page 4 — THE DECREE — FEBRUARY 13,1987
FOCUS ON SOUTH AFRICA — Professor Walton
Johnson of Rutgers University gave two lectures on
South Africa last week. (Photo by Mike Brown.)
Wesleyan increases
security on campus
(Continued from Page 1)
New policy recommended
for assigning dorm rooms
Professor
spotlights
S. Africa
By MELVIN BARNES
In a seminar, on Feb. 5 at 3:15,
entitled "Apartheid in 1986", Pro
fessor Walton Johnson, Chairman
of Afro-American studies at Rut
gers University and author of the
book The AME Church, said "I
argue that point that Apartheid is
dead."
Professor Johnson, speaking in
Wesleyan's Gravely lecture hall,
traveled extensively in Africa inc
luding three years in Zambia.
Speaking distinctly, he conveyed
his view by using various con
versations he encountered: with a
friend in Johannesburg, a white
South African woman who migrat
ed to Europe then returned to her
homeland, a right wing leader, and
a colorcd couple who are distinct
because of mixed relations.
The present views in South
Africa toward race range from the
change toward democratic values
in South Africa to the change that
preserves race divisions. He related
the feelings of oppression and
change in South Africa to the
problems staged in the 1960s' dur
ing the Vietnam saga and the
domestic civil rights struggle.
"The quetion is not whether
there is going to be a change but
what we are going to change to."
With this statement, he elaborated
on the "Natal" states’ discussion of
multi-racial system and the Pro
gressive Federal Party that moves
for a more democratic society in
contrast to the Political Govern
mental System encouraging white
supremacy and the denationali
zation of South African citizen
ship by creating separate indepen
dent nations.
To conclude his lecture, he said
that divestment and political sanc
tions are important now, even
though they might becomc proble
matic in the long-term. "I think it
is important for international pres
sure to alter the balance of power
in South Africa," with reference
to U.S. involvement with South
African affair-s, he said.
At the end of Professor John
son's session, time was allotted for
questions and answers. "Is there
hope for a peaceful resolution to
the problem?" asked one observer.
Professor Johnson replied "There
is always hope." "Does South Afri
ca support divestment?" asked ano
ther observer. Professor John-son
said "Preparing for a new order
and a new government welcomes
trade and economy. Therefore my
answer is yes, they do support
divestment."
Knowledgeable of his views and
responsive to the audience, he was
given a round of applause for his
colorful presentation, which en
ticed some to stay over into thrir
lunch hour to raise issues and
points of interest.
The weaknesses include percep
tion of effectiveness by the student
body as negative, a single guard not
adequate during critical hours, lack of
qualified students, a dependable
vehicle, proper equipment and uni
form unity, capabilities of the person
covering midnight to eight in the
morning questionable, nor do they
operate from a home base, were also
cited in this document by Dr.
McKita.
In reference to the need of their
services, McKita responded, "they
have the manpower. We never have
to worry about someone being here.
They are visible (uniformed and drive
a marked car) and their presence is felt
more." One of the victims of the
peeper, who wishes to remain
anonymous, is unsure about the
effectiveness of the new security
personnel: "Yes and no. Yes because
I know they’re here, but no because I
just have mixed feelings," (about
feeling safer) she responded.
Pinkerton Management is also
advising the college on the possi
bility of posting of no trespassing
signs, so that if any problems of the
severity of the peeping incidenLs, or
lesser problems, should arise the
college can take legal action.
Dr. McKita suggested, "it will
• take security, students, and student
life staff working all together to
make the campus safer. If students
don't monitor or pay attention to
whose on their floor we can't protect
them." He also added, "in order to be
safer you give up a little freedom."
That is, it becomes a necessity to
carry a front door key, to lock room
doors and to have your guest buzz up
and escorted in the female dorms.
By PAM DERRICK
Housing Director
An increase in the number of
residents at Wesleyan this year has
created situations that require the
establishment of new guidelines to
regulate the residence hall room
assignment policy.
The residents hall population
reached 355 students this year in
contrast to 284 residents occupying
the same space last year, 1985-
1986. The increase of residents has
decreased the availability of pri
vate rooms. Room and roommate
changes cannont be made as easily
as in the past (due to the reduction
or elimination of open room
spaces). Roommates experiencing
difficulties have been forced to
resolve their differences or live in
an uncomfortable situation. These
problems have always existed, but
now the options are limited.
The present room assignment
policy states that preferences for
halls, ■ floors,, and rooms will be
honored on the basis of the
student's class standing and date of
request. This policy is not sufficient
to address the problems that have
emerged as a result of the larger
residence hall population. Seniority
is not always the proper guideline
in determining which student has
priority over another in making
room assignments.
Who has seniority, a junior re
admit or a returning freshmen?
Should two freshmen who have
resided in separate rooms for one
semester be forced to move in
together in order to accommodate
a junior requesting a private room?
The Director of Housing has
the authority to make decisions as
needed, but an organized policy
recommended from students them
selves is the best solution.
The Student Life Committee of
the Community Council has been
given the following policy sug
gestions to review. This policy af
fects all resident students and there
fore should be representative of the
opinion of all students. Any idea
and suggestions about this and
other policies should be discussed
with student leaders in order to
have the changes made on campus
that are needed to make Wesleyan
a better place. Joy Patrick is the
chairperson of the Student Life
Committee.
RECOMMENDED
ASSIGNMENT POLICY
Fall Room Assignments
1. Assignments will be made
before the end of Spring semester.
All students who turn forms in by
the due date will be given priority
by seniority status. New students
and incoming freshmen will be
given second priority status to
returning students. Those students
who do not turn in their forms by
the due date will be given the same
priority as new students.
2. Everyone except the Seniors
must sign up for a double room
and desired roommate for the Fall
semeter. Those who do not sign up
for a roommate will be assigned
one.
Room Swap
3. Room Swap Assignments will
be based on seniority of all new
and returning students. Forms
must be turned in by the due date.
4. Freshmen will be asked to
consolidate at the beginning of
Fall and Spring semester, if they
do not have a roommate in order
to accommodate private room
requests of upperclassmen during
the Room Swap.
5. Private rooms (except for
Seniors) will be assigned at Room
Swap for upperclassmen. A waiting
list will be kept for those who do
not get a private room at Room
Swap and wish to have one. This
list will be based on seniority and
by lottery with in each group
(freshmen, sophomores, junions).
Roommate Problems
6. If two roommates cannot
solve their problems, both must
agree to a contract that will be
established in a conference with
Student Life Staff. Any resident
not followng the contract will be
made to move.
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Doc's
February Deals...
To introduce our delicious NEW
pizza — $1 off large pizzas through
Feb. 15.
Feb. 11, 13, 14, 19 & 21, home
basketball games — free medium
beverage with large pizza purchase.
For February lunch specials, see
announcement in Doc's or the Ad
ministrative Building bulletin board.