Eigenmann merger decision unjust

Fortunately for Eigenmann residents, college is only practice for real life. \nIn real life, you don't always get a second chance. But in practice, sometimes you do. And a second chance is just what Eigenmann needs after the passing of the referendum of Nov. 28 merging the Eigenmann Residents Association and Residence Hall Association.\nTo pass, the referendum had to be approved by both organizations. RHA voted overwhelmingly to pass the proposal. At Eigenmann, 25 students voted against it and 15 voted for it.\nBecause the Eigenmann Residents Association constitution requires 20 percent to approve the change, the bill was considered passed. Under Article VIII, Section 1 of the Eigenmann Residents Association constitution: "Upon approval of 20 percent of the residents voting, the amendment shall become part of this constitution."\nThis means that even though the majority of the 40 students -- out of 1,000 Eigenmann residents -- who voted, voted against passing the referendum, it is considered passed simply because 20 percent voted for the referendum. \nSenior Jason Dudich, president of RHA, told the IDS the wording of the constitution is clear, and that "going by what is stated in the constitution and what is in the rules, Eigenmann has to abide by the rules, no matter what."\nBut it's not hard to see the wording of Eigenmann's constitution is ambiguous. Even the four authors of the constitution recognized this and told the IDS it was a mistake. It's clear the writers didn't meant to include a provision wherein the majority of the residents could vote against a referendum and it would still pass. Eigenmann's constitution also states its judicial board must declare "null and void" legislation that interferes with a center's operation, as this provision so clearly does. \nEigenmann residents shouldn't have to abide by a constitution that is confusing and should contest the referendum and change their constitution so it reflects the wishes of the students it represents. Eigenmann residents should also work against voter apathy, because if there's anything the past few weeks have taught us, it's that every vote counts. A turnout of 40 voters in a residence hall with a population of 1,000 is appalling. \nInstead of accepting this ambiguous part of their constitution as written in stone, residents of Eigenmann should grab their chance to change it. In real life, voters don't always have the opportunity to change their constitution when an election doesn't go their way. In practice, sometimes they do.