Officials from NIU and the Board of Regents, the school’s governing body, hold immense power over the students.

They disburse this power to the students through student organizations, the most visible being the Student Association.

But it is nice every once in a while that officials in DeKalb and Springfield subtly remind the students who is in control.

That happened this week when the infamous Regents policy came into the limelight for the Regents meeting at NIU March 21.

In order to speak at the meeting, students, and everyone else, must submit a written request and summary of the presentation to Chancellor Roderick Groves and NIU President John La Tourette at least 10 days before the meeting.

This, through the board’s grace, might allow you five minutes to address the board at its meeting, if the board gives you the time. Under its policy, the board can refuse to hear you speak.

It is understandable certain guidelines must be made for a debate. Rules governing debates are not uncommon and appear in state and national governing bodies, including the Congress.

But it is unnerving that the governing board of NIU and two other universities can regulate exactly what they will and will not discuss by a simple vote.

Regents’ members should allow anyone, within reason, to speak at its meetings. Only when someone is redundant or belligerent should they be cut off.