Law students were shocked and offended when the news circulated last week that not only had we been denied a meaningful tradition to stand together and support the Alabama football team in Bryant-Denny, but the SGA knowingly removed our application from consideration. After the SGA’s blatant disregard of equality and due process for non-greek student organizations in this course of events, many law students are left shaking their heads in disbelief.
Law students, along with the Manderson Business School, were left out in the cold in this new method that violated the SGA’s own rules of inclusion regarding assigned block seating. As active members of the University community, we feel slighted, neglected and ignored.
I thought we were supposed to be on the same team. So the question is, what are we really fighting about? Are we fighting over the right to have designated seating? Are we fighting over the right to sit together? For some students, yes, it is one or the other. For me, and for others, we’re fighting over what I like to call,“prime real estate” – end zone seating. While I’m not afraid of heights, I do not like sitting in the upper deck as I am afraid of falling. I want to sit as close as possible (to the ground) and the field. The reason students are fighting over this piece of property is because national (and local) television stations often line-up and shoot this section of the stadium when our Crimson Tide enters the end zone. The energy and excitement displayed by students is a great backdrop for what is going on down on the field. I just want to sit with friends and classmates in the end zone as I have a great view of the field. I guess that was asking too much of some members of the SGA.
While some offers have been made to remedy the situation, last I heard none had been accepted as reasonable substitutes. As such, I challenge all involved to work together to come to a satisfactory, fair, and equitable agreement by the time the North Texas Mean Green football team enters Bryant-Denny.
Our leaders should not fear reprisals against their budget from the SGA for speaking out. Our leaders should be the leaders they would like to have themselves. Our leaders should lead.
This shouldn’t be a greek v. independent argument. This shouldn’t be an undergraduate v. post-graduate issue. We’re not supposed to be on opposite teams. We bleed crimson and white, too. The SGA Constitution says its purpose is to serve the common interests of all students. Let’s make sure all students (and their organizations) are served accordingly and fairly.
