STUDENT SENATE MINUTES
March 14, 1995
The meeting was called to order by Senate President Kevin Mayeux at 7:30
p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Roll call was taken by A&E Chairman Shelton Bridges. Quorum was
established with 58 senators present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
University of Miami Student Body President-Elect Monica Aquino led the
Senate in the pledge of allegiance.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA:
Senator Bondi moved to add SB 95-1026, Resolution for American History
Month to the Agenda. This motion was withdrawn due to a number of objections.
Senator Gordon moved to add SB 95-1024, Resolution for Free Speech; SB 95-1025,
Amending SBS 821.11; SB 95-1027, Amending Rules and Procedures Article IX,
Section H(2); and SB 95-1028, an Authorization for the Hispanic Student
Association. These were approved, and the agenda was approved as
amended.
AMENDMENTS TO THE MINUTES:
None
PUBLIC DEBATE:
Dan Tressler, President of Phi Theta Kappa, offered his
gratitude to Senate for the success of the Transfer Orientation Day, which was
attended by 150 students from throughout the South. He said the support of the
university and the student body had been the reason for such success.
Senator Chris Meyer announced that applications are available for
"Senator Meyer's Committee on Mirth and Happiness".
Richard Hornsby spoke on the American History Resolution which is
currently in committee. He said, "the American hour is upon us". This
includes all ethnic groups and races, and all need to work together. He feels
that during one period each year we should focus on America.
Senator Linda Fallon's speech is attached.
Graduate Student Council President Michael Cohen, armed with a golf
club representing the "country club" atmosphere of the campus, spoke on
Senator Kirkpatrick's refusal to come to UF to see what graduate students are
actually doing. He was angered by Senator Kirkpatrick's proposal to cut
tuition wavers for graduate students by over 2/3. He then encouraged passage
of SB 95-1025 to add the Graduate Student Council to the Big Eight
Budget.
Senator Piet Niederhausen presented information on election figures
he had assimilated to explain what it would be like if every student voted in
the election. He said that with the current system the majority of students
are not encouraged to participate, and according to his calculations, are
actually excluded from voting.
Charles Hart gave a heart-felt speech to inspire support for the
American History Month Resolution. He hope that such a month would not be seen
as a slight to other groups or a financial burden to the university. This
month would be for everyone here, regardless of background or native country.
He felt confident that he could come up with the money, to the point of selling
his own blood if necessary, to fund this month. This is an issue he will not
give up on until he is successful.
Senator Tom Cosenza said he had talked with Supervisor of Elections
on the possibility of having a polling location in Benton Hall for Engineering
students because the current location in Weil is not feasible for some students
who are in classes for eight hours away from the inner campus. He had also
tried to get Senator Kirkpatrick to spend a day on campus before making
decision on the funding needed by students.
Senator Charles Grapski addressed a quote in today's
Alligator by President Mayeux which called the formation of the
Independent Majority Party a "clever political move by a shrewd politician".
Senator Grapski stated that the party was formed for the majority of students
on campus who are unrepresented. The Independent Student Coalition is only one
of several groups included in the Independent Majority. He said he is proud to
have been the founder of the Independent Student Coalition which has given all
students on campus an opportunity to get involved in student government, and
cited the first amendment as the defense for the methods ISC has used for
communicating with students. Some members of ISC are also members of the
Independent Majority.
Dave Hardy yielded his time for President Mayeux to respond to
Senator Grapski. President Mayeux said that Senator Grapski had made his
statements on "hearsay and innuendo". The quote in the Alligator was in
response to his being asked his opinion of the Independent Student Coalition,
ISC, the On- Campus Housing Alliance, the Independents Student Coalition as a
group, the office of Senator Grapski, and the formation of the Independent
Majority Party, all of which are being juggled by Senator Grapski. He
encouraged Senator Grapski to investigate the allegations he has made and only
present the facts to Senate.
