Page 2 — Smoke Signals, Monday, February 25, 1980
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College Press Service
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Student Forum
EDITORIAL OPINION
Every Vote Counts
Students here at Chowan should take more interest in the Stu
dent Government Association, and the best way to start, is by
voting in the March 5 election. It is the vote of you, the student,
that will decide the type of government SGA will have for the
1980-81 school year.
In past elections at Chowan, student interest has been low, but
because of the overwhelming chatter on campus thus far, the up
coming election should prove to be very interesting.
One race which should prove most interesting will be the one for
president, with Steve Laney of Charlotte and Sharee Atkinson of
Dinwiddie, Va. Both candidates have proven that they are
knowledgeable and very intelligent students; in fact, many see
this race as a toss up.
Laney is perhaps the most qualified because of his present par
ticipation in SGA. He has been a representative since September,
and is more familiar with the procedures of the organization.
Also, Laney is on about a half a dozen school committees, and his
relationship with the faculty and administration has grown rather
close, making him the logical choice.
Atkinson, however, could possibly be a great president. She is
very personable and astute, qualities which would undoubtably
make her a top executive; but right now, she lacks the experience
and background Laney has already encompassed.
Remember, it’s your vote, take advantage of this privilege.
-HARRY PICKETT
h'lOt -.vt
Job Well Done
Phil Royce. The name is unfamiliar to most. But to the ad
ministration, athletes on campus. Smoke Signals and the news
media abroad, his name is very common, and his presence is
always a welcomed one.
Royce’s official title at Chowan College is director of college
relations, which means he coordinates news releases and
distributes them to the news media. His job is a tireless one — one
which doesn’t encompass much glamor — but one which has
helped the college gain needed exposure.
Royce is a man respected by his peers. His job is a hard one, but
it is one which the smallish man loves incessantly. Whether it’s
covering a Board of Trustees meeting and snapping the countless
photo exposures of President Whitaker; or standing atop the
pressbox at the football field during 30-degree weather and rain,
keeping statistics for Coach Garrison; or maybe setting up the
sound systems at assemblies, concerts, ball games or movies,
Phil Royce does his job, and does it well. It’s just a shame that his
work goes unnoticed by most — and it just taken for granted by
others.
It would be hard for many to wear a smile from 8 to 5 each day
when a desk is filled with work to be done and another pile is to
come — and perhaps a trip has to be taken as a means of gather
ing a story on events pertaining to the college — and work just
piles up more.
Phil Royce is probably the hardest-working staffer at Chowan,
and there’s probably no group of people who appreciate his ser
vices more than we do. Smoke Signals salutes this industrious
young man. — HARRY PICKETT.
Edited, printed and published
by students at Chowan College
for students, faculty and staff of
CHOWAN COLLEGE.
Harry Pickett — Editor
Belinda Elmore — Associate Editor
Dean Lowman — News Editor
Greg Bassett
Jane Bridgeforth
Kathy Fisher
Janet Herzing
J. P. Leong
NEWS STAFF
Menford Grisewould Penelope Jones
Nancy Keen Barbara Parker
Shelly Jankosky
PHOTO STAFF
Randy Murphy
Nancy Thierry
Bill Williamson
Bite
The
Bullet
By KATHY FISHER
Any time during the week trying to
find a parking space in front of the
dorms can be next to impossible, but on
the weekends a person would be sur
prised to see much more than a dozen
cars in each parking lot. Yes, Chowan is
known as being a “suitcase college.”
Every weekend the students pack up to
go home or anywhere that there is
something going on.
The only way to rid the college of this
reputation is to provide the students
with some kind of entertainment on or
close by the campus. This year I can
honestly say that there has been an
effort on the part of the college to
provide more campus activities. By
activities I mean the dorm-sponsored
events such as the square dance and
numerous disco dances and jams, and
the SGA movies and concert-dances.
There was also an attempt to involve all
the students in the selection of activities
by asking them to suggest things that
they would like to do.
But still this is not enough to keep the
students here. There is just not enough
variety and selection. Chowan is
limited in the kinds of entertainment it
can provide.
In the surrounding area there is
almost nothing at all to do. Of course
there’s the Pub, but most students can’t
afford to go there very often or they
don’t care for that type of place. A twin
movie theater and drive-in are located
in nearby Ahoskie, but to go to one of
these a student needs transportation
and money for gas and a ticket. I the
town of Mufreesboro there aren’t any
places for students to go and socialize
except for bars.
