Unlike last week, there was only one member of the public present in the forum chambers at last night’s A.S. Council meeting. Jackie Beoris came in as a representative from the Global Brigade, a year-old organization that has been rapidly expanding and reaching out to university campuses nation-wide.
‘I just wanted to speak to you to remind you that we exist and let you know that we may ask you for support in the future,’ Beoris said.
Reports followed, during which Vice President of Student Life Darryl Nousome told the council on behalf of Associate Vice President of Programming Garrett Berg that all Death Cab for Cutie student tickets were sold, yielding $30,000 in ticket sales.
President Donna Bean reminded everyone that there would be a meeting on Friday for those interested in running for office as part of the Student Voice! slate in the Spring Quarter general election. She added that there will soon be a discussion regarding the addition of a Loft fee provision on the general election ballot in order to provide the funding that the Loft needs to survive.
There were few reports from committees, but conversation stalled for some 20 minutes on a request for $650 from the Inter-Fraternity Council for Greek columns, which was sponsored by Associate Vice President of Athletic Relations Peter Benesch.
Vice President of Finance and Resources Naasir Lakhani objected to the allocation on the basis that IFC had requested and was awarded the same amount the previous quarter. ‘C’mon, its 650 bucks,’ Associate Vice President of Student Advocacy Frank Carroll said. ‘Look at how much we fund the Koala!’
(For the record, the Koala is funded $2,500 per quarter.)’ Ultimately, the council approved the allocation.
During open forum Lakhani told councilmembers that he would not be able to represent them in the Mr. Alpha Chi competition, prompting All-Campus Senator Chris Westling to quickly nominate Biological Sciences Senator Daniel Nguyen.
‘Wait, are you serious?’ Nguyen asked after a brief pause.’ ‘What does this actually entail?’
Lakhani’ ‘ explained that he would be coached in the art of pageantry and showcasing a talent. After several minutes of serious introspection, Nguyen announced that he had no discernable talent and respectfully declined the nomination.
Carroll then revealed a softer, more vulnerable side of himself, which momentarily sobered up the council.’ In recent weeks, councilmembers have come under a significant amount of criticism since the circulation of the first drafts of a resolution condemning the recent acts of violence in Gaza, deeply affecting certain councilmembers, including Carroll.
‘I’m not very emotional as you can tell by my nickname that’s been circulating around, ‘the Beast,” Carroll said. ‘But I’m upset and offended by the accusations that I can’t do my job because of the color of my skin. I just want people to be careful and realize what they’re saying.’
The meeting, though not entirely sweet, was certainly shorter than last week’s, which dragged on for over six hours.