SGA Rundown: Senate discusses diversity and inclusion responsibilities

President Renee Waller proposed cutting the coordinator position and dispersing duties across the senate.

Sophia Silvester and Ashley Grams • February 20, 2020

SGA Rundown: Senate discusses diversity and inclusion responsibilities

Photo courtesy of Photo Courtesy of Biola University

The Student Government Association kicked off this week’s meeting by celebrating vice president Seth Gladysz’s birthday. After transitioning to pray in small groups, president Renee Waller discussed budget cuts, the diversity and inclusion coordinator position and the university’s stance on dancing.

HOPE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY DANCE

Waller approached Biola University’s administration regarding Hope International University’s dance proposal at last week’s senate meeting. The university stands by current policy and will not make changes this academic year. However, the administration is allowing HIU to advertise around campus with posters and marketing materials. Students have responded positively to the possible dance and senators plan to capitalize on word-of-mouth advertising.

BUDGET UPDATES AND CUTS

Waller presented possible options to increase contingency money for next year’s senate. She explained budget cuts are needed and that in order to reduce the student fee, organizations like SGA, Student Missionary Union, Campus Engagement and the Student Media Board will be affected.

Waller then proposed to cut the coordinator of diversity and inclusion position, which would be effective in the next academic year. The coordinator of diversity and inclusion works on independent projects for students and assists the vice president of diversity and inclusion.

Waller said the cut should not happen unless the next senate assumes the responsibility of upholding diversity. If the position is cut, Waller said the responsibilities of the current coordinator will be split up among senators to ensure inclusion and diversity. The cut would open up $1,885 next semester.

Alternatively, Waller proposed hiring an intern to assume the coordinator of diversity and inclusion’s duties.

Vice president of diversity and inclusion Caleb Strauss then presented an overview of the diversity and inclusion coordinator role. The coordinator currently leads SGA outreach and creates partnerships across campus.

The diversity coordinator position was created in 2016 after swastikas were drawn on campus. Senators expressed concern with cutting the diversity position in light of recent racist vandalism in Horton Hall during Black History Month.

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About the Contributors

Sophia Silvester, Staff Writer

Sophia Silvester is a freshman journalism major who enjoys meeting new dogs, drinking coffee and storytelling in all its forms. I'm a native Californian that was transplanted to Idaho for seven years where I learned I love snow but hate long winters. Now that I'm back, I'm thoroughly enjoying the sunshine, the beach, and living within ten minutes of In-n-Out. This year I am attempting to combat my fear of failure through jumping headfirst into new experiences like writing for The Chimes as I work towards figuring out what I want to do as a career. Through reporting for The Chimes, I have discovered a love for connecting readers to people from different lifestyles and cultures by telling their stories in a way that bridges gaps. I also love the opportunity to teach my readers about topics I am learning about through the wide variety of articles I get to cover. When I'm not writing, you can find me reorganizing my dorm room for fun, reading books for Torrey, looking for dogs or researching new ways to make better coffee.

Ashley Grams, Deputy News Editor

Ashley is a sophomore broadcast journalism major and Spanish minor who dreams of working for ESPN. She loves the Seattle Seahawks, watching “Friends” and telling stories. Hi there! My name is Ashley Grams and I grew up in a small town north of Seattle –– it is so far north that many people resort to saying we live in Canada. Every weekend I watched sports with my dad, especially the Seattle Seahawks. Thursday, Sunday or Monday night, it didn't matter when they were on, my dad and I were glued to the TV. My love of sports started at a young age and translated into my teen years as I found myself following in the footsteps of Erin Andrews and other broadcasters. Sports journalism became my dream and I moved to Biola University, near Los Angeles, to pursue it. As a sophomore broadcast journalism major and Spanish minor, I am excited to continue writing for the Chimes as a sports staff writer. I enjoy the challenge of communicating effectively with a joyful heart, not to mention watching tons of games on campus! Outside of the Chimes you might find me playing intramural sports, watching “Friends” or eating gluten-free food.