SGA approves constitution change

Dylan Pichnarcik / THE GATEPOST

By Dylan Pichnarcik News Editor Student Government Association approved the addition of a code of conduct to the SGA constitution. The proposed addition was presented by Vice President César Matos at SGA’s March 11 meeting. Agreeing to uphold the Code of Conduct will be a requirement for all members of SGA for the upcoming academic year, according to Matos. According to the proposal, the Code of Conduct “promotes accountability, professionalism, and respect. It ensures officers understand their responsibilities, maintain ethical behavior, and uphold inclusivity. “The code also improves office culture by encouraging work-focused use of spaces and outlines clear consequences for misconduct, ensuring fair and consistent enforcement,” according to the proposal. The first section of the proposal, “Core Values,” states that members must agree to uphold professionalism and integrity; respect and inclusivity; responsibility and accountability; and representation and advocacy, according to the Code of Conduct. The “Usage of Office Space” section states members must agree “the use of our office spaces is a privilege, not a right. All SGA members should respect the communal spaces of the office and understand that if in violation, usage of office space can be revoked,” according to the Code of Conduct. The next section, “Expected Conduct,” states members must agree to be authentic and true to themselves, and choose words deliberately. The Code of Conduct also outlines a “Violations and Enforcement” category. Members must agree “any violation of the Code of Conduct shall be subject to review by the Judiciary Committee, which has the authority to issue a formal warning, mandate corrective action or training, and recommend removal from SGA in cases of severe or repeated violations,” according to the proposed Code of Conduct. The final category outlines SGA’s “Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI),” which states, “SGA recognizes its responsibility to actively promote DEI within student governance. To uphold this commitment, SGA shall require all members to participate in DEI training annually, partner with student organizations focused on DEI to amplify their voices in governance, and regularly review policies to identify and eliminate systemic barriers within SGA and the student body,” according to the proposed Code of Conduct. A motion was made by Senator Alyssa MacDougall to approve the addition of the Code of Conduct to SGA’s constitution, which passed unanimously. Psychology Club, represented by Club Secretary Bianca Furtado, requested $1,250 for a trip to the Museum of Science in Boston. A motion to approve the allocation was made by Senator Shawn Brooks and passed unanimously. ASL Club, represented by Treasurer Priscilla Bonilla, requested $2,000 for DEAFSU. DEAFSU will “gather all Deaf communities to come to campus. … We want to have tables for them to show their small businesses,” Bonilla said. She said the last time DEAFSU was held, 500 people attended. The allocated funds will go toward catering from Sodexo, a magician, and pens and paper. Bonilla said interpreters will be at the event, but attendees can also use the provided pens and paper to communicate. DEAFSU is scheduled for April 26. A motion to approve the allocation was made by Diversity and Inclusion Officer Ana Julia Riberio and passed unanimously. ASL club also requested $1,000 for the ASL Ball, which is scheduled for April 11. The allocated funds will go toward food and a DJ for the event. A motion to approve the allocation was made by Secretary Jazmany Reyes and passed unanimously. The final funding request was made on behalf of the Haitian Student Association for “Rep Your Flag,” which will be held on March 28 and will cost $6,750. The funds pay for renting a venue located in Boston, DJs, and a photographer. The event will be a collaboration with M.I.S.S. Haitian Student Association requested $3,000 for the club’s share of the event. A motion to approve the allocation was made by Brooks and passed unanimously. During the meeting, senior Anthony Sims and sophomore Adnan Sajid were appointed as senators by President Evelyn Campbell. During the club representative portion of the meeting, members of SGA were paired with representatives from student organizations. Matos said this was done to promote networking and communication between clubs and SGA. Campbell announced the upcoming SGA elections. 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.