It is a privilege and honor to introduce myself, Carlos Perea, to you, the student body, as the 140th Grand Marshal of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. I’m sure that you can read all about the circumstances under which I have been placed in this prestigious position throughout this issue of The Polytechnic, so I’ll take this opportunity to address other topics.
First, I’d like to attend to the “greek issue.” What is foremost in my mind is the motive behind the objection of the student body to the new rules. What I believe to be the biggest problem is the method in which the administration chose to invoke the new rules and regulations. The administration has acted, without student input, and that I believe is a gross violation of student rights. We must fight to involve ourselves in the decision- making process, as we the students are the affected body. We must also, however, work to maintain a healthy relationship with the administration, faculty, staff, and board of trustees. The “Us vs. Them” attitude must change in order for any progress to be made. I also must ask that you learn all you can about the issue before you simply take up arms against what has happened. Please remember that this affects us all; this is not just a greek issue.
Today, there will be a referendum vote. This vote will be a yes or no as to your personal agreement with a statement that we, the student government, drafted with regard to the recent regulatory impositions, and how things have happened. Basically, we are asking if you agree with the way that the administration brought these regulations upon us. It is imperative that we have a good showing to this vote so that we can show our disdain for what has occurred. The lack of student involvement in this decision has set a terrible precedent for such future decisions, and I fear that it could hurt the student body for years to come. Already, changes to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook are being made in the same fashion. This cannot happen.
Now, on a lighter note, I’d like to address my favorite topic of discussion at RPI. This past weekend the baseball, softball, and men’s lacrosse teams all enjoyed victories over their opponents. In fact, Rensselaer enjoyed success in all but one athletic competition this past week. I personally attended as many games as I could, and while I saw many of you at these events, I could have seen more. With our teams breaking records, our fans should be too! To reiterate what former GM Max Yates has said, join the Red Army next year. Be a super-fan. Go to every game that you can. Support your fellow students. They thrive on your encouragement. Be proud to be red.
Lastly, I’d like to let you all know that my time will be spent representing you. If there is an issue, I will address it. If you have an opinion, I will lend my ear to hear it. I want you all to keep in contact with me. “Carlos the GM” is my AIM screen name and gm@rpi.edu is my e-mail address. Please, feel free to get in touch with me. Thank you, and good luck with finals!
