Wednesday evening saw the first fall session of the Student Senate.
Lee Goble, Student Body Vice President and de facto leader of the Senate, stood at the front of the Senate Chambers for the duration of the session. His voice was amplified by the microphone and natural acoustics of the room as he began the meeting.
Second-year exercise science student and President Pro Tempore Ross Lordo encouraged students to draft legislation and re-emphasized the fact that the people in the room were elected representatives of the student body.
Later in the evening, fourth-year business student Ross Abbott, decked out in impressive floor-length robes that signify his position as Chief Justice of the Constitutional Council, spoke to familiarize the Senate with the Judicial branch. He also introduced the names of his four recommendations for Associate Justices, whom the Senate must either confirm or refuse — Grant NeSmith, Kennedy Hayes, Emily Clymer and Bradley Burgess.
While most of the night went quickly, one bill stuck in the teeth of some senators present. SBL 107 (20), introduced by Lordo, chair of the Multicultural Affairs committee Sen. Abrianna Means and others, would require that all Student Government members pass Safe Zone Ally Training if passed.
While the bill would only go into effect next year — and therefore would not necessarily affect the Senators present — Sen. Byron Thomas had a few words to say about it.
“I don’t feel comfortable being forced to participate,” he said. “I think we’re educated enough to be sensitive to other people.”
Before he could go further, Goble stopped him from proceeding, citing proper legislated conduct.
“While legislation is on the first reading calendar, it is only up for questions,” he said. “If you would like it to be changed, if you have a concern, I encourage you to speak with the bill’s sponsors. When it comes up on the second reading calendar, that is when the bill is up for debate.”
The next time Student Senate will meet is next Wednesday, Sept. 2.