speak with someone about a concern or
If that occurs, we hope that you consider speaking with one of ou
professionally trained staff members. We offer a wide range of s
and groups especially designed to help make your college yearsr
enjoyable.
Counseling Service Groups for Fall 1993 are:
eAdult Children of Dysfunctional Families (on-going)
Wed., 12-1 beginning Sept. 29, 1993
*African-American Graduate Women Support/Therapy
Wed., 5:30-7:30 beginning Oct. 6,.1993
* African-American Undergraduate Male Dialogue
Thurs., 6-7:30 beginning Sept. 23, 1993
*Dissertation Support Group
Tues., 3-4:30 beginning Oct. 5, 1993
*Eating Related and Body Issues Group
Tues., 3:30-5 beginning Oct. 5, 1993
*Healing Power of Dreams
Mon., 3:30-5 beginning Sept. 27, 1993
*Personal Growth Group
Tues.,.3:30-5 beginning Oct. 5,1993
*Multi-cultural Women's Group: Exploring Strengths &
Differences Wed., 12-2 beginning Oct, 6,1993
*Stress Management Group
Thurs., 3:30-5 beginning Oct. 14, 1993
eSubstance Use and Abuse Awareness Group
Thir 120J; hpninninn Ort 7 1993
GREEK LIFE
AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR FUTURE
GUILD HOUSE STUDENT GROUP
Join us on Sunday evenings from 5:00 to
6:30 PM for discussion, reflection, spiritu-
ality, advocacy, and service on issues of
faith, value, and meaning and on individual,
interpersonal, and social concerns. 'The pro-
gram includes a free home-cooked meal
provided by supporting congregations: United
Church of Christ, Friends, Unitarian Univer-
salist, Congregational, and Disciples of
Christ. Recent programs include:
" Faith, Vocation and Life Choices
" Opportunities for Community Service
and Activism'in Detroit
. Interfaith Exploration: Native Ameri-
can Spirituality
" How to Be a Student and Still Be About
What Matters Most
" Reflections on Alternative Spring Break
Experiences
" Interfaith Exploration: Understanding
Islam
" Ethics and Biology
. Sexism Awareness
" Interfaith Exploration: Examining the
Resurrection
I"
--Ir
SORORITES
RUSH....
IFC
e---
FRATERNITY RECRUITMENT
rn A nTDMTTV (rr nMneC A T'TlN
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