What this town needs is some type of
wholesome entertainment like a
bowling alley or roller rink. Not only
would this give the students something
different to do, but it would also benefit
the whole community. U would give the
high school students a nice place to go
on dates, provide family entertainment
and cut down on travel expenses of
church groups that now have to travel
to other towns for this type of activity.
To the best of my knowledge (and I
have asked around), Murfreesboro has
no zoning law that would prevent this
kind of operation. The problem seems
to be with the people. Most of the
townspeople do not like the idea of
investing in such a place probably
because of fear that it will become a
hangout for delinquents or that the
building would become damaged by the
conduct of its patrons. And this could
very well be true, but ways can be
found to prevent and or slow down the
wear and tear process.
Hopefully this column will cause
many people to think about this
situation and cause them to see just
how beneficial such a place would be.
I’m not just writing from the viewpoint
of a bored college student. As a matter
of f ^t if one of these facilities were to
be built, I would probably not be around
to enjoy it because I will graduate in
May. 1 am writing this because
I think that such a place would benefit
this community, and I would still think
so even if Chowan weren’t located in
this area. I just believe that no matter
where one lives, there should be some
type of entertainment close by for the
people - especially the youth - that can
provide good, clean fun.
VOTE
STEVE LANEY
PRES/DENT
SGA
SGA Coverage, Cafeteria Operation,Censorship,
Absence of Wrestling News Draw Criticism
Editor:
I wish to reply in response to the front
page article in the February 8th edition
of Smoke Signals. First I would like to
express my disappointment in Mr.
Harry Pickett and his articles that
appear on the front page. I, among
other students found the article on
“Black Musical Group Blasts SGA”
very distasteful and unprofessional. It
has appeared that Harry Pickett takes
every available opportunity to criticize
SGA and especially President Mike
Burke. If Chowan did not have SGA,
there would be no dances, movies,
Spring Festival Activities or other
activities.
I am a SGA representative and
was present during the said SGA
meeting of which the band members of
“New Breeze” attended. To say no one
was interested is rather strong
statement. I among others offered to
attend a rehearsal of “New Breeze.”
Racial prejudice had nor has anything
whatsoever to do with SGA’s choice of
bands. I admit that a wider variety of
bands is needed but SGA does its best
with what it has. Greg Kaserman
checks into the bands under a particular
agency. The information he is given is
the type of music the band plays, the
price, the number of band members
and their availability to play on a given
date. Unless there is a photograph
included in brochures we are sent, SGA
has no idea whether the band is black,
wfiite or purple! The color does not
matter as long as they sound good!
SGA hesitated about booking “New
Breeze” because of their lack of
Equipment! The question was why
should we spend $400 of the students’
money for an equipmentless band when
SGA can book a professional band for
$500 or $600. The orginal plan for on-
campus bands was a band competition
or “Battle of the Bands.” This would
give bands on campus a chance to show
their abilities. If we found one who had
the right equipment and sound we may
have booked them on a separate oc
casion.
These racial debates are becoming
very old and show a lack of maturity.
People are getting tired of hearing a
constant cry of discrimination. If I
Uamed every personal defeat on my
sex or color, I would be writing a lot of
editorials.
As far as SGA members are con
cerned, the student body chooses and
votes on their representatives, not one
person. SGA certainly does not turn
black students away. We, want anyone
who is qualified and willing to work
hard for this school. The student body is
quite welcome to attend any SGA
meeting they wish. In fact, if more
people were interested and involved,
maybe SGA could do more for you, the
Student Body. Also, next time you have
a complaint about SGA or the school in
general; first know all the facts before
you jump to conclusions and second,
before you criticize ask yourself if you
have done anything lately to improve
this school.
Thank You,
Michele D. Newbern
SGA Representative
Editor:
In past issues of Smoke Signals, the
campus newspaper, many comments
have been made concerning the con
troversy that plagues the 1979-80 ver
sion of Chowan’s Student Government
Association. Although most of these
comments have been directed toward
the entire organization, one member in
particular — President Mike Burke —
has apparently been attacked the
hardest, primarily by Smoke Signals
Editor Harry Pickett.
The question is why?
Mike has been accused of being
“compelled to bend a law” or two,
criticized for supporting the purchase
of canoes which were frequently used
until the paddles were broken, and
called the instigator of an October
panty raid in recent issues of the
campus newspaper. All the articles
mentioned above have been penned by
one man — Mr. Harry Pickett, editor.
The question again is why?
