On Friday, Feb. 7,  Student Government Association (SGA) Senate meeting discussed a multitude of topics; here is a summary.

• The Senate heard from LGBTQIA+ and same-sex attracted students and brainstormed ways to address their concerns. 
• The motion to fund the History Club failed.
• Café Biola is planning a food event for Easter.
• The Student Congress on Racial Reconciliation (SCORR) is hosting an event on April 4
• Students will have the opportunity to sign the steel beams for the new film studio.

SGA HEARS FROM LGBT AND SSA STUDENTS

Johnathan Chan, a junior global student majoring in political science, and Paul Cabrer, a sociology major who serves SGA as the Diversity Coordinator, presented to SGA about the experience of students who identify as LGBTQIA+ or same-sex attracted. 

There were six sections to their presentation:

• Defining the sexuality and gender portion of LGBTQIA+.
• Chan’s testimony as someone who recently came forward about their same-sex attraction.
• Several students who identify as LGBTQIA+ or same-sex attraction told their stories.
• Named a few concerns with Biola’s political and cultural climate.
• Talked about the reconciliation of these issues with Christianity and the role that The Dwelling plays.
• A question-and-answer segment.

Chan and Cabera opened their presentation by reading Mark 12:30-31: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Next, they explained different definitions and concepts related to LGBTQIA+.

Chan shared his story of wrestling with his faith and attraction, eventually returning to the church.

“I was roped back into church, and it’s been the best 5 years of my life,” Chan said. He closed by reading Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV): “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Afterward, several students, including Pres Wilson, a cinema media arts (CMA) major, shared their testimony.

“I identify as same-sex attracted. I am not into guys at all. [When I was] 17 years old, I did experience attraction for the first time. I do not think SSA should be hidden … as we are all human,” Wilson said. “[There is] a lot of shame around [SSA], especially in Christian communities. This need to hide same-sex attraction is very human. God made us [intentionally, which includes] our struggles. [When] conversations [about these topics] come up at Biola with those [who are] not a part of the [LGBTQIA+] community, there is a separation [between students].”

Chan also read anonymous statements from students who were uncomfortable publicly sharing their thoughts.

• “I am a gay man; I feel unloved and a disappointment.”
• “I wish I didn’t have to hide so much within Christianity.”
• “To Biola Bible professors, please stop treating LGBT stuff like a joke or as if there are no students who identify as LGBT.”

At the end of the presentation, Chan and Cabera communicated three concerns for students who identify as LGBTQIA+ or SSA.

• Fear of disciplinary action: LGBTQIA+ students risk disciplinary measures if they openly engage in activity or are in a relationship that is not sexual.
• Mental health struggles: The absence of understanding and support contributes to anxiety, depression, and isolation among LGBTQIA+ students.
• Pressure to choose: Many students feel forced to choose a side of their identity that fits within Biola’s religious expectations, which can lead to internal conflict and distress.

Q&A SESSION

After the presentation, Chan and Cabera hosted a question-and-answer session. 

One senator asked Chan and Cabera how they wanted SGA to help. Chan and Cabera stated that they wanted SGA to be aware of Biola’s climate and that there are students who are struggling with their sexuality and attraction. Chan and Cabera advocated for an anonymous form and tip line. One student requested if SGA could present these issues to Biola admin.

President Jacqueline McCauslin said she will ask the SGA faculty advisor if she can present these issues during their next faculty Senate meeting. 

CONVERSATION WITH JOHNATHAN CHAN

Before the Senate meeting, Chan explained his goals and why he was presenting to SGA. 

“I am not here as a … representative of The Dwelling. I’m here on my own accord as a person who has struggled with symptoms of [same-sex] attraction for quite some time and also a person who understands what it is like being at Biola,” Chan said.

When asked what outcome he hoped for, Chan explained that he did not desire any particular outcome other than raising awareness of this issue.

“I’ve just wanted this to be [an] information setting … [and bring] more awareness about it. We’re not here to change the entire school to become a more liberal school. We are here to inform students that we are here for them and understand where they come from,” Chan said. 

Chan explained his view on God and same-sex attraction.

