By Kenzie Smith, Staff Writer
Monday’s Student Senate Meeting included a discussion on respect, a presentation by the Executive Director of the Eisenhower Institute Tracie Potts, and a proposal of an opinion.
Officer Reports
President Miranda Zamora ’23 started off by welcoming everyone back from reading days.
Zamora talked about respect, especially in light of the last few meetings. She emphasized that Senate needs to be available to all clubs and if Senate shows disrespect, they become unavailable to the clubs. Zamora wants to continue to work as a Senate body and work for the campus, and respect is needed to accomplish those tasks.
“If we don’t have respect we can’t function as a senate body,” Zamora said.
Zamora also noted that she would prefer that if members have issues with other voting members to talk to exec board instead of posting on YikYak.
Zamora welcomed back Senate Advisor and Director of Student Activities and Greek Life Jon Allen.
Vice President Geoffrey Meadville ’25 reinforced Zamora’s note on being respectful. He noted that all Senate members are there to uphold the values of the college.
Meadville announced that an election will be held to fill the spot for social clubs representative. Meadville also reminded Senate members to check in with their advisor.
Treasurer Hannah Repole ’25 gave the sixth budget update for the 2022-2023 year. She explained that there is $59,413.14 remaining in the budget so far, and $32,729.86 has been spent.
Repole also noted that Senate members need to be respectful when budget requests are being presented because the people in these clubs have put in a lot of work and effort to create and plan the request.
Secretary Nick Silvis ’23 announced that if anyone has an event they would like advertised to contact him.
Parliamentarian Joey Labrie ’25 announced that Senate is coming toward the end of the Constitutional overhaul. Labrie also thanked the members for their patience.
Advisor Reports
Senate Advisor and Director of Student Activities and Greek Life Jon Allen introduced himself to new members. Allen emphasized that he is available if any members need support and encouraged them to reach out.
Guest Announcement
Executive Director of the Eisenhower Institute Tracie Potts took the floor to discuss civil discourse. Potts began her presentation by emphasizing her love of being at Senate. Although she understands the past meeting resulted in some calamity, Potts admires the Senate body.
“I have admired the way that you operate,” Potts said.
Potts explained that the Senate’s ability to operate together, bring different interests across campus together, get business done, and their dedication is what she admires about them.
Potts explained that one of her many jobs is to teach about civil discourse. She says that civil discourse does not come naturally, and can be especially difficult during a political season when emotions are high.
Potts shared a quote that Eisenhower said at the Gettysburg College Convocation in 1959 that she believes to still hold relevance today before addressing everyone in the room.
“I truly believe this when I say it: You are our future leaders,” Potts said.
Potts said that civil discourse is extremely important, and it is not the what that is most important but the how: how to get along and how to have civil discourse. She also said that civil discourse is a skill, and it is important to think of it that way. Potts emphasized that it is something that must be taught.
Potts shared that people must learn to create understanding, and she encouraged the Senate members to seek out opportunities to learn and practice the skills of civil discourse.
Potts shared that is not what one says that is as important as it is how it is said. The question that Potts wants to ask herself when she gets home is not “Did I win the conversation?” but is “Did I treat people well?” Potts also highlighted a key item of parliamentary process which is ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.
Potts understands it can sometimes be hard to separate individuals from ideas, thoughts, and opinions, but it is important to do so. She recommends going into conversations thinking of the persona as a human being rather than reducing them to only their thoughts. Potts said be respectful with how you deal with the person rather than the ideas.
Potts also emphasized that it is important to respect the authority of position, whether that be who holds the gavel or the speaker sharing their budget request. This respect helps insure that people can have difficult controversial conversations in a civil way. To reinforce this idea, Potts shared the story of her father-in-law who was, at the time, one of very few Black naval officers. Pott’s father-in-law struggled with receiving respect and his response was, “You may not respect me, respect the stripes on my shoulders.”
Potts also mentioned the right of free speech. She highlighted key points in the College’s Freedom of Expression Policy. Potts said that this policy and right to free speech is connected to the foundation of our country.
“If we want to be free, if we want to exercise that freedom, we have to ensure that everyone can, even the people who have ideas and say things that we think are just detestable,” Potts said.
Potts shared that by upholding someone else’s right to speech you are also upholding your own, but when you are withholding someone’s right to speech, you are also withholding your own.
Potts encouraged everyone to think about these points. She emphasized the importance of Senate and their ability to work together, as Senate sets the pace for the rest of the campus, and the campus sets the pace for the town.
Potts opened the floor to comments and questions.
“How can we move forward after having elevated emotions in the moment,” one Senate member asked. Potts responded that if at all possible don’t walk out of the room, deal with it as soon as possible, and to apologize and take responsibility.
Committee Reports
The Academic and Career Fairs Committee announced that they are still looking for more names and a date for their alumni panel.
The CLAC Committee announced that they tackled housing concerns in International House at their last meaning and were able to resolve those issues with College Life. They also had a great meeting with Jon Allen on the Bikeshare Program. The late fees for the bikes will be enforced and planning on purchasing trackers for the bikes.
