We didn’t get an assembly to voice our concerns or comments, and there was no suggestion box placed at the Hughes-Trigg Student Center for students to use. So where were we when all the decisions were made?

These are just some of the many remarks from me along with other students concerning the Bush Library and Institute. I noticed that some of my fellow students have decided to take action themselves by starting petitions or writing letters of concern to the newspaper. I also watched one student on the 6 o’clock news voice his opinion.

I am curious as to why we (the students) have not been asked our opinions. How beneficial will the Bush Library be for the students at SMU? Neither the library nor the institute will be located on campus. Will we have access to both the library and the institute, and will we have to pay to get in? Moreover, if the students do say yes to the library and institute, what else are we saying yes to? Does this mean that everyone at SMU supports Bush and his decisions? Does this mean we support the war with Iraq, and Bush’s most recent decision to send more than 20,000 more troops overseas?

Students comprise much of the SMU population, so we should have more than just an opinion. We should have an actual say on important decisions such as this one. I am proud to see other students taking action and making their opinions known. Everyone should know that just because we weren’t asked doesn’t mean people won’t listen.

– Leah Bray, junior CCPA major