University senators discussed topics ranging from library renovations to communication with The Daily Orange in their monthly meeting Wednesday, but the one topic that sparked the most discussion was a resolution in support of affirmative action.

Syracuse law school professor Paula Johnson drafted the resolution that states the University Senate supports “continued consideration of race and ethnicity in affirmative action policies in admissions.” The resolution is in support of the University of Michigan in its upcoming Supreme Court cases.

“It is important for this body to be on the record, to state unequivocally the importance of diversity in higher education,” Johnson said.

The resolution is broad and applies to the importance of diversity not just at SU but everywhere, she added.

Christopher Dent, a senior aerospace engineering major, said he acknowledges the open discrimination of the past but is not sure if affirmative action is the solution to the problem of a lack of diversity.

Dent suggested that instead of affirmative action, policies should be implemented that level the playing field so a diverse group of people represent the most qualified students as well.

Things should be done to stop problems with failing public school systems, drugs and poverty, he said.

Although the resolution caused the most discussion, it easily gained the approval of the Senate.

Another topic that brought some discussion was a report of the subcommittee that was formed a year ago to examine The D.O. after it published a cartoon some perceived as offensive.

Craig Dudczak, associate professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and chairman of the committee, said The D.O. is heading in the right direction as an institution. The changes made included advisers to each department and workshops with D.O. alumni.

“I am happy to report that without intruding greatly or at all on independence of the D.O., structures are in place to ease any problems and make sure we do not return to this,” he said.

Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw said it has been difficult to walk the line between having a free and independent press and making sure that what is printed is appropriate.

Also during the meeting, university librarian Peter Graham gave his report on the state of Bird Library.

The library is in need of more funds to supply students with texts, journals and changes to the first floor of the library.

“The first floor right now has all the charisma of a Greyhound bus station but without the coffee shop,” he said.

The plan for the first floor would be to make it more attractive to students through the setting up of a coffee shop like at many other universities, comfortable seating and places to do group work, Graham said.

No plans have been finalized but it is something the library is considering.

A question that came up in the discussion of the condition of the library was the privacy of those who borrow books from the library. Graham explained that under the Patriot Act passed shortly after Sept. 11, the government can ask for library records and the library must supply them without informing anyone, even the person who is involved.

“There have been no requests as of yet,” he said. “In the future I don’t know if I will be able to tell you that, but keep asking.”

Published on February 12, 2003 at 12:00 pm