0 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 0 0 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 I I