On Tuesday, September 24, the Student Government Association (SGA) convened for its weekly meeting. Director of programming Grace Guan announced that LEED is hosting a talent show on Oct. 17 during Parents Weekend. During the senator's reports, Kevin Xu announced that the Committee of Student Organizations is continuing to work on a prospective student organization fair. Senator Omatola Alaofin spoke about the academic affairs committee working on a transfer student association, along with an initiative regarding credit-overloading in the Krieger school.
Following these announcements, they continued an ongoing discussion regarding free speech for SGA members. This involves what members of the association are allowed to say in regards to subjects involving the SGA.
The directive wishes to assure that all Homewood students have a right to free speech regarding all matters of the SGA. The free expression initiative affirms that Hopkins students have the right to express their opinions freely and publicly without prior restraint. A discussion clarified the point that senators could always speak freely in their own name, as long as it is not on behalf of the SGA.
The resolution has not yet been passed, but was moved to the Civic Engagement Committee for further review. Additionally, a directive is being written and sent to The News-Letter to affirm the SGA members’ ability to write freely.
The second reading, presented by senator Mamadou Thiam with Reagan Sam, Philanthropy Chairman of Phi Delta Theta, addressed issues involving waste that had been raised about the crab fest, which is hosted during Parents Weekend. Sam stated that this year they were anticipating a more accurate count of how many people were going to be attending the event, something they were unable to do the previous year because of issues involving Hopkins Groups and securing the space. With a more accurate estimate of attendance, less waste should be produced. The funding bill was passed.
A fundraising 5K, hosted by Pi Beta Phi, was also passed after discussion regarding funding and advertising for SGA. Students receive tickets for the event at a discounted price, and those who have already gotten tickets will get a partial refund the day of the event.
Lastly, Senator Sophia Baleeiro announced that the Trick or Treat funding bill, regarding an event taking place on Oct. 30, had a positive recommendation from the finance committee. There will also be an option for students to participate in a haunted house, with the first 100 students getting in without charge.
