By Sarah Huffman
Apology
This past week, Brian Reardon, FCRH ’18, executive president of United Student Government (USG) issued an apology on behalf of USG for its inclusion of the Women’s March’s website in their walkout letter. Reardon said a student reached out because they felt Women’s March’s slowness to respond to Louis Farrakhan’s anti-semitic comments was indefensible.
“The student saw that our use of the website in the letter was a direct endorsement of the entire organization and that we should not be endorsing such anti-semitic comments.” said Reardon. He said USG had no idea this was going on and its intention was for the website to be a resource for people, but that he felt the issue still needed to be addressed.
“Even if this was going on without our knowing, it is important that we address this considering the fact that we all aim for a united community and statements like Farrakhan’s only lead to division, fear and hate.” said Reardon.
FUEMS Presentation
Fordham University Emergency Medical Services (FUEMS) presented to USG on the misconceptions surrounding FUEMS. Alexis Verwoert, FCRH ’19, director-elect, presented to the group, explaining that FUEMS is a completely student run group that consists of certified EMT’s. She said FUEMS did not create the medical amnesty policy and that its first concern is the safety and health of the students.
She said only one third of its calls are for intoxicated students and that the other two thirds are for sick and injured faculty and students. Verwoert reminded everyone that the public safety phone number is on the backs of their IDs. Students should call FUEMS first because the service will get there faster than regular EMS, according to Verwoert.
Verwoert said FUEMS is seeking to clarify any misconceptions surrounding their reputation.
“This year, we are hoping to improve our reputation on campus by showing students that we have their best interest at heart,” she said.
Collins Auditorium Meeting
Vice President of Student Life, Christine Phelan, GSB ’18, spoke about her meeting with performance groups that use Collins Auditorium, like Mimes and Mummers. She said that in their meeting they meeting discussed safety guidelines. Also, the space will hopefully become wheelchair accessible sometime in the future with the addition of an elevator and ramps, according to Phelan.
Senate Budget
The Senate discussed its new budget for fall 2018. Kaylee Wong, GSB ’20, vice president of finance, presented the budget to the group. She said that it is very similar to last year’s budget. A few suggestions were made for changes and the Senate approved the budget pending those changes.
