Student Senate launches bill of opinion
By Sarah Sullivan, contributing writer
Posted on October 19, 2006

Title IX wasn’t at the top of the agenda at Tuesday night’s SGA meeting, but officers and representatives think their new plan will grab the administration’s attention.

SGA’s newly launched petition, Bill of Opinion, recognizes the dissent among students over the way JMU has sought to comply with the federal law requiring equal treatment of male and female student-athletes.

SGA launched the Bill of Opinion, or the Save Our Sports petition, to get signatures for its campaign and encourage the administration to discuss the recent ruling.

“The petition will put pressure on the administration,” student body president Brandon Eickel (Jr.) said. “It will convey the message that students disagree with the way the ruling was handled.”

Eickel and the SGA are also working to organize a day-trip to Washington, D.C.  JMU plans to be present at the national Title IX protest on the steps of the Department of Education Nov. 2. 

SGA is working to send about 25 members as well as a large group of student-athletes. Officers and students said if JMU is present at the protest, they can make a worthwhile impact.

Although JMU President Linwood Rose and Athletic Director Jeff Bourne have said it is not likely that the decision will change, SGA thinks the petition will let the administration know students are bothered by the decision.

 “The petition is the most formal way of saying SGA is working in accordance with the student body to take action,” director of government relations  David Allen (Sr.) said.

Both Eickel and Allen said the Save Our Sports petition, along with a recent letter from the United Sates Olympic Council to the administration, could accomplish a great deal.

The SGA meeting also focused on JMU’s Be the Change program. Senior Matt Skirven, the campus student representative for the program, spoke about JMU’s attempt to recognize how Madison will change the world.

“The program, which was launched last March, is used to highlight individuals and what they will do with their lives,” Skirven said.

Be the Change is working to recognize outstanding students for their contribution to the community and to the world.  JMU is striving to produce citizens who will change the world.

The Be the Change Web site, jmu.edu/bethechange, has applications for the awards. Skirven said the program seeks to recognize any student, male or female, who has made a difference in the world.

Eickel said, “SGA is standing by the side of both students and athletes.”