Student Council passed a referendum yesterday that will allow the student body to voice its opinion on whether Greek governing bodies should be allowed to set their own dates for rush periods.
Council passed the referendum with an 18-2 vote after conducting a lengthy debate and taking a recess to obtain quorum.
The referendum states, "We, the Student Body, in accordance with the principles of student self-governance, hereby request that contracts between Greek organizations and the University be renegotiated to allow decisions concerning rush dates be determined solely by the elected governing body of the respective Greek organizations."
Inter-Fraternity Council leaders will refer to the referendum in negotiations with administrators if it receives a positive response from the student body, Council Vice President for Administration Brock Jolly said.
The debate over fall rush began two years ago when former Dean of Students Robert T. Canevari moved formal IFC rush to spring semester. Since then, the IFC's attempts to move rush back to the fall have been unsuccessful.
The IFC, Inter-Sorority Council and the Black Fraternal Council all support the referendum.
ISC President Margaret Dumas said the ISC supports students' right to set rush dates even though the ISC chooses to hold formal rush in the spring.
"Student Council is taking the initiative to protect student self-governance for all students, not just those that are part of the Greek system," IFC President-elect Justin Saunders said.
College Council Rep. Nathan A. Cook said the referendum will give students the opportunity to express their opinions on student self-governance.
The referendum "will determine whether or not students see this as a legitimate abridgement of their rights to student self-governance," Cook said.
Jolly said he sees both sides of the issue, but that Council is looking out for students' interests.
"This is a clear violation of student self-governance," Jolly said. "Student self-governance is a selling point of the University but ... it doesn't exist."
Cook said the referendum is important to all students, not just those involved the Greek system. "It is not an issue of pro-Greek or anti-Greek. The referendum addresses student self-governance and the right to choose rush dates," he said.
Jolly said he agrees with Cook. "Perhaps many view this as an issue that is being beaten into the ground, but that is because it is an important issue," Jolly said.
Cook also said students should be concerned about the referendum because if administrators can revoke fall rush privileges from the IFC, they could revoke membership privileges from other organizations as well.
Students will vote on the referendum beginning Feb. 28.
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