Students, lawyers and professors were in attendance at Tuesday's discussion on affirmative action, but the most important attendee was asleep during part of the event

And many people agreed: MSU President M. Peter McPherson must find a less important time to rest.

When McPherson introduced the lawyers who discussed the issues with affirmative action policies at the University of Michigan, about 50 student demonstrators dressed in all black and toting signs stood to show their disapproval on the topic.

The students were planning on interrupting McPherson while he spoke but, because of a settlement, they agreed instead to read their statement.

Although the students showed McPherson respect, he was too tired to return the favor. During a speech by MSU-Detroit College of Law Professor Kevin Saunders, the MSU president rested for almost 10 minutes.

The realization is present that being the president of a university is not an easy job, but it does not justify the lack of respect shown by resting during an important forum.

McPherson does know the issues and does listen to student groups but, because of what happened on Tuesday, it looks like he does not care about the major problems on campus.

As college students, we are all guilty of falling asleep during classes at one time or another, but no one sleeps through an exam. McPherson deserves a failing grade for his actions at the affirmative action forum

With all of the good things McPherson does for the students and community of MSU, it would be a shame for something so ridiculous to cause damage to his reputation.

So, President McPherson, we suggest prior to the next forum, make sure to get a 20-minute power nap in and a can of Red Bull.