This week’s council meeting had a slow start, with half an hour of public input that just consisted of college councilmembers introducing themselves and thanking council for their invitation to the meeting.
Marshall College Freshman Representative Bryan Cassella started a statewide campaign called reACT to fight the proposed California budget cuts by sending letters send to state officials.
University of California Student Association Director Matt Haney spoke about issues facing all California colleges due to budget cuts.
President Wafa Ben Hassine submitted an external news submission about Tunisian protests. Four judicial members were appointed: Sarah Montgomery, Tanner Smith, Sarmad Bokhari and Arianna Peregretti.
AVP of College Affairs Leonard Bobbit said Marshall College Council is planning a visibility week for Week 4. This Friday, Warren College Council will be hosting an Open Mic Night in front of Canyon Vista. There will also be an all-council mixer on Feb. 8.
AVP of Academic Affairs Desiree Prevo complained to her academic senators; only a few had been responding to her e-mails about a lunch planned for Jan. 28 with Associate Vice Chancellor of Undergraduate Education Barbara Sawrey.
Sixth College Senator Parminder Sandhu said Sixth College’s Winter Game Fest is this weekend. Over 2,000 people are expected to attend — some, apparently, even traveling internationally for the gaming tournament, which will award a total of $7,000 in winnings.
VP of External Affairs Michael Lam encouraged students to apply for Student Regent; there is an information session on Friday at 3 p.m. in PC East.
AVP of Concerts and Events Brian Wong said Winter Triton Festival tickets will available this Friday at the box office; also the next Bear Garden is Feb. 11. Sheila Binish was appointed as a staff member for his office.
AVP of Local Affairs Matthew Vu asked council to use gender-neutral language during their meetings (such as not using the word “guys,” because not everyone identifies as male).
There was a lengthy debate over an amendment involving the addition of the Inter-Tribal Resource Center to Local Affairs documentation. Discussions varied over wording and the relevance of the amendment. Many impassioned speeches were given; after one speaker said, “What the fuck?” Speaker Meredith Madnick intervened. (Ultimately, the amendment passed.)
The meeting moved briskly following the hour-long discussion. Everyone wanted to go home. I did too.
AVP of Diversity Affairs Alyssa Peace introduced her Diversity Affairs Respect Campaign. She plans to host public forums on diversity all quarter long, including prominent anti-racial politics guest speaker Tim Wise on Feb. 16 in Price Center Ballrooms at 7 p.m.
Clocking in at two and a half hours, this council meeting was the longest I’ve attended so far. Council got rowdy for a while and many members entertained themselves with side conversations during presentations and arguments. Ben Hassine echoed my thoughts when she scolded council for disrespecting the speakers. For one presentation, she forced everyone to shut their laptops. Way to show ’em who’s boss.
