Two presentations on the Catt Hall issue were made at Wednesday night’s Government of the Student Body meeting.

The first presentation, about leadership, was given by ISU President Martin Jischke.

“I believe a community, any community, cannot function without leaders and that these leaders should listen to the opinions of others. Listening is not necessarily agreeing. We need to remember that disagreement on some things should not stop us from moving foward with other things,” Jischke said.

After the presentation Jischke said he would answer questions from the audience.

“In the year since Sept. 29, 1995, I’ve seen only one comment from you about Catt. Does it matter to you that Catt Hall is like a burning cross that painfully offends many people on campus?” Milton McGriff, non-traditional seat, said.

Jischke said, “I believe Catt’s accomplishments were quite extraordinary. This building is not only in recognition of Catt, but of women in general. I have read her writing that is at heart of the argument, and I understand and respect that argument, but I come to a different judgment about what she was saying and doing.”

He said the issue may be unresolvable, and he is prepared to “live with disagreement.” He added that the decision to rename the building belongs to the state Board of Regents.

“It is seen by some an act with a lack of sensivtivity. This was not what was intended. I do not believe it would be in the university’s interests to rename building,” Jischke said.

McGriff then questioned Jischke about the letter circulating about Catt Hall from Sharon Rodine to Derek Rollins.

“You spoke of civility and respect, I have a letter here from Sharon Rodine that is neither civil or respectful. Do you agree with this letter?” McGriff said.

Jischke answered, “I’m not prepared to defend Rollins or Rodine, I believe the views they are expressing are views they sincerely believe in. I do not believe it would do any service by discrediting these views. I wouldn’t describe the letter as civil or respectful.

Jane Cox, professor of theatre, explained several reasons why she felt the name of Catt Hall should not be changed.

“I spent a couple of years of my life doing research on Catt, and I feel like I know her. I have played her in a one woman show, researched her speeches, writings, and letters in the Library of Congress,” she said.

“I’ve known her for over five years and I feel very strongly that she deserves as much a chance to be understood, for her words to be heard as she wrote, said, and intended them as any living person does,” Cox said.

Cox also addressed the frequently quoted passage of Catt’s dealing with “ignorant immigrants.”

She said Catt used the term “ignorant” to mean unknowledgeable.

“We all know the regulations for immigrants today to become citizens/vote. Tough tests…US history…some of us couldn’t pass them. In an era without TV, being able to read the language was the criteria to be an educated voter,” Cox said.

Senator Mike Poggee then expressed his view on the issue.

“I am torn on this issue. I understand both sides but I have spoke with some people that said they would not walk in Catt Hall because of what it represents.

He said many people are against the idea of entering a building named for “someone remotely racist.”

Cox responded that fear should not control a person’s actions.

“Fear should not guide action, knowledge should. I would say to those who are afraid to please use knowledge instead of letting fear guide our actions and I urge all of you before making a judgement on Catt Hall to get your information from primary sources,” Cox said.