Student Senate Discusses Qualifications of Next Diversity Committee Chair
The 2018-19 Student Senate executive board. (Photo Mary Frasier/The Gettysburgian)
By Gauri Mangala, News Editor
Student Senate’s October 29 meeting flared up into heated debate over the resignation of Joshua Gonzalez ‘21 from his position as Diversity Committee Chair.
President Nick Arbaugh ‘20 presented more information surrounding the new Greek life committee, Student Senate Committee of Greek Life (SCOGL). SCOGL will have two co-chairs, one that is affiliated with Greek Life and one that is unaffiliated with Greek Life, four committee members who are affiliated with Greek Life and four committee members who are unaffiliated with Greek Life. Arbaugh also formally announced Gonzalez’s resignation and announced that applications for committee chair of Diversity Committee and positions in SCOGL are open now.
Vice President Pat Custer ‘19 announced that election for Clubs Liaison will be held at the next Senate meeting.
Parliamentarian Abby Hauer ‘21 presented an amendment proposal which states that a club’s fourth unexcused absence would result in an automatic derecognition. The amendment was tabled and will be voted on next week.
Il Circolo Italiano, or Italian Club, was recognized by Student Senate.
Student Senate approved of two budgets:
- College Republicans for $3,139.91 for a conference
- Vietnamese Student Association for $550 for food for Burg Burst
During the student concerns section of the Senate meeting, questions of what qualifications were needed to be diversity committee chair arose. Students voiced that the chair should have a relationship with the multicultural groups on campus. Arbaugh explained that he is going to keep an open mind about who applies, however, that chairs, just like other senators, must be in good standing with the college. Arbaugh went on to explain that he wants someone who will have the initiative to take on the issues presented to them but also is familiar with matters of diversity and will have a good relationship with the communities that that affects. To follow along with the full conversation surrounding the position, watch the Gettysburgian’s Facebook livestream:
Student Senate will reconvene on Monday, November 5.
