Spring Plenary: February 19th, 2012
1:10 QUORUM
YJ ’12: The agenda for today will be an overview of Plenary, an approval of Robert’s Rules of Order, a reaffirmation of the honor code and constitution, a resolution about McBride participation in traditions, a resolution about dorm elections, and a resolution about undocumented students on campus. The new SGA E. Board will have their first meeting Sunday, March 18th right after spring break. Follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook. This is the last meeting of current Exec Board. This Thursday we’re having an event as part of our Class Dismissed? project called Bedtime Stories, which will be faculty and staff sharing stories about moments they’ve felt different in terms of class in their lifetime. During Plenary in the fall, Yi Wang was going to bring up a resolution about the post office but we have some good new, which Yi is going to share with us.
Yi Wang ’14: The post office is extending their office hours. We just got news from manager of the post office last week and they have decided to keep the office open until 4:30 Monday through Friday.
Overview of Plenary
YJ ’12:
In 1892, Bryn Mawr College became the first institution in the U.S. to give students the responsibility to decide on how they should govern themselves. While it was considered a radical experiment, it has become one of the most valued aspects of the Bryn Mawr education. The tradition of student autonomy and responsibility has created a unique campus where students participate in discussion and resolution of the most important issues facing the College.
Twice a year, students get the opportunity to present resolutions to the entire student body.
The Spirit of Self Governance is a beautiful thing and all Mawrters should be proud.
Mawrters run the world.
Robert’s Rules of Order
Plenary uses a form of communication based on Robert’s Rules of Order. They ensure that the will of the majority is done while protecting the voice of the minority. The rule of order may seem awkward and sometimes constraining, but it will limit chaos and personal attack. Please give your attention to the guidelines and follow them. In the long run, they will make Plenary run smoother and faster.
Order of Business:
–Each resolution will be presented as follows:
–Reading of the resolution by the presenter(s)
–Explanation of the resolution by the presenter(s) 3 minutes
–Floor open to questions and Pro/Con statements 12 minutes
- (questions are given priority during this time)
- (If amendment is presented, it is given an additional 8 minutes)
–Floor open to Pro/Con statements only 7 minutes
–Rebuttal period for presenter(s) of the proposal 3 minutes
Voting on the resolution
–If there is discussion occurring at the microphones, then discussion will occur for at least 12 minutes as outlined above, before the question may be called. This is to ensure that a minimum discussion is given to all proposals, as the community has already warranted these resolutions worthy of discussion.
If there is no discussion at the microphone, the SGA Executive Board will give a 30 second time limit for those who wish to speak to identify themselves by either approaching the microphone or alerting their section counter.
If after the 30 seconds no one has announced that they wish to speak, the amendment or resolution will be voted upon.
There will be a member of the SGA Executive Board moderating as well as another member keeping time for each resolution. One minute and 30 second warnings will be given for each timed period.
**If you wish to ask a question, please line up at the middle YELLOW microphone.
**If you wish to make a statement in favor of a proposal, please use the GREEN microphone.
**If you wish to make a statement in opposition to a proposal, please use the RED microphone.
There will be a moderator at each microphone who will limit the number of people standing in line. Please keep your statements to one minute, so that everyone may have time to speak. Please listen carefully to the speakers to avoid asking the same question or making the same basic point. If you have already spoken on an issue, you will not be allowed to speak again until everyone else who desires to speak has done so. If you must talk while in your seat, please be considerate of those around you who may be trying to listen to the discussion. Most importantly, please be patient and respectful of all other members. Even though you might not agree with an idea, everyone has the right to speak and be heard.
The President will call on microphones alternating Pro/Con. Only the people at microphones who are recognized by the President will be permitted to speak, and again, no one will be allotted more than one minute to the proposal.
Voting is a right and privilege extended to all members of the Association. The options for exercising this right are pro, con, and abstain (no opinion, or you feel like you don’t have enough information to provide an informed vote). For a motion to pass a majority of members present must vote pro.
Please raise hands high, and know who your counter is for your section. The President will ask that everyone return to her proper seat during a vote, as to make sure everyone is counted accurately.
All votes will be done visually unless there the majority of the vote is unclear. If you believe you are not being counted, please see a counter or come to the front of the stage.
AMENDMENT: An addition or change that is proposed to a resolution which is on the table for discussion. Please try to use language such as “strike,” “add,” and “replace with.” If the amendment strays too much from the original intent of the proposal, the President may declare the amendment to be out of SCOPE, or outside of the resolution’s jurisdiction or purpose.
After an amendment is presented, it must be seconded at a microphone by another member of the Association, and is then open for debate. At this time, all discussion regarding the original resolution ceases to allow adequate attention to be given to the amendment. If you are speaking to the main resolution during this time, the President may request you to come back to the microphone when debate on the main resolution resumes.
MOTION TO EXTEND TIME: This needs a simple majority for approval. When making the motion, please specify a length at which time shall be extended (4 more speakers/5 minutes, etc.). It must be made before time has expired, seconded, and then passed by a simple majority.
