Invitation to Controversy

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ egalitarianism bumped into the Bush campaign Sept. 29 when the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Republicans student group welcomed President Bush’s daughters, Barbara (left) and Jenna, who addressed an invitation-only gathering in Skelton Lounge as club president Oliver Wolf (right) looked on. The gathering was a thank-you from the Bush campaign to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Republicans (the more active ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ political-party club) for its work, but the event’s exclusive nature caused soul-searching on campus, as critics noted that the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ mission statement promises activities “open to all.” The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College Student Government investigated and noted that while security issues required a small, controlled event, the club violated ideals “ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ hold[s] dear” by restricting access. The club also violated budget rules by accepting $1,000 from the Bush campaign. The BCSG is pondering legislation that would levy financial penalties against ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ groups that close sponsored events to the campus community. But no one could quibble with the Bush event’s location: Skelton Lounge is named for William Skelton 1892, a noted Maine Republican.