The tenth Senate meeting of Winter quarter on March 12 saw the appearances of several members of the Ethnic & Gender Center’s Diversity Council representatives speaking out on a lack of presence and accountability from the Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (ASCUR) senators.
The meeting began with speaker, Angie, referencing a speech made by School of Public Policy Senator Sofia Jimenez last Senate meeting regarding her food insecurity and stress, stating that the Senate had met her address with insensitivity and neglect. She explained that the statement was met with corrections instead of support, with the Senator being reminded that eating was not permitted in the Senate Chamber.
A paper with arrows pointing to the “no food” sign was put up after Senator Jimenez’s speech which Angie characterized as a “literal, physical sign of contradictory governing and apathy towards your own evils today.” They followed up, asking that everyone “care about each other and get on the same damn page, because you look like a failing government when one of you says one thing and big blue tape says another.” After her comment, Molly Murray also added that the duty of the Senate was to provide support for each other and that it is the privilege of their position to serve the student body. She then asked if the tape could be removed and then was permitted to do so.
Afterwards, UCR College Democrats President Joe Anastacio stood up to condemn the ruling taken by the Judicial branch of ASUCR stating that their ruling failing to impeach Vice President of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (VPDEI) Ahman Greene was an “insult to every student who expects leadership that upholds the principles of equity, transparency and service by failing to remove an ineffective and absent VPDEI,the Judicial Council has sent a clear message that incompetence and inaction will be protected, and the voices of students will be ignored.”
Anthony Thornton, a representative of Diversity Council, the council under the VPDEI’s jurisdiction, continued this sentiment stating that while he did not want to direct the blame at any one individual, the entirety of ASUCR is to blame for the lack of support towards DEI initiatives. He explained that currently, despite DEI initiatives falling under attack across the nation, that the UCR campus does not ask for much in regards to support. He reassures the Senate that simply showing up to the Ethnic & Gender centers and making their presence known would be a start to showing consideration and care for their student body.
Thornton states, “We sit here frustrated, and we want change … you guys make decisions on our behalf without consulting with us. That’s a huge issue, right? So it’s not just about the VP of DEI, it’s about all of you. We need to promote diversity… we need to come together in unity, because that’s what matters, right?”
He concluded his statement by sharing, “Although I do not agree with this decision of the judiciary, he’s not the only elected official that is not doing their job when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion. And I want to call those out that hide behind that just because you are a diverse person does not mean you promote diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Nayeli Dominguez continued this statement, pointing out that despite having voted for in the last student government election, she could not recognize many of the faces in the Senate. She continued, “I’m sure we’re all really familiar with the fact that the numbers aren’t in our favor. We’re not the most popular UC. People are not running to come join our institution. That’s why we have to stick together, and we have to prove that our institution should be respected. It should be acknowledged. But then that’s hard to do when I feel like we’re pinned against each other, and I don’t want to feel that way.”
Chief Justice Wiltur Cho gave a statement regarding the ruling, emphasizing that while he sympathized with the feelings of those present in the galley, his power as Chief Justice as well as the other justices is limited to what is textualized in the bylaws. He explained that further interpretation of what was already present in the bylaws would be an overstepping of his power and would be unconstitutional.
In regards to the potential conflict of interest skewing the ruling brought up by Managing Editor of the Highlander Newspaper, Mata Elangovan, Cho stated that all judges are required to present an unanimous ruling and that his decision was not the deciding factor. The conflict of interest refers to Wiltur Cho and Ahman Greene being members of Kappa Sigma (KSig), a fraternity not recognized by UCR. He elaborated further stating that in order for a conflict of interest to be formally recognized there evidence of personal gain must be presented.
In regards to new business, a special election for School Of Education Senator took place in order to replace Adam Ramirez who resigned from his position in week four. Ree Hirmiz, a fourth-year education major, won the position. In her nomination speech she emphasized the SOE’s position as the “underdog” college among other colleges at UCR and that despite the crucial role it plays in UCR’s functioning, it lacks representation.
Hirmiz emphasized wanting to shine a light on the R’Course initiative which allows students to teach their own course to up to 20 undergraduates, creating their own lesson plans, syllabi and assignments. This program gives students extensive experience but also gives them the required 40 hours of field experiences needed for education majors. Hirmiz emphasized how these programs are barely publicized and that as Senator she would make such opportunities more available to students. She also emphasized that she would advocate for increased American Disability Act (ADA) compliance and as well as combatting stereotypes regarding education majors.
In regards to Legislative Review Committee SR-W24-004 ADA Compliance in the HUB, passed 13-0-0 detailing provisions to aid with accessibility issues on campus providing QR codes to those who need to fill out work orders as well as the Senate and ASUCR Office’s inclusion in the annual ADA audit. SB-W25-018: Amendment to Chapter 6 – SOB Senator Collaborations further outlined duties for the School of Business Senator and was passed 13-0-0. SR-W25-007 Student Parent Advocacy and Limitations detailed provisions and aid for student parents was tabled 8-0-5.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. President Pro Tempore Leila Haidar, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) Senator Karen Vo and CHASS Senator Justin Ibay were absent.
