Relations improvement

By Michelle Landrum

Student representatives will hold a forum with DeKalb officials Friday to increase communication and iron out recent problems between the two factions.

Representatives from the Student Association, the Residence Hall Association and the InterFraternity Council will meet with DeKalb City Manager Mark Stevens, DeKalb Police Chief Don Berke and aldermen, said SA Community Affairs Chairman Jennifer Novak.

The forum is an opportunity to discuss recent violence and is designed to increase communication between the various groups involved and allow the airing of different viewpoints, Novak said.

Charges of discrimination against NIU students and the strained relationship between the SA and the city council also might be discussed, said former Community Affairs Adviser Brian Subatich.

Monday night’s DeKalb City Council meeting is a good example of the relationship, Subatich said. “Students presented their viewpoint, not accusing, but asking, and they (the aldermen) did what they do best,” he said.

The open forum will be at 7 p.m. Friday in room 406 of DuSable Hall. Subatich said the forum was planned last summer and is intended to be a monthly event.