RIT’s Student Government (SG) convened for presentations on a policy change, a role change within SG and PawPrint petitions during their Nov. 14 meeting.

Policy Change

RIT Vice President and Associate Provost for Access, Engagement, and Success Keith Jenkins gave a presentation on a recommended change in university policies preamble P05.0, formerly the RIT “Diversity Statement,” now the “Commitment to Community Statement.” The proposed edits are part of an effort to ensure compliance with federal bans on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. 

“Our focus remains pretty much the same. (….) Wherever there are gaps in access, wherever there are gaps in student success (…) we are targeting those particular areas.” Jenkins said.

Changes to the statement included removing the word “inclusive” and replacing the word “diversity” with “community.” SG voted to implement these changes.

Role Change

The SG Cabinet position “Director of Collaboration & Inclusion” has been changed to “Director of Partnership & Governance.” The shift serves to further define the position and remain in accordance with federal DEI bans. The current role entails chairing the Governance Committee, conducting an annual review of the bylaws, connecting with RIT offices about DEI, advising the Cabinet on DEI issues, gathering resources from RIT and the community and mediating conflict within Student Government. The responsibilities related to DEI and mediation were replaced with different tasks. The updated position’s responsibilities include supporting Representative Student Organizations (RSOs), supporting external committee work, chairing the Global Committee and connecting SG to RIT offices, in addition to continuing to chair the Governance Committee and reviewing SG bylaws.

PawPrints

A PawPrints petition to bring the swingset on dorm side back was charged to the Facilities, Parking, Transportation, and Sustainability Committee (FPaTS).

A PawPrint to reduce light pollution was closed and responded to. A discussion about a petition to have shuttles to the train station and airport before winter break was tabled to give FPaTS Committee Chair Jameson Baker time to rethink his response after new information became available during a brief discussion. PawPrints to provide students with transportation to First Friday events in Rochester, offer free printing in Wallace and fire recreation staff members based on allegedly transpohobic behavior were responded to and closed.

Student Affairs Committee Chair Noah Manning updated a petition about spaces for Muslim students to pray.

The meeting was adjourned just shy of an hour in after President Rafael Gilboa announced plans for SG to attend hockey games together.