The Ohio University Student Senate tabled a resolution last night that would support a referendum to put the revised Athens City Housing Code on the ballot.

Some revisions in the housing code benefit students, said Tom Ramage, senate at-large representative, but some clauses restrict personal liberties.

"This is a very important issue for students," he said. "If we just let it ride, we are swallowing our pride. Enough is enough."

The resolution was tabled because Ramage said he wanted senate to seriously consider the resolution before members voted.

City Council members - Ed Baum, R-at-large; Mike Worley, R-1st Ward; and Nancy Bain, D-3rd Ward - gave presentations to senate about the housing code revisions, concerns and reasons to support it.

"We are trying to make houses as safe as possible for the people who live in them," Baum said.

Referendum papers were presented to the city last week to put the revised code on the November ballot.

In other business, the senate passed a resolution encouraging OU to revise its housing policy.

Senate wants OU to implement an alternative policy for students with more than 45 credit hours who want to break their university housing contracts mid-year.

Not allowing these students to live in fraternity and sorority chapter houses prohibits them from leadership opportunities and will cost OU's fraternities and sororities an estimated $224,000, said Rick Harrison, assistant dean for development in student affairs.

"This is a huge loss for the greek community," said Chris Mackey, senator for greek housing.

Also, the senate passed a resolution that would enable executive officers to give awards to outstanding individuals in the Athens community.

Senate needs to have some way to recognize outstanding community members, said Shannon Bibbee, senate vice president.