The Government of the Student Body voted Wednesday night to establish the GSB Senate/IRHA Special Committee on the Department of Residence.

It’s a mouthful, but it basically means that students will be taking a look at how the Department of Residence operates, with the intention of making what are perceived as private decisions public.

The purpose of the committee is not to take out students’ vengeance on the Department of Residence but to make sure students know how and why their money is being spent.

But on Wednesday night, before the senators passed the resolution, they tacked on an amendment that prevents committee members from talking to the media until the committee submits its final report.

Sound familiar?

It should.

That’s exactly the type of thing that caused students’ current confusion about the DOR.

Students are upset about the Brown Route funding being jeopardized, upset about scaled-down Student Security and upset that their residence halls will be torn down in a matter of years.

And all because the Department of Residence didn’t openly talk about and explain the Master Plan as it went along.

GSB committee members have said that they will abide by the Iowa Open Records/Open Meetings laws.

The Daily, or any other media outlet, is free to show up to any and all meetings.

But the members will refuse to comment on the proceedings.

This sets a horrible precedent, and it shows the university administration and the entire student body that senators may be more concerned with their images than with solving the problem.

There is absolutely no reason to keep any information — including senators’ thoughts on whatever they may dig up — from the student body.

GSB should be red-faced for suggesting silence on this issue.

No one will respect the way in which senators uncovered information if they refuse to share the process with the students.

The investigation is still a good idea, and the senators responsible are to be commended.

But don’t leave the students hanging in the meantime.