Candidates Dispute Place of SGA, Say Student Body Uninterested

Two candidates for Radcliffe Student Government Association offices last night disagreed sharply over the role of student government in the face of Radcliffe apathy.

"I believe that apathy toward student government is a natural concomitant of the independence of thought and action each Radcliffe girl possesses," stated Sarah W. Salter '62, candidate for president.

Miss Salter insisted that SGA, which every Radcliffe student is required to join, should only regulate not initiate. It should limit itself to the necessary areas, such as student-administration liaison, and stay out of the political activities covered by voluntarily-joined special groups, she maintained.

Her opponent, Emily R. Otis '62, disagreed. "There is a wide range of interests among Radcliffe students. These can be used by SGA in contributing to the social and intellectual growth of the college. But student government should not be emphasized for its own sake, she declared.

Favors Active SGA

Miss Otis favored a more active organization, one which would devote a greater effort to following up student ideas. In addition, SGA should deal with problems before they become acute. "We should handle the quieter needs that people won't make a stink about," she said.

Both candidates agreed to maintain the present structure of SGA. But, while Miss Salter said it offers adequate means for communication of student opinion, Miss Otis claimed that SGA could be more effectively used.

NSA Candidates Argue Role

Candidates for National Student Association delegate differed over the role of Radcliffe in NSA. Mary C. S. Henderson '62, declared that NSA does not represent student opinion. Miss Henderson said she would attempt to determine Radcliffe opinion on all major issues before NSA conferences. She will abstain from voting at the convention on issues on which she lacks the backing of a "clear majority."

Barbara J. Graf '62 cited opportunities in NSA which Radcliffe ignores. SGA should make the student body aware of these possibilities, she said. Miss Graf thought a pre-conference referendum impractical, however. "It would reflect what a Radcliffe girl would say if she cared--a hypothetical situation anyway."