Undergraduate Student Government passed an emergency resolution expressing its support for the students of Eastern Michigan University after racist graffiti appeared on EMU’s campus last week, days before the University plays against EMU at the homecoming game.
Diversity Affairs Senator Bryce Davis introduced the resolution to USG on Monday night. He was prompted by similar resolutions passed by student governments at other schools.
Davis felt that it was fit for USG to take actions after “seeing other universities supporting not only the students of EMU, but just students nationwide who are going through things like racism and sexism and homophobia and misogyny,” he said.
By passing this resolution, USG is doing its part “to create a community that is inclusive and welcoming here at Bowling Green State University,” Davis said, “not only for the students of EMU but for our students as well.”
The emergency resolution passed with a vote 28 in favor and one abstention. It will be shared later this week on USG’s social media accounts.
USG also passed its budget for the school year. The budget totals just over $37,000, and includes stipends for executive board officers and funds for promotions, collaborations and operating costs.
The budget passed unanimously.
President Amanda Dortch gave executive updates encouraging students to be active in homecoming activities and informed the body of a coming Walmart shuttle route that will have its trial period as the holiday season draws near. The exact details of the shuttle route have yet to be established.
Dortch also offered clarity to some recent confusion regarding the usage of off-campus parking passes by on-campus students. It is strictly against parking policy for students who reside on-campus to use an off-campus student’s parking pass; students who break this policy rule will be warned, fined, booted, towed and will lose all parking privileges, in that order, if repeat violations occur after the warning citation.
Additionally, Dortch thanked Senator Davis for the proposal of his resolution and its efforts to welcome EMU with open arms this weekend.
Vice President Richard Racette’s updates included some new technology updates pertaining to students. In the near future, the University will have a new app for smart phones which will act as more of a one-stop-shop for information.
Racette also informed the student body of changes that will be coming to the degree audit system and the schedule planner. Racette also addressed email security and informed the body that the University is working to better protect students against spam emails.
USG is also working with the Center for Community and Civic Engagement in hosting a voting registration event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 27 on the steps of the Education Building and encourages all students to be registered to vote.