Senator Jim East said he missed a meeting before break because he
was ill. He said he is strongly supportive of American ideals and the
American concept. He hoped the American History Month Resolution would be
considered.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
Senate President Mayeux announced that Tower Yearbook will be
taking pictures at next week's meeting. They have asked everyone to dress
appropriately. Next week's Senate Meeting will begin at 8:00 p.m. to allow
candidates running for Senate to be able to campaign until the polls close.
President Mayeux had received a letter from Assistant Director for the
Activities Center Pam Bourg listing senators who are no longer eligible. The
open seats that will be announced by R&A will reflect these seats. He also
announced that Pro-Tempore Stadlen is willing to have his hair cut, and locks
of his hair will be sold for charity. Anyone interested in buying a lock should
see Pro-Tempore Stadlen.
Student Body President Tompkins said that he will not be running in
this election--the first time since Spring '89, and wished good luck to
everyone running. He announced the SG Inaugural Banquet to be on April 11.
FSA will be also be meeting here on April 11. He and Treasurer Siemienas will
have some announcements during the next four weeks. Information on Judicial
Affairs rule changes will be available soon. Assistant Treasurer Paul Koukos
joined President Tompkins to announce that Student Government, in cooperation
with the Physical Plant Division, will soon be have 40 new recycling centers
available. The Reitz Union has been presorting garbage for about five years.
President Tompkins hoped that everyone had a pleasant experience with
Telegator, and would like comments on your reaction. The average student was
registered in under three minutes. Your pin number for Telegator is your
birth date. The Plaza of the America's Committee has been delayed due to
issues with the Bandshell, but will be reporting in the future. The committee
has been appointed to finalize teacher evaluation. These will be ready in the
Fall. He will be talking about annexation in two weeks.
Chairman Charles Grapski of the Senate President's Committee on Quality
of Education said there will be votes on Wednesday or Thursday in the
Federal House of Representatives on projected cuts of $100 million in student
aid and $210 million from the National Service Program. He asked everyone to
get the word out to their constituents and neighbors to contact their
representatives. He gave the e-mail address for this
communication.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
R&A:
Chairman Stadlen said the committee did not meet during Spring
Break, but will meet on Sunday, March 19 at noon.
Open Seats: DN (1); 2,3LS (1); Beaty (1); Jennings (1); District A (1);
District B (2); District E (1)
Committee Seats: Budget (1); Judiciary (1); I&I (2)
BUDGET:
Chairman Gordon said that Organizational Budget Requests are due on
Thursday, March 16, at 4:00 p.m. Hearings for the Special Events Budget will
begin soon after the election. The bill to add Graduate Student Council to the
Big Eight Budget and an authorization for HSA will be heard tonight. He
thanked Senator Fuller, Organizational Liaison, for his help with the
organizational meeting held today. Chairman Gordon has begun a program of
recognizing an "organization of the week" for spending their monies wisely.
To date, he has selected Student Council of the DisAbled for its Disability
Awareness events, the Accent show with Ben & Jerry, and the Environmental
Law Conference.
FINANCE:
Chairman Delafield said the committee has requests from the Judo
Club, Pakistani-American Student Association, Society for the Ethical Treatment
of Animals, and the Native American Student Association. These will be heard
on Thursday night. Second hearings will be held on Monday.
A&E:
Chairman Bridges said the committee met on Monday with Vice Chairman
Smith chairing the meeting, and have the following absence recommendations:
Senator Brian Smith on 2/14 excused for illness, Senator East for 2/21 excused
for illness, Senator Bondi on 2/14 unexcused for a trip to Washington. These
were approved as a bloc. Senator Brian Smith also turned in an excuse past the
deadline which could not be heard. Three excuses were tabled for more
information. Chairman Bridges said that any discrepancy in the roll call
requires three witnesses for proof of attendance.
Judiciary:
Chairman Carroll had no report other than the news of the new
baseball team in Tampa.
I&I:
Vice Chairman Herzog reported that the committee will meet on
Wednesday, March 15 at 8:00 p.m. in room B74. Constituency Requirements will
be considered at this time. Letters have been sent concerning the current
investigation of ISC.