The Diversity Committee met with Chief Diversity Officer of Diversity and Inclusion Eloisa Gordon-Mora to discuss what the role of the committee should be. They also announced they are working on the observance calendar.
The Opinions Committee announced they were bringing one opinion to the floor.
The Policy Committee announced that they were dealing with multiple amendments tonight and would be working on the BMC Reimbursement Policy at their next meeting.
The Safety Committee had the borough manager and Chief of Police at their last meeting. They shared that there was increased police presence for a two-week period, but the increase should have ceased by now. Safety also said that the Chief of Police wants to create a more police welcoming environment on the campus, and the committee is looking into options to host events for that purpose. The Chief of Police is also concerned about the amount of electric scooters and skateboards as these items are illegal on public streets and sidewalks in Pennsylvania.
The Sustainability Committee discussed recycling on campus at their last meeting.
The Wellness Committee announced they are considering changing the structure of their meetings, since they are having no attendees.
Club Reports and Announcements
One student announced that Tri Sigma and Crow are sponsoring Scarecrows for Sigma.
A YAF member invited all to the talk about gender, sexuality, and transgender issues presented by Dr. Ryan T. Anderson on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. The student also shared there would be a thirty minute Q&A at the end of the speech, and he encouraged those who may disagree with Anderson to come and interact.
One student announced that Student Musical Theater will be hosting auditions for Rocky Horror Show on Wednesday from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Saturday 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Another student announced the WGS Open House that would be occurring Oct. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m in the Junction.
Another student announced that Listeners & Performers will be performing at the Inclusion and Belonging BBQ on Oct. 18 and will have a solo show at Waldos this Friday at 8 p.m.
Another student announced The Public Policy Student Council has two debates coming up. These are the PA House Seat Debate in Mara Auditorium on Oct. 19 and the EI Debate in Mara Auditorium on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.
Student Concerns and Announcements
One student raised concern that the promised veggie corner is not in place. President Miranda Zamora ’23 said that she will make sure to bring it up at the President’s Council.
Another student said that some people feel the athletic teams are taking up racks in the gym and are not pleased with the limited gym space and hours. Zamora replied that all lift schedules are posted in the gym, but she will contact the Fitness Center to see what can be done.
Another student asked if the college has a solution to the increased cars that will be on campus since more first-years are allowed to have vehicles this year. Zamora responded that there are currently more parking spaces than cars, but she will also find out the exact number of first-years allowed to bring their cars.
One student raised concern that the designated parking for students living at Seminary that previously existed is not in place this year. Zamora said she will bring it up at President’s Council.
Another student raised concern that some students are paying for text-to-speech as an ability aid, and they were curious if the college had a way to supplement this. Treasurer Hannah Repole ’25 responded that there are free text-to-speech options that work well.
Another student raised concern that there are no on-campus resources to report police misconduct. Zamora replied that she will forward an email to the student that includes all resources for police misconduct reporting.
Another student raised concerns about ASL not being offered as a second language or a club. Zamora responded that anyone can start a club if they feel they have enough knowledge to do so, but she said she will also bring it up at President’s Council.
Budget Requests
GECO requested $144 to purchase pumpkins and paint for the picnic they are hosting at Painted Turtle Farm. The picnic will take place on Nov. 5 and will include performances by Listeners & Performers and pumpkin painting. Senate approved the amount in full.
The Women’s Network requested a $60 reimbursement for food purchased for an event they hosted with Her Campus last Wednesday. Due to Reading Days, the club was unable to bring the budget request to Senate before the event occurred. Senate approved the amount in full.
BSU requested a $2,500 reimbursement to cover the costs of a photographer and DJ for the 50th Anniversary of BSU. This event was held by BSU, OME, and the Alumni Color Counsel. The club initially needed $2,900 but was able to save $400. A Senate member motioned to approve the amount in full, but take it from the rollover fund. He explained his reasoning for this was he understands Senate needs to be more fiscally responsible, but he believed the club should still get their reimbursement. This motion was approved.
New Business
Senate passed policy tabled from the last meeting and tabled the new policy that was presented at this meeting
One opinion was presented on the floor. It was recommended by a member of the student body that called for students to have their name announced at graduation in their native and proper pronunciation. To accomplish this, the opinion said that the Chief Diversity Officer should announce the names of the graduation class.
Senate Advisor and Director of Student Activities and Greek Life Jon Allen responded that the college does require graduating students to pronounce their names into Name Coach, which the Provosts then listen to. One Senate member questioned why this opinion was necessary if the college already had a system in place, and they stated that no matter what is done someone’s name is still going to be mispronounced. Another member rebutted that by saying that for people who constantly have their names mispronounced, this is an issue. They continued by saying that the opinion is not saying that the college doesn’t have a system in place but the system in place may not be working. This same member also questioned if Name Coach had the phonetic spelling of the names because only listening to names does not always work in the ability to pronounce them correctly.
Another issue brought up by the Senate members was if the Chief Diversity Officer was the best choice. Some concerns raised were that the amount of names needing to be pronounced was too many for one person and that it is possible for the Chief Diversity Officer to not know how to correctly pronounce names.
A motion was passed to send the opinion back to committee.
Senate will meet again on Oct. 24.