Is Pickett trying to personally purify
the American judicial system as it
exists at Chowan? Perhaps Mr. Pickett
believes that one automatically
becomes perfect as soon as he-she is
elected to a public position. Or is it that
Pickett has a personal grudge against
Burke which he has chosen to exploit
through the most convenient method
available to him — namely, the campus
newspaper.
It seems as if the third proposal
might be the closest to the truth. I say
this after reading the article by Mr.
Pickett in the February 9 edition of
Smoke Signals entitled “No Punish
ment Planned for SGA Head after
Raid.”
Pickett libels Burke by calling him
“one of the instigators in a panty raid in
October.” This allegation has not been
officially proven and therefore should
not have been hsted as if it were fact
unless the author offers concrete
evidence which would stand up under
legal duress to support his claim. One
can only assume that these comments
reflect the personal prejudices of Mr.
Pickett and are not vital to the ac
curacy of the story.
Other misleading comments also
appear throughout the story. It is im
plied that Burke was one of the leaders
in the panty raid of Belk Hall yet
nowhere does Pickett provide any
proof. The only claim which Pickett
actually provides evidence for is the
case of Burke’s participation in a
shaving cream fight outside of East
Hall which occurred nearly two hours
later.
Incidentally, the SGA Constitution,
Student Handbook, or school catalogue
contain no guidelines or recom
mendations which bar the SGA officers
or members from participation in
either panty raids or shaving cream
fights on school property. Judging from
that, one must assume that Dean
Clayton Lewis’ comments reflect his
personal beliefs. The personal ideas of
any administrative official should not
infringe on the rights of any students as
long as they are not doing anything
illegal or contrary to (in writing, rather
than thought) school policy.
Pickett's comments surrounding the
locking of doors in Parker Hall to
prevent a “raid” are misleading. The
author implies the securing of the dorm
was improper even though he
seemingly opposes raids of other
dorms. Nothing could be more con
tradictory.
One must take in consideration that
Mike Burke is a student who came to
college supposedly to help himself
mature. Surely until this maturation
process is complete, Mike will still be
allowed to have occasional fun before
being “sentenced” to the boring,
dreamless world called adulthood.
Finally, if the purpose of Mr.
Pickett’s article was to defame SGA
President Mike Burke, it obviously
succeeded; if it was intended to bring
out some hidden truth or revelation, the
article failed due to personal prejudices
and misleading allegations.
Sincerely,
Marie Gaver
Cecilia Yau
To the Editor:
Dear Sir,
I believe that SGA has done a fairly
decent job this year. I don’t know where
you get your information from, but it
certainly cannot be direct. Are your
direct quotes really direct?
About Mike Burke and the Panty
Raid that happened so long ago,
couldn’t you take your ai^er and ac
cusations elsewhere'besides the school
newspaper? Is this a way to “get even”
with the president for some personal
grudge maybe? Why use the
newspaper? Why turn Chowan into a
battleground forcing people to take
sides. You show mainly one side to the
story, where are the other views?
other views?
I can see your point as an editor to get
nice juicy stories about officals or
organizations but please give us good
fresh news for a change. By the way,
why hasn’t there been any articles on
the undefeated wrestling team?
Bored with old news,
Elaine Chapman
Dear Editor,
Once again it is time for me to take
pen in hand and voice my opinion for all
to hear. In the last issue of the paper
there were many things that disturbed
me. First, why was there no news about
the nationally ranked wrestling team?
It seems to me that anythinbg
nationally ranked at Chowan would be
news worthy. I realize that the
basketball team has done very well. My
congratulations to the team. It seems a
strange though that no space could be
found for the undefeated wrestling
team. Well maybe there wasn’t room in
this past issue. So I checked. Guess
What? There hasn’t been room for the
wrestling team in any issue to date! Is
the team not news worthy; or is the
editor too busy elsewhere to care.
Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS to the
wrestling team. It might be the only
time you read it in the paper!
That brings me to the next point.
Since when do “rumors” deserve front
page status? I’m refering to the
flagrant name calling article on Mike
Burke. Does the Editor have a personal
grudge against the President of the
SGA? Do you expect us to take the
article seriously? The inaccuracies
were great, and in contradiction with
what was reported earlier. Which do we
believe? Can we believe either article?
When you write stories about other
people here on campus, especially my
fellow SGA members, you must
remember that we never have claimed
to be professionals. We are students
above anything else. It seems to me
that the space wasted on the Burke
story could have been put to better use.
As it reads now, the only use for it
would be at the bottom of a bird cage.
