I am writing in response to the article addressing the funding for a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. for the courtyard bearing his name.

It is comforting that the administration of this university doesn’t see this recession as a good enough reason to slow the rapid pace of needless spending.

At the same time, it is also unfortunate the Student Association doesn’t have the guts to stand up for the wishes of the student body they supposedly represent.

Last year, the students voted against the use of our student fees for the funding of the King statue. Now the SA has overruled the results of that referendum and once again the students are forced to pay.

The SA meeting was addressed by Eddie Williams, the vice president of Finance and Planning.

For the last week, the front page of The Northern Star has carried articles warning us to brace for impending budget cuts for NIU and here he is urging us to fund “one of the most historic events in the history of this institution.”

I wasn’t aware the school offered contracts with “Gloden Parachute” clauses to administrators, but the way he encourages spending, I’m beginning to think otherwise.

Mr. Williams, I don’t believe your private agenda should take priority over the needs or wishes of the student body. If you feel this statue will make a statement for the next 75 years, then imagine the immense feeling of accomplishment you would get from paying for it yourself.

It has been said a monument erected with money extracted from unwilling participants is no tribute at all. In the end when this statute is dedicated, it will simply be a tribute to those who found a way to force it upon us.

Charles Mammoser

Junior

Geography