Austin Palacios, speaker of the house, adjourns the Student Government general body meeting Oct. 28 in the Student Government Chambers. The meeting had a scheduled recess for Party After the Polls in Brazos Park.
The UTA Student Senate voted on two resolutions and introduced one new resolution in its Tuesday meeting.
Resolution 25-19, “Title IX, Don’t Take Mine,” was unanimously passed, following deliberation.
The resolution seeks to ensure that victims of sexual assault and violence are provided proper resources, such as extended deadlines and testing accommodations in classes, depending on the severity of the victim’s circumstance, regardless of the location of the assault.
During the open forum, Student Body President Effua Jordan, the resolution’s author, shared her own story and highlighted why she thought the resolution was important.
Student Body President Effua Jordan speaks about Resolution 25-19, “Title IX, Don’t Take Mine” during a Student Senate general body meeting Oct. 28 in the Student Government Chambers. Jordan shared a personal experience relating to Title IX, highlighting its importance.
Photo by Lucia Campos
“I was fortunate to be able to pay for my counseling sessions,” Jordan said. “But for those that can’t, this resolution, 25-19, is for them. For those who suffer in silence, this resolution is for them.”
Academic Affairs Chair Emman Khan said the resolution helps victims of sexual assault and violence meet their goals and succeed while still maintaining privacy.
The Senate also unanimously passed Resolution 25-22, “Thirst for Variety,” which looks to expand campus drink selections beyond PepsiCo.
Andres Morales, Student Body vice president, names the “Member of the Month” during the Student Government general body meeting Oct. 28 in the Student Government Chambers. Morales presented the award to Jaysen Johnson, College of Liberal Arts senator.
Photo by Lucia Campos
Jaysen Johnson, College of Liberal Arts senator, noted that UTA has a contract with PepsiCo until 2028. The resolution was amended before the meeting, aiming to expand drink selection within PepsiCo until the contract expires.
Shravan Venkatesh, College of Science senator, asked whether a portion of UTA’s funding would disappear since Pepsi pays to be the only drink corporation on campus.
Nicholas Spivey, College of Engineering senator, clarified, however, that PepsiCo provides its drinks to UTA for free or at a discounted price, and they split the profits from the sales, rather than Pepsi paying the university directly.
From left: Austin Palacios, speaker of the house; Jaysen Johnson, College of Liberal Arts senator; and Andres Morales, Student Body vice president, stand for a picture during a Student Government general body meeting Oct. 28 in the Student Government Chambers. Senator Johnson was awarded the “Member of the Month” award.
Photo by Lucia Campos
The Senate also introduced Resolution 25-27, “Operation Watchdog,” which asks the university to increase patrols on the west side of campus.
Resolution 25-21, “Analog Manual,” and Resolution 25-23, “Keep the Plan ’til the Scan,” were killed.
The Student Senate’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 11 in the Student Government Chambers.
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