IRO:
Senator Delafield began the report by saying that Chairman Wotocek
would like to have the final orders for sweatshirts. Chairman Wotocek
continued the report saying she needs to give the order and payment to the
vendor by next Wednesday. The sweatshirts will be hunter green with an
embroidered emblem. Senators of the Month for February are Senator Gwendolyn
Smith and members of the Finance Committee.
SECOND READING:
None
FIRST READING:
95-1024 Resolution on Freedom of Speech and Intellectual Freedom authored
by the National First Amendment Coalition, sponsored by Senator Taylor, and
presented by Colin Murphy and Dan Tarquinio. Mr. Murphy presented information
on the Cambridge Resolution, the result of a meeting of student leaders from
38 universities in April, 1994 at Harvard University. He responded to Senator
Fallon saying he does sympathize with her concerns, but word changes in the
resolution were made to expedite to process. He felt that the 1990's would be
symbolized by political correctness, speech codes and sensitivity. Mr.
Tarquinio made a friendly amendment to the seventh paragraph changing
"American" to "America's" and adding "its" between courses in...history.
Senator Fuller made a friendly amendment to remove the quotes from sensitivity
and diversity in paragraph eleven. Senator Zudans made a friendly amendment to
paragraph eleven to add, ",and participation in such be on a strictly voluntary
basis". President Mayeux left the chambers, and Pro-Tempore Stadlen conducted
the debate session. Senator Baker offered a friendly amendment to remove
paragraph seven. This was not accepted. He then offered it as an amendment
which failed 12/38 after debate with Senators Bridges, Tarquinio, and Dial
speaking con, and Senators Kostick, Grant, Fallon, and Salomon speaking pro.
Mr. Murphy explained "generally accepted standards" as judging works on
intrinsic value, not personal traits of the author, but changes on a regular
basis. Senator Bridges felt that if free speech is not preserved for all, then
it is preserved for none. Debate on the bill included Senators Cosenza, Fallon
and Baker speaking con, and Senators Carboneau, East, and Van Vliet speaking
pro. President Mayeux had now returned. Senator Carroll moved to close debate.
The bill required a 2/3 vote and passed 40/14.
95-1025 Amend SBS 821.11 to include the Graduate Student Council in the
"Big Eight" A&S Fee Budget. The bill is authored by Budget Chairman
Gordon, Assistant Student Body Treasurer Paul Koukos, and President of the
Graduate Student Council Michael Cohen. The bill passed 47/1.
95-1027 Amend Rules and Procedures Article IX, Section H(2) authored by
Senator Fuller. This bill would allow senators to run for committee seats from
the floor without R&A approval. Con speakers, including Senators Stadlen,
Delafield, Jones, Cuttler, Ritzhaupt, and Van Vliet, felt that it is R&A's
duty to make recommendations for committee assignments for Senate approval, and
their recommendation should be accepted. Pro speakers, including Morgan,
Gwendolyn Smith, Fallon, Cosenza, Grapski, Kostick, and Fuller, felt that
anyone should be able to run for committee seats. The bill failed
27/30.
95-1028 Authorization for Hispanic Student Association to use $1418.85 of
their Programs Line for expenses of the March of Dimes Celebration. Budget
Chairman Gordon explained that this had not originally been requested in the
budget, but was necessary due to an unplanned change of venue which has caused
additional expense. Treasurer Siemienas request Senate approval on the change
of use for these funds which are currently allocated to HSA's Programs Line.
The bill passed by acclamation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Senator Cosenza is the new president of "SNAC", Still Nameless
Area Council.
2. Celebration begins on Saturday with Union Street Celebration
downtown.
3. Movies on the Lawn will be April 7 at Flavet Field. "The Lion King"
and "Forest Gump" are planned.
4. Contact Senator Stadlen if you're interested in a lock of hair.
ROLL CALL: Roll was called by A&E Chairman Bridges due to
computer failure.
MEETING ADJOURNED: 10:25 p.m.