In a recent piece, Michigan Daily columnist Mara Gay cast an appropriate perspective on the Michigamua debate (Bigger than Michigamua, 01/30/2006), implying that the overarching issues concerning student life at the University are more important than Michigamua. As an organization dedicated to leadership and humble service to the University, we wholeheartedly agree, and for more than 100 years have inculcated this viewpoint into all members with the phrase "Michigan is Bigger than Michigamua."

However, what is also clear from the article and other sources is that misconceptions remain, many of which have been intentionally construed by those wishing to define Michigamua as something it is not. Of course, we recognize that by being a quiet organization it has been far easier for mistruths to take on the perception of fact. Michigamua is not a racist organization; rather, it is a highly diverse group of student leaders from a very wide range of campus organizations. Our role is not to generate the future political agenda of the United States, but to serve the University.

Michigamua recognizes that its past practices required a change many years ago. However, as a long-standing member of the University community, we also recognize that it is necessary to understand history in its relative context, rather than allowing others to manipulate it for dishonest purposes. It is important to point out that demanding the eradication of Michigamua because of past practices - that may now be judged inappropriate when viewed through a contemporary lens - is tantamount to calling for the abolition of not only the whole of the U.S. government, but also labor unions, interest groups and some of the very same minority organizations launching accusations against Michigamua.

Tactics being used against Michigamua members are more befitting of neo-McCarthyism than a principled opposition of respectable University student groups. Allowing students to baselessly convict Michigamua without offering its members the opportunity to dispel conventional mistruths amounts to nothing more than basic hypocrisy. Are those individuals so focused on sensationalism, and bent against acknowledging true progress has occurred, that no solution will ever satisfy them? That this is occurring at the University is particularly anomalous, for the tradition of stellar student leadership on our campus runs deep.

By basing a conviction of Michigamua on a string of inaccuracies, are these individuals truly allowing the campus to heal and reach a way forward? As such, before addressing any of the larger issues surrounding our organization, we must debunk the prevalent mythology of Michigamua on campus today. We will not hide from these accusations; rather, we invite everyone on campus to consider the following truths:

Michigamua is no more exclusive than numerous other organizations on campus, such as other honor societies, leadership councils and executive boards. We invite up to 25 students each year who have excelled in any of the numerous activities on campus. We choose not to flaunt membership or use it for personal gain but rather continue to serve the University without recognition.

Michigamua held to its 1989 agreement to remove all Native American symbolism. As a gesture of this sincerity, Michigamua voluntarily invited members of the Native American community to audit its meeting space during the 1990s; there was nothing to hide because the new symbolism of Michigamua was centered entirely on the University itself. Regardless, such symbols are separate from the core values and mission of our organization, including leadership, service and unwavering dedication to the University.

During the 2000 break-in of Michigamua's meeting space, the occupiers intentionally staged a display of Native American items that were not a part of Michigamua activities in order to manipulate public opinion. The first time members of Michigamua even knew of their existence was through seeing them in the Daily the next day: "(N)o one in our current class was ever aware of the artifacts that were uncovered in the dusty attic. This is by no means an excuse of ignorance, as we take full responsibility for the belongings that are ours. We are just as deeply offended by the finding in the attic and are very hurt for the Native Americans and also ourselves for being misrepresented," (Society wants resolution, 02/11/2000).