Group Constitutions
THE FEDERALIST PAPER OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY (IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK)
Constitution

Section I: Statement of Purpose

Education without Action is Futile; Action without Education is Fatal.

These are the watchwords of The Federalist Paper. In mind and in print will be our concern for the intelligent discussion and thoughtful presentation of ideas. John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, both Columbia alumni, authors of The Federalist Papers, and distinguished men of action, stand for us as unique reminders that debate on current affairs and campus issues should be intellectual debate, grounded in reasoned theories; that education, especially a Columbia education, demands a sensitivity to the workings of our community and world, a careful and critical examination of them, and a dedication to them.

We see on this campus today, however, a vacuum of dialogue on ideas. Many student leaders push particular ideologies; many rest happily after listening to, reading about, or exploring only one side of a multi-faceted issue; but few are receptive to an honest, creative, challenging, and aggressive dialogue. Too often in our campus' extracurricular, student government, and journalistic organizations, we allow one particular ideology to go unquestioned and unassailed. Too often we fail to recognize the symbiosis of action and education; if our actions are based on unexamined "agenda," our education here is both futile and fatal.

We at The Fed will work to reflect the inherent union of action and education that has been so long obscured on Morningside Heights. We will open a forum and create an atmosphere in which students may voice their own opinions on the issues facing our community. We do not pretend the ability to sum up in a boxed editorial of 150 words all that is good and evil in the world. Such an editorial policy is neither useful nor responsible. But we do believe that students working earnestly to communicate with each other can gain insight into the logic of opposing points-of-view, and can learn more about their own.

Unfortunately, maintaining such a forum is a rather difficult task. In American academia we see professors demanding that certain types of their colleagues' research be banned, and frantic students trying to dismantle humor publications that offend them. In short, we see here every day the self-righteous attempting to impose their often ill conceived sensibilities upon others. There is much pressure to succumb to their narrow minded viewpoints; it is easy enough to jump on the bandwagon, to "get involved," to "fight for a cause" at Columbia without ever truly exploring the underlying bases for one's "cause." It is easy enough, then, to fail to utilize one's education.

We gladly seize the opportunity to offer the Columbia community new perspectives, ideas and solutions to the concerns facing our campus. Clearly, though, success is contingent on a willing audience. Let us [:now what you think of our forum: letters to the editor are always appreciated and printed. Participate in writing: The Fed will dismiss no work based on ideology. Help ensure continued publication of our alternative: do business-side work with us. Above all. pick up The Fed and read it with an open mind and a critical eye. Accept interesting new information when you find it, disagree with us when you wish, but do not simply dismiss us.

Our motto--"Veritas non Erubiscit"--reveals much about The Fed. The words mean:

"The Truth does not blush." Simply put, The Fed dedicates itself to students who wish to candidly and thoughtfully express themselves--to share their "truths" with other interested members of the Columbia community. We recognize the multiple forms of "truth" our writers hold fast to; we accept and revel in the diversity of thought, and look forward to its open and free expression in The Fed--without the thought of "blushing."

There you have it. We will be different. Our voice will be an aggressive but considered one, one that may make you think or may just make you angry. But it will be heard, and it will not be shouted down.

Section II: On Editorial Succession

The federalist {Paper shall rest all final responsibility for editorial matters in a Board of Editors, comprised of the editors of the Month in Review, Opinions, Issues, and Around Town sections. They shall be aided by Associate Editors. In addition, there shall be a Business Manager responsible for the financial stability of the Paper, solicitation of advertisements, and donations. He/she shall be aided by Associate Business Managers. Appointment to these positions shall be made by the outgoing Board and Business Manager, generally in January. If a vacancy should occur at any other time, the Board, in consultation with the Business Manager, shall fill the vacancy or leave the position empty, at their discretion.

Section III: On Membership

The only criterion for membership on The Fed's staff, as outlined in the "Statement of Purpose," shall be the belief that "debate on current affairs and campus issues should be intellectual debate, grounded in reasoned theories; that education, especially a Columbia education, demands a sensitivity to the workings of our community and the world, a careful and critical examination of them, and a dedication to them." Articles in the Paper shall reflect the views of the writers and not necessarily those of the Board of Editors.

Section IV: On Amending the Constitution

Amendments to this Constitution shall be made by a three-fifths vote of the Board of Editors and the Business Manager.

Amendments to the Constitution

Amendment I:

§ 1

Further to § II of the Constitution, there shall be a Chairman or Chairwoman (heretofore "Chairman") of the Board of Editors who shall serve as an executive for the sake of administrative expedience.

§2

The Chairman shall never have the authority to act against the wishes of the majority of his fellow members of the Board of Editors

§3

In the event that a vote of the Board of Editors should result in a tie, the Chairman shall cast the deciding vote.

Amendment II:

§ 1

Further to § II of the Constitution, each member of the Board of Editors shall not necessarily be assigned responsibility for the oversight of a particular section of the Paper, although, in general, the "Issues" and "Opinions" sections should be directly overseen by members of the Board.

§2

No Board member shall be removed unwillingly from the Board of Editors.

§3

A Board member may resign at any time.

§4

Elevation of associates of the Paper to the Board of Editors shall be accomplished only with a unanimous vote of the Board.

Amendment III:

§ 1

Further to § II of the Constitution, the Business Manager shall not take part in Board votes concerning succession or other matters. although the Board of Editors shall consult with him prior to said votes taking place.

§2

Further to § IV of the Constitution, the Business Manager shall not take part in the amendment process.




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