Student Government discussed PawPrints petitions, Brick City Weekend and other upcoming events during their Oct. 17 meeting.
PawPrints
A PawPrints petition to enforce stricter rules for businesses selling in the Student Alumni Union (SAU) was charged to Student Affairs. Student Government also voted to respond to a petition advocating for protecting RIT students from ICE. A potential reply to a petition about adding paper order forms for pasta bakes in RITZ Sports Zone was considered; however, concerns were raised about the response not addressing the petitioner’s problems with respect to accessibility for students who solely use ASL to communicate. The motion to respond to the PawPrint failed 15-1. A discussion about a response to a petition about creating green spaces on campus was tabled.
Executive Director for Community and Education, Taj Smith, gave a presentation about the upcoming “Together RIT” event, which will be hosting its campus-wide event on Friday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Together RIT gathers the campus community to engage in “intentional and honest dialogue” covering challenging issues. The theme this year will be “Caste, Rank, and Socioeconomic Diversity.” According to Together RIT, they’ll be offering students the “opportunity to highlight the positive contributions, joy and pride that come along with identifying as low-income, middle-class or wealthy.” The event is open to all RIT students, and registration is currently open through the Together RIT website.
Additionally, Mei Qi, the Assistant Director for Community and Education for RIT’s Access, Engagement, and Success, visited to inform the committee about the MOSAIC Council. The MOSAIC is a community space on the second floor of the SAU for ALANA (African, Latine/x, Asian, Native American and multiracial) students. While everyone is welcome at the center, ALANA students are encouraged to make use of the space and host intergroup dialogue. The MOSAIC Council provides an opportunity for RIT students to help foster campus well-being, interconnectedness and curiosity. MOSAIC members will provide feedback on campus cultural events, participate with the diverse campus community and help build strategies for inclusion in RIT. The council will have positions for eight to 14 members, with eight monthly meetings being held over the school year. Spring semester applications are not yet available, but students are welcome to visit the MOSAIC Center for any questions.
Three events scheduled for the spring semester were announced. “Let Freedom Ring” on Jan. 19 and “Expressions of King’s Legacy” on Jan. 29, both events celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr., while “Celebration of Excellence” held on April 23 will be in observance of students, staff and alumni who enhance diversity and inclusion.
The meeting was adjourned at an hour and 31 minutes after Director of Operations, Mike Hibbard, encouraged members to attend Brick City Weekend events.
