Student Government Board’s – and, by extension, every Pitt student’s – membership in the… Student Government Board’s – and, by extension, every Pitt student’s – membership in the United States Student Association is being called into question, and rightly so. While the USSA is a powerful lobbying arm for students, they espouse some decidedly left-of-center political views.

SGB decided some years ago to align with the group, which means they pay $1,000 a year – from our student activities fee money – for a school-wide membership. Every student, then, is considered a member of the group, whether or not they agree with its ideologies, and regardless of their awareness of it. SGB doesn’t obscure this fact, but they don’t shout it from the top of the Cathedral, either. It’s fair to say many, if not most, students are unaware of USSA and their membership in it.

Conservatives who are aware of the group and its views are up in arms. They say that student money shouldn’t be spent on a membership that so few students know about and – they say – would agree with. It’s a valid point, and one that merits considerable debate and a calm exchange of ideas.

Our membership in the USSA is a prickly issue. There is no denying USSA is powerful and represents student issues – like Pell Grant money – in Washington D.C., where students have little say otherwise. There is also no denying the group’s left leanings.

What should be occurring is a rational examination of the issue. SGB should make it their business to present their constituency – the students – with the facts, and with realistic options to satisfy the greatest number of students.

What seems to be shaping up, however, is name-calling and the reduction of a complicated issue into emotional, ideological sound bytes, and it’s an insult to the intelligence of the students who voted the board into office.

Those in favor of our USSA membership can reduce it to an issue of students’ rights, saying that those against it are against financial aid and lobbying for student concerns.

Those against our membership can reduce the USSA to a pro-choice, pro-affirmative action, radical group that has no business speaking for students.

We deserve more than a playground razz session.

SGB, your shortened term is nearly up. Leave a legacy of clarity and respect to the students who elected you. Explain this situation and present viable alternatives, and do it maturely. You’ll be remembered as the first board to do such an honorable thing.