Separation the best solution

It’s been just over two years since I, with the unanimous endorsement of the Student Senate, unsuccessfully sought to separate the Judicial Board from the Student Government. The justifications for that separation were strong and they are even more compelling today.

Students, including myself, have only a vague understanding of our campus judicial system and the authorities granted to the Judicial Board. Yet, in the name of democracy, students are expected to select its Chief Justice. The most informed students also realize that this board is established by a Code of Student Conduct and is accountable mostly to an Office of Student Conduct. Yet, in the name of three-branch government, Student Government is required to house this board and give spurious confirmations to its members.

Student governance is accomplished through a variety of committees, associations, and councils at N.C. State. The Inter-Residence Council governs student housing, the Student Media Authority governs the fourth estate and the Agri-Life Council governs CALS. Following this same logic, the Judicial Board should govern within the Office of Student Conduct. After all, the board derives its powers, membership and administrative resources from this office and its code — not from the student body.

Two years ago, I made the mistake of allowing distrust and caustic relationships to defeat a separation policy at the expense of the public good. And today, the campus judicial system is marred by ignorant democracy and an incoherent structure. I hope students and administrators will reconsider a separation policy that ameliorates these recurrent flaws.

Forrest HintonFormer Student Senate President 2005-2006Alumnus, Class of 2007