The AUSA Senate is considering making a statement on the possible war with Iraq after surveying the student body on the issue.

The survey soliciting student opinion on Iraq was posted last Thursday at https://taurus.cair.du.edu/cgi-bin/voting/iraqballot, linked from the DU site. From the DU site, students are routed to a page that allows them to see what the survey looks like. In order to participate, students are required to submit their DU ID and PIN number, with the intention that each person votes only once.

In the survey, students are asked to choose from four statements that they most identify with. The statements range from “The United States should not enter into war in Iraq under any circumstances” to “No resolution from the AUSA Senate should be pursued on this issue.” In case the majority of voters choose the last one, the Senate will not issue a statement on possible war with Iraq.

The decision to survey students was reached last Tuesday at the Senate’s regular meeting. Senate members put the decision on the table and senators approved it. No vote was taken and at no point was any opposition raised to the survey.

Off-Campus Senator Rola Altoos initiated the discussion on the Senate taking a stand on the expected U. S. invasion into Iraq. On-Campus Senator Chris Sivavajchaipong suggested a survey of student sentiment. A discussion followed.

“We represent the entire student body,” DCB Senator Andrew Petraitis said. “It’s important to represent our constituents and see how they feel.”

“If it sparks some controversy, I think there’s nothing wrong with that,” Junior Senator Erik Johnson said.

An 18-0-0 vote tabled the discussion, until a concrete survey was produced. NSME Senator Kristen Weaver chose five senators to help her draw up the survey. Those Senators were Freshman Senator Ben Burke, Altoos, AHUM/SOCS Senator Amber Kirchenschlager, Senior Senators Nic Marcheso and Laura Szynskie, and Sophomore Senator Megan Gonzalez.