Sobering truths

When students in a College of Communication advertising class told The Daily Free Press more than two weeks ago that their professors let them drink beer in the classroom, the first thing we did was confirm all the facts of the incident that led to the dean canceling the Thursday sessions of the class that day.

Interim dean Tobe Berkovitz told us later that he canceled the class after the dean of students relayed students' concerns to him. Though the professors of the class -- Lawrence DeLamarter and Dave Schaefer -- have allowed students to drink in class as part of a certain project for several years, Berkovitz said he had not heard of anything similar happening until recently.

The most serious charge facing the professors is the possibility that underage students were allowed to drink in class. DeLamarter originally told us that no underage students drank, but COM is still investigating. Students in the class said the professors did not check their identifications.

In a recent interview, President Robert Brown called the incident "very serious" and said it was an "egregious break" of policy by the faculty. "Basically, people's employment is at risk in situations like this," he said.

From what we've heard from students, the class's lecturers are innovative and passionate about their work. Many of the professors' students defend them by saying they are the two best teachers they have ever had at BU. The professors have declined comment.

We understand some students are upset that we ran a story about two respected professors becoming the subject of controversy. However, the fact is COM would be investigating what are very serious allegations surrounding the Advertising Copy and Design class regardless of whether the Free Press printed a story.

As Berkovitz pointed out, allowing underage students to drink in class violates Massachusetts law. It would be remiss of this independent student newspaper not to report the progress of the investigation.

Over the remaining days of the semester, the Free Press will also be providing in-depth reviews on some of the past few months' biggest news at Boston University, including a look at what the new Student Union has done for its constituents since it took office in the summer.

In what seems to be a recurring theme of Union Executive Boards, this semester's leadership has met very few of students' expectations. Last year's cabinet swore that internal changes to the Union and its convoluted constitution were necessary for change to take place this year. And this year there has been no change, no action and no firm leadership on any issues relevant to the student body.

If students wish to be heard, they should demand more from their elected president who promised during his campaign to hear us out and fight the administration for us. But so far, all we've seen is a leader in the administration's pocket.

The last Union meeting of the semester is this week. If students want to see any last glimpse of hope from the advocacy group, the Executive Board should strongly consider taking a stand and clearly -- not rhetorically and vaguely -- laying out its goals for next semester.

As always, the Free Press will be here to give the details of the meeting, and all other important happenings from now until the last day of classes.

Thanks for reading.

Matt Negrin Editor-in-Chief

Jason Millman Managing Editor