Additionally, the Editor shouuld
remember his own recent run in with
Dean Winslow on a far more serious
matter. Isn’t it odd that I don’t recall
reading about in the paper!
And now for the final point of my
letter and the one that upsets me the
most. My fellow SGA members and I
have been called “selfish, wasteful,
one-sided, and predjudiced.” It seems
pecuUar that the ones leveling the
Siarges don’t have the stomach to lend
their names to their accusations. Even
so. I’m glad the Editor aired the Band’s
claims. We are a strong SGA and can
take criticism. What we cannot tolerate
is a one-sided story. The Editor takes
great liberty with his Quotes, I never
was asked the reason for “New
Breeze“not being allowed to play. But
look at those quotes around my words.
When was I interviewed? Once on the
subject of what movies we were trying
to bring to the students. The Editor only
compounded the problem of co^-
munications by not checking into^^
facts. Definently poor reporting.^jp
truth of the matter is though, the band
stinks!! I will not see my fellow
student’s money spent on such a waste.
Pat Csigi and I have also done some
work on the movie budget price which
now stands at $4200; $1300 under budget
with top name movies. We hope to in
vest some to improve our inadequate
sound system. The money spent on the
Bands is money well spent. How many
of you didn’t think “Sand Castle”
wasn’t worth the money? “Tracks”is
one of the hottest rock’n’roll groups
around. And the “Catilina’s”, the group
no one has heard of, has got a record
that has been played at the Pub
recently. But when was the last time
you read a review in the paper on how
the dance went, a review type article.
Again poor reporting.
The SGA is not supposed to do “all
things pertaining to the students,” we
are merely volunteers, non
professional, frying to make college a
little better for you, the student. I guess
I shouldn’t be so hard on the Editor.
After all, he is just an amateur!
Correction, an Amateur that gets $600
of the students’ money a year, and for
what; THERE'S a good question. The
stench of his foul work certainly
doesn’t have a place in a paper worth
reading. It was hoped that the “80’s”
would bring new faith, truth, and
meaning to the paper. Apparently this
is not going to be so, unless you the
student want it. You pay for the paper.
DEMAND A GOOD PAPER! Replace
the Editor if he can’t do his job, Let’s
have a paper that will inform us, not
spread rumors; a paper that reports all
the news; a paper that puts a meaning
of respect to a journalist. FIRE Harry
Pickett!!!
Awaiting action,
Greg Kaserman
SGA Social Co-Chairman For Men
RA 2nd Floor Parker
To the Editor:
I am writing to voice my opinion
towards the attitude in the cafeteria. I
feel the cafeteria personnel have a
negative attitude towards quite a few
of the students here at Chowan. In this,
I mean the people who check the I.D.’s
and serve the food. I do realize
that there are some people who are not
particularly kind to them, but does that
mean they sho uld act negatively towards
the rest?
I would also like to say that the back
line, as I know it, is supposed to stay
open until the top of the hour. Why is it
that when I go to eat at 5:50 p.m., the
back line is closed and sometimes the
doors are locked? Why does the
lady at the back line close 10 to 15
minutes early and go over to the front
hne and sit and do nothing until
closing? Locking the back doors while
there are a lot of people in the cafeteria
is a fire hazard.
I would also like to know why the
back line is not open on Sunday nights ?
I realize that quite a few people go
home on the weekends, but most of these
people are back in time for supper. This
creates long lines out in the cold air and
makes a lot of students eat elsewhere.
The cafeteria is there to serve us, not
run us off because of long lines. We pay
for these meals, why should we have to
wait 30 minutes to receive our food. I
say open the back line and feed us
without a long wait.
- Gary G. Joyce
111*
Letter to the Editor:
Does censorship exist in our
newspaper, the Smoke Signals? The
Smoke Signals is a good newspaper as
far as college newspapers go as
reporting on the campus events: but
are we censored in the area of in
vestigative reporting? Censorsh^
would prevent student newspap*
from reporting on delicate event.s
happen on the campus, but this woulci
also interfere with the student's right to
know. This would really be slanting the
news the way that the paper wanted the
story to go without hearing both sides,
only the offical version and nothing
else.
Students should have more of a say in
their paper and voice a bit more on
what they had to say instead of getting
it from an Official. That in itself is
slanting the news the way the paper or
the writer wants it to go. Censorship
exists in student papers unlike the
professional papers. Without going into
the details, sometimes dciicate items
don’t get in; sensitivity is one thing that
might be involved. In summary, what
are we so afraid of?
Ronald E. Wood