MOTION TO COMMIT/REFER: If you feel like more research needs to be done in order to support the motion you may move to refer to a committee (I move to refer_____ to a committee/task force). Upon doing so please specify the size, responsibilities and whom will be on the committee.
POSTPONE INDEFINATELY: This may be done if you feel like there is inadequate information and you feel like the motion does not warrant discussion. The effect would be to postpone debate entirely and move on to the next order of business. If desired, it could then be brought up at Plenary the following year.
CALLING THE QUESTION: A request to stop all discussion IMMEDIATELY and put the resolution to a vote. This MUST be voted upon, and requires 2/3 support. It is basically a vote to vote. The first vote will be to close discussion and move to the final vote. If this fails discussion continues; if this passes then the presenter moves to the rebuttal period and then we vote on whatever debate is currently occurring—i.e. an amendment or the original resolution. If you CALL ALL PREVIOUS QUESTIONS, this would include the same premise as calling the question, only we would proceed to vote systematically on any amendment on the table and the original resolution. This motion may only be made after the original 10 minutes of discussion have elapsed, and must be recognized by the President.
POINT OF ORDER: A motion made after an infraction of Robert’s Rules of Order. May be made from any place in the room. The Parliamentarian will confer with the President regarding the error and then will present a method of recovery to regain order.
***IMPORTANT***
Each of these motions as well as the amendment process are serious procedures which can, if abused, hinder the process or render it unfair. Please use them with discretion and allow the existing process to work as efficiently as possible. All motions must be presented at the microphone, and all amendments must be written down in advance of approaching the microphone and presented to the microphone moderator. All amendments must be presented and discussed as written.
Due to Goodhart renovations, food cannot be eaten in the auditorium; all food must be consumed in the atrium and the lobby. In the case that Food is consumed in the Auditorium, SGA will not be allowed to use Goodhart in the future. Please abide and uphold the Social Honor Code by respecting this rule.
Reaffirmation of the Constitution
Submitted by Vrinda Varia’13, Tyler Garber’14, Natalie Kato’14, Sowmya Srinivasan’13 and Irene Shin’13
Whereas, the Self Government Association of the Undergraduate School of Bryn Mawr College is the first and oldest system of self-governance in the United States,
Whereas, the spirit of self governance permeates almost every aspect of the Undergraduate Bryn Mawr College experience,
Whereas, the students of Bryn Mawr College have pledged to work together for the welfare, benefit, and preservation of the community as a whole,
Whereas, we recognize that to reach full potential of our community, we require a commitment on the part of each and every individual
It is hereby resolved that we, the members of the Self Government Association of the Undergraduate School of Bryn Mawr College present today, the 19th of February, 2012, on behalf of the entire Association, reaffirm our commitment to Self-Governance, the Constitution, and the Honor Code.
Julia Fahl ’12: Motion to call the question.
Seconded.
Motion approved.
Resolution passes.
Ensuring opportunity for McBrides to participate in Bryn Mawr Traditions
Submitted by: Julie Gorham’12 and Noa Eagles ‘13
Whereas Article IV, Section I, Subsection K outlines the duties of the Traditions Mistress(es),
Whereas the traditions of the undergraduate student body enhance the strength of community at Bryn Mawr College,
Whereas it is the right of every undergraduate student to participate in these traditions,
Whereas the McBride Scholars have unique circumstances that may prevent them from fully participating in said traditions through conventional channels, or in a conventional manner,
Whereas the McBride Scholars have the ability to appoint a McBride Traditions Mistress to facilitate said participation,
Whereas the McBride Scholars Traditions Mistress cannot facilitate said participation without coordinating with the Traditions Mistress(es),
It is hereby resolved that Article IV, Section I, Subsection K be amended to reflect that in the event that the McBride Scholars’ Traditions Mistress position be held, the Traditions Mistress(es) will coordinate with said McBride Scholars’ Traditions Mistress to facilitate the opportunity for full participation of the McBride Scholars in the undergraduate traditions of Bryn Mawr College.
Explanation
Julie Gorham ’12: The purpose of this resolution is just to set in the strong work that Julia and Devanshi have been doing. It ensures that the McBride traditions mistress(es) is coordinating with the tradition mistress to make sure traditions can be partaken of by McBrides.
Noa Eagles ‘13: A record number of McBrides have participated this year in traditions this year because of the collaboration between the traditions mistresses and the McBride traditions mistress.
Pro Statement, Lee McClenon ’14: I love McBrides and traditions. I think this excellent an amendment to the constitution because it makes sure everyone can participate in traditions.
Question, Nora Chong ’12: Some people might not know who McBrides are. Could explain a bit about McBride students?
Julie Gorham ’12: McBrides are non-traditional aged students (meaning 24 or older) pursuing an undergraduate degree. They take the same classes that other undergraduates do. Challenges that we’ve experienced in participate in traditions include living off campus, having children, invalid parents. There are a full range of obstacles that make it difficult for McBrides to participate in traditions.
