In times of conflict, it is always a great victory to see that, after the smoke has cleared, education has prevailed as the winner. We are glad to see that the Student Government Association understands the constitutional infringements apparent in its recent resolution and that the body unanimously took corrective action.

Senate Resolution No. 2, as originally approved, would have required that The Pacer publish a weekly and unedited column submitted by the SGA. Two specific items in the resolution violated statutes regarding freedom of the student press. The first was a reference to the The Pacer’s funding, which could be perceived as a threat for possible later action by a governmental body. The second was a reference to a governing body dictating what a media outlet must publish or air.

Saying that the staff of this newspaper was upset at SGA’s attempt to undermine the freedoms granted by the First Amendment would be an understatement. Regardless of intent, we knew we had to act. Letters were sent and attorneys were contacted. One attorney even recommended restitution be sought through the courts.

Thankfully, what could have become a battle royal did not. After the legal issues were fully explained to Student Body President James Orr, he recommended that the SGA amend Resolution No. 2 so that it would not infringe upon freedom of the press. The SGA approved Orr’s recommendation Sept. 22.

If this situation had be-come a battle, there’s no question that The Pacer would legally have won. We believe in fighting for the freedoms granted to all Americans, including our freedom to responsibly print the news.

However, battles have losers, so we prefer not to view this issue as a battle. After all, when more people are educated about the First Amendment and the freedom of the press, we believe it’s a victory for everyone.

Touchdown, SGA.