I am writing to dispel unfounded lies that are being circulated by those opposed to the National Conference on Organized Resistance. In Caleb Enerson's column in the last edition of The Eagle and in club's e-mails to the student body, claims have been disguised as truths at NCOR's expense.
First of all, many students were led to believe that NCOR actually received more money than they had requested in their budget proposal to the AUCC. However, to dispel falsity No. 1, NCOR requested $7,333 and received $4,500. There is no conspiracy at the AUCC; the allocation was passed unanimously - not by majority, but by a council that represents rights as well as lefts.
Secondly, the damages that occurred to the University Center during the course of last year's conference were paid for in full by money raised by the conference. In no way did AU, or its students, pay for those damages. Additionally, NCOR has worked closely with the administration this year to develop a strict set of guidelines for all attendees that address respect toward the AU community and its facilities, as well as a letter to be received by all attendees upon receipt of their registration further detailing expectation levels. Anyone who fails to comply with any of these guidelines in regards to respect of the campus and campus community will be asked to leave the conference.
Still, I must emphasize the most fallacious and unfair statement against NCOR. With either false information or a complete neglect of journalism ethics, Enerson asserted that ". several organizations that recognize the various issues with having NCOR on campus have requested an open forum for the campus community to have a dialogue concerning this matter. NCOR has not yet replied." In no way is this true. Not a single organization, not even the group that launched the entire "Stop NCOR" campaign, had contacted us as of the publication of Enerson's column.
Thankfully, since then the president of the College Republicans contacted us and we look forward to an open dialogue between both sides. It is unfortunate that this year's NCOR will take place over the first weekend of Spring Break, but again, this was not our choice. It was at the administration's request. Nevertheless, we hope that many AU students will register and enjoy the dozens of amazing workshops that will take place. The conference has always and will continue to be free to all AU students.
In the upcoming month we will be hosting various campus events, such as a speaker and a movie screening. Also, there will be community service events throughout the week for AU students who do not have the funds to attend an alternative break trip or simply cannot afford to travel during the break. There will also be events after the conference has occurred to build off of ideas and presentations of the conference.
Again, we are a new collective with new thoughts and visions for the conference; and as such, we look forward to engaging all those in support or in opposition to making this year's conference the best one yet.
Elizabeth Sanders
Junior, School of International Service
President, National Conference on Organized Resistence
