Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-06-09
STUDENT

At the beginning of the school year an experiment,
IN local self government was inausurated at the univer-
sty of North Dakota. There was established a student
council to assume responsibility for the enforcement of
the general regulations pertaining to student behavior on
the campus and to prescribe penalties for infractons Of
those regulations. It is to be noted that the creation of
this council was in no sense an. acceptance by the uni
versity faculty Of some of the so-called advanced views
on student democracy and student independence. Accord
ing to those notions, which have been industriously
preached, college students. being rational human beings,
are entitled to thes exercise of supreme power in govern
ing themselves in their own way, and it is an imperti-
nence for faculty members, presidents and other officials
to understake to regulate the conduct of students who
are, in most cases. free-born Americans.
That is not the idea at all. The soviet system of
government has not been adopted at the university. That
was made quite clear in the statement made by Presi-
dent Kane at the time OF the formation of the student
council. There was no surrender Of authority by the
president of the institution or those associated with him
in its government. The university belongs to the state,
not to the students who happen to be receiving training
there at any particular time. The authority of the state
is vested in the president and members of the faculty.
That authority was not reinquished. nor was the respon-
sibiltty connected Herewith cast off. Instead, through
a very clear and explicit understanding. those in author:
iy consented to the assumption by the. student body of
certain functions of a disciplinary character because of
their confidence that the students would perform these
duties capably and conscientiously.
The purpose of this step was not, to relieve the au-
thorities OF troublesome duties. 1t was not alone to pro-
mote the better enforcement of regulations, although it
was an aid in that direction. Its main purpose was the
chief purpose of every such movement intellisently un-
dertaken, to aid in the development of a spirit of respon-
sibiity among the students, and thus to contribute, in a
very important way. to that character building which is
the most important part of college training.
In the several months that have elapsed, during
which the student council has dealt with many problems.
the confidence Of the faculty has been shown to be fully
The university authorities have been CONVEX
SAINT with the proceedings of the council, and have been
SO well, satisfied with its decisions that they haYe fel:
warranted, during an investigation into a breach Of dis
cipline involving more and graver com lications than US
ual, in declaring. by formal resolution, their confidence
that in this case, as in others, the investigation would be
conducted vigorously and impartially, and that the find
ings would be in accordance with the best interests Of the
state and the highest traditions OF the university"
pleted. 1t presents numerous difficulties and almost end
less complications. Thus far the attitude Of the faculty
In its reposal of confidence in the council seems to nave
been fully warranted. The members of the council ap.
pear to have approached their work with 4 full sense of
their responsibility, and to have shown both balance and
discrimination in handling It..