Letters to the Editor | Clarifying VSA terminology

The recent controversy sparked by MICA’s publication The Imperialist gives us all, students, faculty, administration, and staff alike, an opportunity to build and to rebuild our college community. The forum last week in the Villard Room is an excellent example of this ongoing process of which we are all a part—including the Vassar Student Association (VSA).

There has been some concern and confusion over the VSA Council’s decision to de-authorize MICA. Many of the Council members who voted to de-authorize MICA did so because they thought it important to show that the VSA does not endorse an organization whose publication contains racist, sexist, and homophobic attacks. Their most central concern was to find a way to balance appropriate uses of VSA funds and the issues of free speech and expression. Let’s be clear about authorization and recognition: MICA is still a recognized organization and as such has a budget number with the VSA into which it may deposit or withdraw funds, may apply to VSA Special Funds (i.e. Speaker’s Bureau, Conference Fund, Community Fund, etc.), may reserve tables in the College Center, may reserve rooms and spaces throughout campus and may apply for authorization after two full semesters. A recognized organization cannot receive VSA funds through normal budgeting, nor can such an organization receive VSA funds through contingency requests. Routine budget allocations are reserved for authorized organizations.

So often when we talk about “community,” we refer to it as an ideal we are trying to live up to. It is impossible to live up to an ideal. Perhaps we should think about community as something that we live in rather than up to. It is not something that can be achieved or exist, but rather it is a constant continuous, and often difficult process of building and rebuilding. I have faith and confidence in all parts of this institution to openly, honestly and respectfully live in our community.

—Rick Rodems ’06, VSA President