6A - The Michigan Daily - Thursday, November 21, 1996 LOCAL/STATE Panel discusses technology, law By Laurie Mayk Daily Staff Reporter Congress is not ignoring growing technologies in the United States. Its members simply don't understand them, said former U.S. Rep. Lou Frey. Frey, a former Florida representative and University Law School graduate, joined Law students for a discussion hosted by the Michigan Telecommunications and Technology Law Review last night. Panelists ques- tioned Frey on the role Congress can play in regulating and participating in technological advances. "When we wrote the Communications Act there were literally only two of us in the 435 in the House who knew what was in it,' Frey said. Frey said that although government administrators often avoid the issue for fear of conflict with big business, many legislators just don't understand it and don't have the incentive to learn about it. Lack of knowledge about the latest Internet function is not an excuse, said Law student Matt Lipson. "Even if they can't understand the technology (they should) have people on their staff that can inform them of it," Lipson said. Law student Jennifer Diamantis said members of Congress may not see an incentive in addressing science and technology issues. Some constituents are concerned, however. "It bothers me that they make deci- sions about things they're not informed about," Diamantis said. The only way for government to deal efficiently and responsibly with chang- ing technologies is to appoint specific officials to research the subject and advise the rest of the government, Frey said. Frey suggested the addition of a cabinet-level post to oversee science and technology. "When you're close to the president and he'll listen to you, you can get things done," Frey said. An office with similar responsibili- ties was removed from the White House several years ago. "There's never been a time when it's down lower in the political pecking order," Frey said. While in Congress, Frey served as the ranking member of the House Science and Technology Committee and drafted the first bill to limit the monopolizing power of AT&T. "Competition was the only way we could solve this problem," Frey said. "Technology had surpassed the law." While Congress was successful in blocking this potential misuse of power in the communications industry, tech- nology is getting harder to regulate, Frey said. "What can Congress do to protect my software from people stealing it?" asked panelist and School of Information Prof. Victor Rosenberg. Frey said that legislation designed to regulate technology is difficult to enforce, especially outside of the coun- try. COMMISSION C MI S O "'Continued from Page 1A salary equity review and the creation the Women's Studies Program. Newell reminisced yesterday about experiences she had as. the committee chair and as Fleming's assistant. One objection the commit- tee had was that male music majors were required to be members of the Michigan Marching Band, while female music majors were not per- mitted to be members. "This was so blatant," Newell said. - Newell said she told Fleming the problem, and he calmly replied, "The director of the band will be retiring shortly, and the new director will allow females." Although Newell is proud of the first commission's accomplishments, she said it "left a tremendous number of areas untouched." She said the mem- bers discussed daycare, but said itv too "radical" and "expensive." She a. said that at that time, sexual harassment was never discussed. Provost J. Bernard Machen dis- cussed the present state of equality at the University. "It still remains true that the higher the rung on the academic ladder, the fewer the women," Machen said, Currently, women comprise 20 of the 122 department chairs, five of the 0 deans and 25 percent of senior admin- istrators. Machen pointed out this is a great improvement from 25 years ago, but equality is not yet achieved. "Vigorous efforts will be needed to accelerate our progress," Machen said. "Much work remains to be done both in our society and at the University." Fleming agreed that the incquality will continue to exist. "It's unlikely that men and worr will see the roles of one another in the same way," Fleming said. AJA UEKLVA CUHtN/Daily Former U.S. Rep. Lou Frey of Florida answers questions from panelists at Hutchins Hall In the Law School last night. I retuAnnuaI Sale, $15OFF regular price - Largest selection of Men's & Women's styles in Michigan " Lowest Prices in Town FA F i 1i MAST SHOES A2 DISTINGUISHED SMOKERS- ABSOLUTE ULTIMATE CIGAR LIGHTER. Black leather. Flameless jet turbo, perfect in any weather. 5 yr. warranty. $58. 677-4332 Other accessories available. 619 E. iberty Mon-Fri. 10-7 Sat.10-6 Sun.12-5 Westgate Shopping Center 217 S. Main Mon.-Fri,10-8, Sat.10-6, Sun.12-5 Mon.-Sot.10-6