RGA Begins Consideration Of Changes in Constitution

Amidst shouts of "point of order" and "objection" the RGA yesterday struggled through approval of five articles of the new Radcliffe Undergraduate Association (RUA) constitution.

But the articles okayed were the least controversial in the constitution. They set forth the name, general purpose, membership, dues, and officers of the RUA.

Town Meeting

The RUA is RGA's proposed revamping of Radcliffe student government. Every Cliffie would be a member of the Undergraduate Association. A smaller elective body, the Undergraduate Council, would meet regularly to perform legislative functions. In town meeting style, the full RUA could be convened by 25 students at large, and its resolutions and measures would be binding on the Council.

The Council would be the counterpart to the present RGA with some important differences. It would include a limited representation of House presidents and House representatives and exclude faculty and administration.

Some of the articles in the new constitution which the RGA did not get around to voting on yesterday contain controversial issues. The RUA quorum, for example, is very much in dispute.

The present wording of the constitution calls for 50 per cent of the College to be present in order for the RUA to take a vote. But in heated debate yesterday, some Cliffies pressed for a 35 per cent quorum. They accused the RGA of trying to sabotage the town meeting idea by setting the quorum so high.

Too Much Smallness

The 50 percenters fought back arguing that a smaller quorum could give small interest groups too much power in the association.

Yesterday's meeting broke up as irritated members dribbled out, destroying its quorum. "I guess we're all wondering if we need a Radcliffe government at all," one member said.