EDITORIAL: Crisis Management

The Faculty Senate shirkedThe Faculty Senate shirkedits responsibility by notThe Faculty Senate shirkedits responsibility by notresponding to the third draftThe Faculty Senate shirkedits responsibility by notresponding to the third draftof the Student Judicial Charter.The Faculty Senate shirkedits responsibility by notresponding to the third draftof the Student Judicial Charter._________________________________ Others, however, heeded the provost's words, voicing criticisms which in most cases were similar to those expressed about earlier drafts: the hearing board's decision is not final, the respondent's faculty advisor cannot speak and too much power is placed in the hands of the provost. But surprisingly, the Faculty Senate chose not to respond to the document, despite the provost's specific request for feedback. Compounding this apathy, the Faculty Senate -- supposedly the entire faculty's representative body -- elected not to address the document even though many faculty members had already expressed their disappointment with the rewritten charter. We find Senate Past Chairperson David Hildebrand's comments particularly upsetting: "[The judicial charter] feels like a problem, not a crisis." So, should we wait until an imprudent and unfair judicial charter is implemented before we choose to take action? Should we wait until a crisis develops before protesting? We had hoped that the Faculty Senate would have taken this document more seriously, especially because it will establish a system of justice on campus for many years to come. Moreover, Hildebrand's comments show that he recognizes that the charter is a "problem," but he still chooses not to respond. We are disappointed that this faculty body has not taken interest in the charter except to offer lip service: Faculty members may respond individually if they desire. We find the Undergraduate Assembly's action much more impressive. After hearing four amendments crafted by University Council Steering Committee Representative and College sophomore Tal Golomb, the UA voted to forward the amendments to Chodorow for consideration. The student body recognized deficiencies in the draft and acted in a positive manner. Maybe the Faculty Senate should pay attention. If anyone else from the University community would like to speak out on the latest draft of the charter, comments can be sent to Provost Chodorow at Chodorow@ pobox.upenn.edu.