Senate Spotlight - 11/2/23

The Senate held various items of business, ranging from new grant proposals to the announcement of an upcoming impeachment hearing. Meetings occur Wednesdays at 7:00 pm.

Dylan Noble | dnoble@butler.edu

Last Wednesday, the SGA Student Senate met in the Irvington Community Room at 7:00 pm. On the docket were five presentations, four Resolutions, and several announcements from leaders in the Senate. The session was presided over by Speaker Reagan Markland. 

The first presentation was by Students for Rare, a new student organization aiming to spread awareness and recognition of rare diseases while providing the opportunity to volunteer and form new relationships. Founder and president Ashley Callaghan, along with VP of Marketing, Emma Biddle, articulated the mission and goals of Rare. One meeting per month, with several other fundraising and educational events per semester, will be held. NORD, The National Organization for Rare Disorders, has endorsed Rare. More than 65 students are interested, with the club being open to all undergrads and no membership dues.

The following presentation was by the Asian and Pacific Islander Alliance seeking a $1200 grant. The APIA’s mission is to empower Asian and Pacific Islander students here at Butler, building a community within the group while educating fellow students. The group has 94 members and holds around five events per semester, from cultural and community-building events to educational presentations. The requested grant money would go towards financing these events.

[2223-036 - APIA: PASSED; 17 in favor, 0 against]

Following the APIA was Butler’s LGBTQIA+ Alliance, presented by Emma Eyrich and Eleanor Weiss. With 230 members, the organization seeks to promote awareness and understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity. The organization hosts several events, including the Gender Affirmation Closet, where transgender and nonconforming people can get complimentary supplies such as wigs and makeup. Eyrich and Weiss continued by emphasizing the success of last year’s drag show and revealed their grant request: $2500 for hosting another drag show this year. 

[2223-037 - Alliance: PASSED; 16 in favor, 1 against]

Butler’s CRU was next, with the intent of a $3,765 grant. CRU’s mission is to make Jesus and His word known around Butler, Indianapolis, America, and the world. They meet weekly, giving students a space to worship, learn, and discuss. The money would fund their Fall Retreat this year, a weekend retreat giving students a way to develop their faith together off-campus. It would last two full days with lodging and meals provided, costing about $100 per student unsubsidized, down $25 if funds are permitted.

[2223-038 - Butler CRU: PASSED; 15 in favor, 1 against, 1 abstain] 

The final presentation was from Bookish Bulldogs, Butler’s active book club. They aim “to create community and promote diversity through the written word,” holding bi-weekly meetings to discuss their readings. Their grant proposal totaled $1,610, which would provide books to members who cannot afford to buy the books or who don’t have access to a library, as well as purchase bookmarks for each member. The bookmarks would include information about the book, such as providing content warnings. 

[2223-039 - Bookish Bulldogs: PASSED; 14 in favor, 1 against, 2 abstain]

President Cade Chezem followed voting with announcements, first discussing a meeting held with President Danko and Provost Barnett regarding upcoming initiatives that are to be announced later. He also covered work on the Aunt Flow project coming to Atherton Union, meant to improve the quality of free menstrual products offered. New Executive office hours were shared, occurring Thursdays 12:30-2:00 pm for Chezem and 9:00-11:00 am every weekday for Vice President Meet Patel. 

Chief Justice Ryan Crnarich, announced that Articles of Impeachment against Senator Simpson will be introduced next week. The Senate will then begin the impeachment hearing process. Questions should be directed to Justice Will Kissel.

Speaker Reagan Markland concluded by making a few brief remarks from the Legislative Branch, urging students to reach out regarding any payroll questions and announcing that the currently unfilled CCOM Senate seat will hopefully be filled soon.