After weathering hours of intense debate, several amendments and heated opposition, the Government of the Student Body passed a resolution to support the Veishea pledge at its meeting Wednesday night.

According to the approved resolution, “GSB supports the concept of a safe, multicultural and alcohol-free Veishea pledge.”

However, a resolve clause expresses the GSB’s objection “to the way the administration has issued, either explicitly or implicitly, an ultimatum to the GSB and other campus organizations that continuation of the Veishea celebration is contingent on the approval of the GSB and other campus organizations.”

ISU President Martin Jischke was on-hand to clarify the administration’s position on the alcohol-free status of Veishea.

“Our goal is to create an environment to discourage misbehavior,” Jischke said. “We have to change our own perspective on the celebration to change the way others think about it.”

Jischke expressed the opinion that annual debate on the Veishea pledge was “healthy.”

“How we solve problems is important in the issues you will be facing as leaders for the rest of your lives,” he said.

Two resolve clauses were added to the resolution requesting increased student input in conduct policies governing the Veishea celebration.

While Jischke maintained he does not have the authority to allow an equal student voice in drafting student conduct codes, he did express willingness to meet with student leaders to discuss their input on the rules.

“I am quite prepared for discussions,” Jischke said. “I think we have a history of being able to work with students.”

However, he qualified his offer with the possibility of the discussions resulting in “genuine and honorable disagreement.”

Concerned students packed the gallery, eager to witness how their representatives would handle the hot issue.

“If we lose Veishea, so be it,” said Ashley Herr, senior in electrical engineering. “At least we stood up for what we believed in. Everybody brags about Veishea being the largest student-run event in the country, so why should the administration interfere?”

Other students held the value of tradition over the temporary sacrifice of their individual rights.

“I want Veishea, no matter what happens,” said Shu Tosaka, sophomore in hotel, restaurant and institution management. “It’s tradition.”

Luke DeKoster, RCA and author of the approved resolution, commented on the far-reaching effects of the decision.

“What we are doing tonight affects not only the current student body, but the alumni, the faculty, prospective students and Ames residents,” he said.

Dale Friedrichsen, agriculture, supported the resolution.

“The pledge is needed,” he said. “A 77-year-old tradition should be carried on — we shouldn’t ruin it for everyone else. People have to remember that the administration can enforce certain things.”