The Student Government Association(SGA)discussed a variety of topics, including discrimination against off-campus groups during the Senate’s Tuesday, Feb. 19 meeting.
To begin open forum, Freshman Class President Jessica Darst suggested implementing an SGA Gives Back program to support Longwood Dining members. Vice President Brian Reid said the Executive Board would discuss starting such a program.
Senior Class President Gina DeMarco said a meal plan change is possibly in the works for the next academic year, but it is not yet clear what this change will be.
A senator then asked if there is a university policy that on-campus organizations cannot accept members who are also part of an off- campus group. The Senate replied that there is no official policy that states this. The senator said one of her organizations turned away two members of off-campus groups because they thought this was against policy, and the situation escalated because of this.
President Donald Knight said a dialogue has been started between Dr. Tim Pierson, vice president for Student Affairs, Dr. Rick Chassey, director of the Office of Student Conduct & Integrity, and himself concerningoff-campusgroup members and their involvement on campus.
Knight said there is a draft of discussion started with the Faculty Senate about off-campus groups.
He said these members should not be permitted to reserve a room on campus if it is for an off-campus function, but if an individual member books a room for an on- campus group they are a part of, that is perfectly acceptable.
Executive Senator Haley Vest said while SGA does not necessarily need to promote these groups, they should make it clear that they do not discriminate against these groups either.
Another senator said he was aware of members of these off-campus groups who actually did more good and community service for the community than some on-campus groups; therefore, they should not be discriminated against.
DeMarco said she would not support a policy discriminating against off-campus groups, as they even contribute to the success of recognized organizations.
Reid said the SGA will invite Kate Planow, assistant director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Pierson and Chassey to the SGA meeting next week to discuss theissue.
The Student Finance Committee allocated $2,966.52 to The Rotunda and $2,468.14 to Phi Beta Sigma for conference fees.
The next SGA meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 3:45 p.m. in the BC rooms of Lankford Student Union.
