Comm. Council looks to broaden influence

Author: Michelle Constant

In its first and subsequent meetings this year, the Community Council intends to address the possibility of a College social honor code, as well as reviewing harassment policies and the future role of social and interest houses on campus, according to Student Co-Chair of Community Council Eric Hoest '08.

"Our goal [for this year] is to tackle important issues and get actionable, meaningful resolutions out of our discussion," said Hoest.

The tentative agenda for the initial meeting on Sept. 24 includes reviewing the Community Council mission and purpose, meeting schedule and procedures and setting the agenda for the year.

According to Hoest, the Council hopes to addresses two issues immediately - Delta House's petition for reinstatement and the wording change of the College's sexual harassment policy.

Dean of the College and Co-Chair of the Council Tim Spears explained that Community Council does not have the power to make a decision on Delta House regaining its status on campus. The Council weighs in on the issues brought forth and sends recommendations to President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz, who then offers a final decision.

"There are some pretty significant changes and new language [in the College's sexual harassment policy] that will be brought to the Council for discussion," said Spears.

Spears mentioned the inclusion of new legislation that formally prohibits sexual interactions between faculty and students. An expert from the University of Virginia will attend the first Community Council meeting to speak on this topic.

Spears also discussed a proposal for a new social house - Sigma Moo, made last spring by Matt Doyle '08.5.

"We're going to consider this as part of a larger discussion," said Spears. "We really need to look at this as a package."

The proposal will be considered in connection with current social houses, including their location on campus. According to Spears, the Council has always been interested in social life options and housing issues on campus.

"I hope we can really engage this issue in a comprehensive way in that we can better social life on campus," said Spears. "In order for [Sigma Moo] to make a difference, we are going to have to address the greater issue."

"We want to address the social house situation in a more meaningful way," agreed Hoest.

Spears believes that "there are enough natural issues that will come to the committee" in the next few months. He said that the Council is an effective organization to sponsor community discussions.

Hoest said that the Council intends to publicize upcoming topics of discussion on a weekly basis, as well as to create a Web site. Students, staff and faculty particularly interested in specific discussion topics can then attend relevant meetings.

"Our goal is to address criticisms of the past," said Hoest. "People didn't know that Community Council existed or felt that they couldn't contribute."

Hoest feels that, with six student representatives on the Council, it will be easier for students to contact a Community Council member and become involved in the Council's discussions. Additionally, Hoest also hopes to receive more future input from faculty and staff.

"I hope to move the focus from purely student issues," said Hoest. "[I plan to] look at the issues that truly affect the wider community associated with the College."