News SGA discuss ‘Week of Culture’ vendors

Dylan Pichnarcik / THE GATEPOST

By Dylan Pichnarcik News Editor SGA Vice President Cesár Matos discussed issues senators had about a henna artist who worked at the “Week of Culture” event at the March 25 meeting. Treasurer Khoa Bùi said some members of SGA believed the artist did not practice traditional henna art, which may have caused some students to be uncomfortable. Matos said the artist did not seem “to be of a culture that practices henna art.” He added, “When we first were looking at the work that they were doing, it seemed less related to henna art and more related to cartoon characters.” On the day of the event, the eBoard and advisors had a conversation about the vendor, but the issue was not directly addressed with the artist, according to Matos. Matos said, “We want to ensure that we include the vendor in the conversation rather than leave it be. We don’t want to ostracize them.” Diversity and Inclusion Officer Ana Julia Ribeiro said SGA worked hard to plan each event during “Week of Culture.” Ribeiro said SGA was not informed that the vendor practiced any other type of art besides traditional henna. President Evelyn Campbell was not in attendance at the meeting so her report was delivered by Matos. In her report, Campbell reminded senators about SGA’s upcoming election. Nominations will take place during the week of March 31, campaigning will be held from April 5 to April 15, Candidates’ Night will be held on April 6 in the Alumni Room, and election day is April 15 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. During his report, Student Trustee Jeremy McDonald said he will be going to the Academic Policy Committee as a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee to advocate for a policy which excuses student-athletes from class on game days. McDonald said this policy does not currently exist and leaves students at risk of facing punishment for absences. McDonald reminded senators about the Administrative Forum, which will take place on April 8 at the next Club Representative Meeting. Dinner with administrators in the McCarthy Dining Annex will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by the Administrative Forum at 7:30 p.m. McDonald asked senators to send him questions for administrators so he can provide a list to administrators who will be attending. Bùi announced FinCom approved two funding requests from Alpha Omega and The Hilltop Players. Alpha Omega requested $122 for pizza and salad at an upcoming seminar. The Hilltop Players requested $108 for baking equipment for future bake sales, which was approved, according to Bùi. Senator AJ Vazquez said she contacted Dan Giard, director of Facilities, to request something be done about a flooded sink in the Art Club’s meeting room. The issue was taken care of by Facilities prior to the start of the SGA meeting. She said she also contacted Giard to find solutions regarding the accessibility of student studios and meeting spaces in May Hall. She said a solution was not possible because the May Hall elevator remains out of service. Vazquez said a possible solution is to place a ramp in the area outside where students access the basement meeting rooms. However, Giard said a ramp could not be placed there for safety reasons. Outreach and Events Coordinator Alix Ayoub reinstated passing the U-Rock to SGA’s Member of the Week, which was awarded to Secretary Jazmany Reyes. Ayoub said, “I'm recognizing Jazmany for all the work that he has done with all his secretary duties, especially since a lot of things have been thrown at him lately and he’s done an amazing job.”