In the April 25 Student Government Association (SGA) meeting, Julie Greenough, Emily Gough and Allen Irby attended the meeting to discuss their petition at Longwood, which would allow students to write or draw anything they wish with chalk in a designated area.
President Kevin Napier initially brought up the discussion regarding the chalk protest during the April 18 SGA meeting. Napier recalled that the written protest was spotted around April 17 as the words "Give us chalk!" were seen written on Longwood's sidewalks and buildings.
Greenough expressed her support of the students' use of chalk on campus to the SGA. She stated that Longwood is the only university in Virginia that censures the use of writing or drawing chalk on campus property. Greenough pointed out that conveying desired information through flyers would not be acceptable as only particular organizations would be able to do such. She also pointed out that solely using flyers to convey information could prevent art majors from creating works involving the use of chalk.
One senator suggested that students could be able to write or draw with chalk on a chalkboard. Greenough replied that having students use chalkboards could hinder with promoting campus events and those with a focus in teaching.
Treasurer Dustyn Hall mentioned that the possibility of students being able to write or draw anything they wish with chalk could lead to potentially damaging campus property and inappropriate hate speech.
Napier suggested to Greenough that these kind of concerns should be told to the SGA first before doing protests. RCL Advisory Board Representative Kayla Brown added on to Napier's statement that anyone is welcome to address such issues to the SGA.
Secretary Lucas Hobson stated that there could possibly be an increase in tuition due to constantly cleaning off chalk if the policy was to be enacted.
Gough mentioned that rain could greatly contribute in washing off the chalk.
David Love, director of landscaping and grounds management, recalled that cleaning chalk off would be difficult in certain areas on campus. Love added that the costs of cleaning the chalk off could be $25 at minimum, depending on the writing/drawing and area.
Cheryl Steele, assistant director of student engagement, and Dr. Tim Pierson, vice president for student affairs, wanted to commend Greenough and Gough for their courage and research on bringing awareness to the chalk policy.
Brent Roberts, dean of the Greenwood Library, attended the meeting to bring up previous questions that were asked during Fall 2016 in regard to the library.
Roberts stated that during Fall 2017, the library will try to extend their hours to 2 a.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, along with the possibility of adding more outlets, tables and couches to the library. More audiobooks may be provided for students to use, and Brock Commons may become the new entrance to the library, as pointed out by Roberts.
Historian Emily Moran requested the approval of the constitutions for the Honors Student Association, International Student Advisory Committee and The Odyssey. Alexandra Graham, newly-elected contributing editor for The Odyssey, attended the meeting as a representative of the organization.
All constitutions were approved by the SGA.
The April 25 SGA meeting was the last for the spring semester. Meetings will continue in the fall 2017.