“So my belief, this is just my plain belief, if you are loved by God, you are part of His kingdom,” Chan said. “So eventually, if you have [experienced] such attraction, you would still be loved by Him.”

SGA VOTES ON FUNDING THE HISTORY CLUB

SGA voted on whether or not to approve semester funding for the History Club. 

The club asked for funding for food and to visit different museums. Typically, clubs would go to Campus Engagement for event funding, but due to issues within the History Department, the club did not propose to Campus Engagement.

The senators discussed for approximately ten minutes before voting. Several senators commented that the History Club did not properly manage their funds last semester and they should have gone to Campus Engagement for event funding. 

A few senators suggested alternate ways the History Club could visit museums. One idea is that some museums offer free admission at the end of the month. The senators also suggested that “if the History Club really wanted to, they could commute to San Diego,” reasoning that there are many free museums there. Some senators commented that this is an unreasonable solution due to the distance between Biola University and San Diego.

Despite the majority of the senators disapproving during the discussion, Sigma Hall Senator Evan Thompson pushed back and proposed funding for the admission cost of one museum visit, and not other expenses such as food. He responded to the complaint of the mismanagement of funds by proposing they give grace to the club.

“I am very grateful when I am given grace for my mistakes,” Thompson said.

Thompson also highlighted the importance of the History Club, explaining that “there are only two history professors at Biola” and that the club benefits current and prospective students.

The senators voted on two proposals: one to fully fund the History Club and the other to partially fund it. Neither proposal passed. 

UPDATES ON SGA COMMITTEE CABINET REPORTS

The Student Initiative Committee liked the idea of an anonymous form for LGBTQIA+ and same-sex-attracted students. They communicated that they are working on sending a campus-wide student feedback survey. They indicated they would “follow up with Café Biola ​on its promises from last semester and do the same with Chapels.” They informed the Senate that the Autism Community Club had requested SGA to “address several auditor needs on campus.” Lastly, McCauslin asked SGA to look into the Office of Innovation to see how it runs and how best to communicate with students about it.

The Constitution Committee said they are working through different amendments and updating bylaws to account for maintenance. They did not say more about the matter.

The Elections Committee commented on a few items. First, they celebrated the SGA Election Information Night as a success. They also commented about the nature of this year’s SGA election. Due to this year’s election’s “less threatening and more grassroots feeling,” the committee described how many “nervous and meek freshmen and sophomores” showed interest in SGA.

The Spring Formal Committee shared an update about this Spring’s formal, stating that this year’s decorations “look very good.” They are still working with Biola to determine the best date for the formal.

The Finance Cabinet stated that it still hasn’t heard from Biola about when it will receive the spring semester funding.

The Diversity and Inclusion cabinet mentioned they are working to understand and discuss the different needs on campus. They announced that The Student Congress on Racial Reconciliation (SCORR) is hosting an event on April 4, requesting all of SGA to attend the main session. Lastly, they reminded SGA that Afro Roots, a new event to celebrate Black History Month, is happening on Feb. 13.

Lastly, McCauslin represented the SGA Administration cabinet and informed the SGA of several items. First, she announced that psychology major Payton Masters would be the next Student Missionary Union (SMU) president. Next, she informed the Senate that she would begin the SGA auditing process. Regarding SGA elections, the next president and vice president will be announced on Feb. 14. Additionally, she said that Biola’s Cafe is planning to host a cafeteria-wide food event for Easter, which will look similar to Cafsgiving. 

McCauslin relayed several messages from various Biola departments. Facilities Management said they fixed two issues with Hope Hall. First, the odor in the second-floor lounge is now gone. Second, a projector screen now functions properly. McCauslin said that the senators should verify that these problems are solved. Next, the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts will hold an event in March to celebrate the last steel beam placed for the new film studio. Students are encouraged to sign the steel beams with inspiring messages and prayers. The date of this event has not been determined.

Lastly, McCauslin discussed the issue of electric vehicle charging stations with the senators. There are limited charging stations on campus, and McCauslin wanted to know if there should be more. However, the Senate will most likely continue to discuss the issue later.