Last Wednesday when GSB tacked on the “don’t say anything stupid to the press amendment” (as I like to call it) to the Department of Residence investigation bill, they sent a terrible message to the students of Iowa State.

Basically, this amendment implies that the committee members that were chosen by GSB to investigate the Department of Residence are inept at public relations.

It suggests that the members on the committee don’t possess the restraint that would prevent them from saying anything stupid that could upset the administration and misrepresent the intentions of GSB (like suggesting the resignation of Randy Alexander).

I have several problems with this amendment. First of all, I think senators should be able to say whatever they want about the Department of Residence without having to worry about the administration trying to shut them up.

I’m not sure if it happened in this case, but there were more administrators than normal at the GSB meeting on Wednesday.

My second point is that even if the administration does try to throw its weight around, senators should have enough backbone to stand up for what they believe is right, even if it is calling for a person’s resignation.

My last point is probably what actually happened in this case. Senators who have shown to GSB that they are incapable of handling high-profile investigations should not be appointed to what is a relatively high profile investigating committee.

By the way, the students, and the Iowa State Daily won’t be the only ones left in the dark during this investigation.

When I asked Senator Pogge, the sponsor of the “don’t say anything stupid to the press amendment,” if he was worried about someone on the committee irresponsibly blabbing stuff to the press, Senator Pogge conveniently refused to answer my question.

Perhaps he was rehearsing for the treatment he plans to give the Daily, the students and his fellow senators about this issue.

There were four senators, including myself, who voted against the amendment. This shows there are some senators who are looking after students needs. Hopefully, there will be more next time.

Cory Cramer

Junior

Political science

Off-campus senator