Concerns about fraternity conduct and the Memorial Union agreement were discussed at Wednesday’s Government of the Student Body meeting.

During open forum, Brad Johnson, president of the Black Student Alliance, spoke about a fraternity event at Oklahoma State University on Sept. 25.

He said at an Alpha Gamma Rho costume party, three students demonstrated “racial bigotry when they re-enacted a mock lynching.” He said one student wore black-face, and two others put a noose around his neck.

Johnson and other BSA members are circulating petitions condemning this behavior.

“There aren’t any actual rules against doing anything like this,” Johnson said. “As of now, there hasn’t been any action taken; there are no rules saying these actions are illegal.”

P’Angela Haynes, BSA member said, “I think it was very malicious, to even think to dress up and portray a part of American history so negatively and so derogatory.”

Haynes said these actions reflect on all Big 12 universities.

Pete Englin, dean of students, attended the meeting. He said Iowa State does address issues in its regulations and student conduct code, though some schools do not.

The Memorial Union agreement was also discussed at length. GSB voted on whether or not to ratify the agreement.

“I’ve always been very uplifted by the Memorial Union being separate from the university, yet we’re at a point where our backs are against the wall,” said Raye Taylor, off-campus groups senator. “I encourage you to think about the future of the Union.”

She said many of her constituents have fears about the future management of the Union.

Jeremy Hayes, off-campus groups senator, questioned the management of the M-Shop if the university takes over the union. He asked if the M-Shop would still be able to serve alcohol.

Andy Tofilon, president of the Student Union Board, said an agreement has been made with Thomas Hill, vice president for student affairs, and alcohol will still be served.

“There is no regulation on campus now that alcohol cannot be served on campus,” said T.J. Schneider, GSB president.

The bill passed, with two senators voting no and 22 voting yes.

President Gregory Geoffroy answered questions about Morrill Hall, the budget, tuition and Iowa State’s greek community.

He called Morrill Hall a top priority.

“We’re going to do it,” Geoffroy said. “All we need is $10 million.”

Geoffroy said ISU’s greek community is “a very strong asset to the university.”

“I was distressed when I read about declining enrollment [in fraternities and sororities],” he said.

When talking about the budget cuts, Geoffroy said choices are limited.

“We can either reduce the number of students we’re trying to serve, lower the quality of the university or replace the money the state took away with tuition increases,” Geoffroy said.

The October Board of Regents meeting will be at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

GSB will be taking a van to the meeting, so students can watch Schneider and Joe Darr, GSB vice president, present tuition concerns to the board.

They invite all students to join them. To reserve a spot, call the GSB office at 294-1585.