The Kansas State Student Governing Association passed a resolution Thursday reaffirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Titled the “Reaffirmation of K-State’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion,” the resolution, “rebukes any action or expression contributing to a discriminatory or exclusive campus environment as well as any hateful speech, especially that which is founded on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, religion, race, disability or sexual orientation.”
Ryan Kelly, freshman in civil engineering, SGA intern and co-author of the resolution, said the resolution is necessary to maintain diversity as a priority for the university, especially after it was brought to Kelly’s attention that a racist flier had been put up on university property.
“Often times, our university doesn’t quite feel as if the Student Governing Association wholeheartedly supports its efforts,” Kelly said. “For example, many multicultural organizations don’t feel as if SGA truly understands the issues that they face and the struggles that they go through. I hope the resolution will accomplish better relations in the future between SGA and all organizations across campus.”
The Senate also introduced a resolution opposing the state law that mandates public universities allow the concealed carry of weapons on their campuses. State universities currently have an exemption from that law, but that exemption expires on July 1.
Jessica Van Ranken, senior in political science and student body president, was in Topeka Thursday morning for a state legislative hearing on a bill that would allow state universities to remain permanently exempted from the concealed carry law. At the hearing, Van Ranken submitted written testimony endorsing passage of the bill.
“In my testimony, I tried to accurately reflect the views that do exist on this topic at K-State,” Van Ranken said. “I know there’s not unanimous approval, and I tried to express that accurately in my support of Senate Bill 53. While I am supporting the permanent exemption of concealed carry on campus, I do think that doing so allows for more robust conversation on campus around concealed carry and potentially more localized options in the future instead of a blanket, statewide option.”
The Student Senate will vote on the resolution at its general body meeting next Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Big 12 room of the K-State Student Union.
Other action
Members of the university’s Health and Wellness Commission presented on the Campus Health and Wellness Master Plan and introduced concept art on potential redesigns of the university’s recreation complex.
The senate commended congressman and K-State alum Roger Marshall on being sworn-in as Kansas’s First District representative. The senate also commended Thomas Schwartz, director of the Veterinary Health Center. Schwartz began his position on Jan. 2.
Manhattan Mayor Usha Reddi gave a presentation on mental health and the city’s efforts to provide services for citizens with mental health issues.
The senate also granted $1,000 to the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management and $3,500 to the Qualitative Research Student Organization.
