Lack of change, not miscommunication, is root problem

Lack of change, not miscommunication, is root problem

By Ben Potter

Undergraduate student president Rob Greenhalgh’s analysis of the
IFC responsorship issue ("USAC must initiate more communication on
campus," Oct. 20) is truly pathetic. Once again, the question of
confrontation and miscommunication among student groups has been
oversimplified, but I must say the rhetoric convinces me that
Greenhalgh could have a promising career in politics ahead of
him.

Despite the enlightening rehash of the all-too-familiar, I am
still left wondering why Greenhalgh did nothing over the past year
to bridge the gap between IFC and those groups (too numerable to
mention) who oppose it. Surely, as a member of USAC, combined with
his deep concern for ongoing "misunderstandings," Greenhalgh took
steps to bring all involved parties together.

It logically follows that in light of his extreme sensitivity to
the issue and his desire to meet the needs of the students ­
all students ­ Greenhalgh himself attended MEChA meetings or
perhaps a gathering of the African Student Union. So, Rob, I’m sure
in your next statement you’ll explain to us all what the experience
was like.

I am slightly disappointed that, as the great mediator of UCLA,
our illustrious undergraduate president has not taken it upon
himself to set up dialogues to end the "misunderstanding" that
plagues this campus.

Oh, wait ­ that’s right; he’s the president and as we all
know he has bigger responsibilities, like fighting to keep fees
down, pushing for financial aid and perhaps taking a stand on one
of the innumerable issues facing this campus daily. Perhaps
Greenhalgh should remember this and get away from the notion that
he has been elected social chair of the student body.

When Greenhalgh speaks of "misunderstanding" and "lack of
communication" he has pinpointed the source of long conflict. For
decades, the minority and underrepresented groups on this campus
have cried out against the elitist nature of both the fraternity
and sorority establishments.

There does seem to have been some misunderstanding however,
because despite these complaints, the system remains a place
reserved for those who fit within its traditionally established
parameters. People are still upset and have been left waiting for
real changes.

Tell me, Rob, what is so hard to understand about that?

Potter is a third-year sociology student.