uesday's presidential debate is focusing widespread media attention on the University of Massachusetts at Boston, but not everyone is excited about the impact of the national spotlight.
Some students, who plan to hold a protest rally tomorrow, have called on University of Massachusetts president William M. Bulger to order that the university remain open tomorrow and Tuesday or give them a refund for the cost of the classes they will miss as a result.
Bulger said yesterday that the cancellations are necessary and there will be no refunds.
''There is some legitimacy in their claim,'' Bulger told reporters after touring the gymnasium where the debate between Vice President Al Gore and Governor George W. Bush of Texas will be held Tuesday night.
''But the greater good is being served by having the debate here.''
In a letter sent to faculty and students last week, university officials warned that no student or faculty member should be on campus tomorrow and Tuesday because of security measures in place for the debate.
Faculty members who need access to their offices were instructed to seek prior approval for security clearance.
Bulger said yesterday that the security measures were imposed by the Secret Service.
''There are huge demands, but we're abiding by their security guidelines,'' he said. He added that the inconveniences will be worth it in the end, because of the international publicity and attention that will be focused on the school.
But others said that the money being spent on debate preparations could be better used to make long-term renovations on campus.
''I'm not against having the debate,'' said Meredith Keane, a fourth-year UMass-Boston student.
''I'm opposed to the facility being in run-down condition. They're spending the money in the wrong places.''
Bulger added that he did not know how many tickets the Commission on Presidential Debates will be distributing and how many seats would fit in the gymnasium.
''They tell me that I have a ticket,'' he said. ''But, as of today, I don't have one.''
