SCCOCC voices discontent

Author: Thomas C. Drescher

A chain of e-mails begun last week by Student Co-Chair of Community Council (SCCOCC) JS Woodward '06 and sent out to Student Government Association (SGA) members and select College administrators and Campus editors has prompted concerns regarding discord within the SGA's ranks.

In his initial e-mail, Woodward accused SGA President Eli Berman '07.5 of "grossly and dictatorially overstepping [his] bounds" by mandating attendance at the annual SGA-Faculty Council-Staff Council dinner and forcing some student leaders to miss their regularly scheduled meetings for what has become a "pompous and superficial bureaucratic function."

Woodward also asserted that the tone set by Berman within the SGA has been "combative, harassing, repressive and unsupportive" since September, and expressed his opposition to procedural and functional changes Berman has made within the SGA cabinet. According to Woodward's e-mail, Berman has "made the improvement of the public image of the SGA a priority over its functional operation." More specifically, he also cited Berman's repeated failure to send out meeting agenda documents on time as an impeachable offense.

Woodward's e-mail prompted a series of responses from other SGA cabinet members.

SGA Director of Campus Diversity Lauren Curatolo '06 replied first to Woodward's e-mail, asserting that the opinions he had presented were not necessarily shared by other SGA representatives. She went on to express her support for Berman, and observed that Woodward's comments seem to be indicative of "personal vendettas" and do not represent a constructive approach to resolving the issues at hand.

As an SGA veteran, Chief of Staff Marcus Hughes '06 prefaced his e-mail response by observing that "the last four and a half months have been the most productive time the SGA has had in quite awhile." He said that he thought it was "irresponsible" of Woodward "to vent [his] frustrations via mass e-mail," adding that the SCCOCC's accusations were "far off the mark."

In subsequent e-mail responses, SGA Press Secretary Adam Irish '08 and Co-Director of Alumni Relations Eric Hoest '07 both took issue with Woodward's method of dissemination, asserting that the issues he raised should have been brought up internally, not in a forum that included two administrators - Dean of Student Affairs Ann Hanson and Center for Campus Activities and Leadership Director Doug Adams - and two Campus editors.

Irish also said that Woodward has exhibited a "disparaging and negative outlook on [Berman's] administration" from the start. He went on to describe the "overt hostility" and "caustic commentary" that has characterized Woodward's participation at meetings, suggesting that a more cooperative and candid approach to relations with Berman would be more prudent in terms of tackling what he acknowledged were "legitimate concerns."

To this end, Woodward stated that he was very pleased with the outcome of a recent conciliatory meeting with Berman. I don't at all believe that conflict is a bad thing, he said, especially when it forces reflection.

"Consequently," Woodward added, "I feel that the spring will be a more productive and meaningful season for the SGA than was the fall."

Berman also expressed his hope that recent disputes would not prohibit the SGA from pursuing its tentative agenda, which includes a comprehensive transportation initiative and a possible reexamination of the College's alcohol policy. Berman added that he hopes to "clarify" the SGA's bureaucracy and institute changes that will allow the SGA to more accurately reflect the commons-based social layout of the College.

"I'm not going to let personal issues get in the way," Berman said. "I'm positive we're going to have a successful spring semester."