Noa Eagles ‘13: This resolution is making it official that the traditions mistresses and the McBride tradition mistresses can cooperate.
Resolution passes.
Dorm President Elections and Eligibility
Submitted by the Elections Board and Residence Council: Blair Smith ’12, Elizabeth Held ’12, Lee McClenon ‘14
Whereas dorm presidents serve an important role on campus, serving in their Dorm Leadership Teams, SGA Assembly and Residence Council,
Whereas there is currently no unified or codified system for electing dorm presidents,
Whereas the Residence Council and the Elections Board have expressed support for spring dorm president elections and codifying a system,
Whereas Angie Sheets, the director of Residential Life, has indicated support for spring dorm president elections,
Whereas Spring dorm elections would allow Dorm Presidents to partake in Dorm Leadership Training prior to Customs Week,
Whereas, students are not allowed to hold two assembly positions simultaneously,
Whereas currently students can hold multiple dorm leadership positions, potentially causing undue pressure on one student,
Be it resolved,
Part I: Considering Dorm Elections
The outgoing Elections Head, in conjunction with the Elections Board, will run the dorm president elections.
Between dorm and room selection, the Elections Board will run a nomination period for dorm elections. Students may nominate themselves, even if they are currently studying abroad.
The Elections Board will notify all students of dorm president candidates prior to room selection.
The Elections Board will assign at least one senior member of the Assembly, Elections Board or emeritus members of the Executive Board to each dorm to run the election. If necessary, any senior member of the Association may serve in this role, at the discretion of the Elections Head.
At room selection, before students choose their rooms, candidates will make brief speeches. Candidates running from abroad will submit a statement to be read aloud during this period
The assigned SGA representative will then run the election and report the results via email to the Elections Board within 24 hours.
If no student in a dorm chooses to run in the spring, the position will be re-run at the fall dorm meeting.
If the spring elections cycle and dorm elections occur simultaneously, a student may not run for both an assembly position in the spring elections and a dorm president position simultaneously.
If a dorm president resigns mid-term, both the Residence Council Head(s) and Elections Head(s) must be notified. The outgoing president will call for a dorm meeting where an election will take place. The Residence Council Head(s) or the Elections Head(s) must attend this election.
At room selection, before students choose their rooms, candidates will make brief speeches. Candidates running from abroad will submit a statement to be read aloud during this period
The assigned SGA representative will then run the election and report the results via email to the Elections Board within 24 hours.
If no student in a dorm chooses to run in the spring, the position will be re-run at the fall dorm meeting.
If the spring elections cycle and dorm elections occur simultaneously, a student may not run for both an assembly position in the spring elections and a dorm president position simultaneously.
If a dorm president resigns mid-term, both the Residence Council Head(s) and Elections Head(s) must be notified. The outgoing president will call for a dorm meeting where an election will take place. The Residence Council Head(s) or the Elections Head(s) must attend this election.
These changes will be reflected in the Constitution, Article VII, Sections B and C and in the Elections By-Laws.
Article VII, Section B will now read: Each spring, the Elections Board will coordinate the election of dorm presidents for the following academic year, in accordance with the Elections By-Laws.
Article VII, Section C will now read: The following positions: Recycling Representatives, Committee on Public Safety Representative, and Traditions representatives for each class, including Head Traditions Representative, shall be elected at the first dorm meeting, to be held by the end of the first week of classes, for a term of two semesters beginning immediately.
A section of the Elections By-Laws will be added outlining these procedures.
Part II: Considering Dorm President Eligibility
Hall Advisors may not serve as Dorm Presidents.
Customs people may serve as dorm presidents, if they serve with a partner who is not a Customs person.
Dorm Presidents will not also serve as their dorm’s Head Traditions Representative.
Dorm Presidents cannot hold more than two Dorm leadership positions, including the Presidency.
Explanation:
Blair Smith ’12: We had problems in the past with 1.) making dorm president elections respectable and 2.) training dorm presidents in the fall. Moving to elections to the spring will control elections and give dorm presidents better training
Elizabeth Held ’12: This resolution is meant to simplify things and make it clear who’s fielding questions about elections in the dorm.
Question, Saba Quadir ’13: Can you name specific things that you or res life have thought of that the dorm president will do as different as a member of the DLT and what training in the fall will do?
Blair Smith ’12: The dorm president is technically the leader of the DLT team. After the beginning of the year they don’t feel as much a part of the team. In the fall they could have separate training about hosting parties and honor code issues that dorm presidents have to deal with.
Lee McClenon ‘14: Dorm presidents host dorm teas, call dorm meetings and work with the DLT.
Pro Statement, Amanda Beardall ’14: This year I’m a CDA, a customs person, and a dorm president. This should not happen. Whoever shows up gets coerced into doing being dorm president. Dorm presidents make up half of the assembly. It’s an important position in the dorms and in SGA. People shouldn’t do it because they feel like they have to sophomores get forced into it and don’t know what they’re getting into especially in regards to home work. It should have more support as legislative process.
Pro Statement, Karina Siu ’14: I think this is a good plenary resolution because I didn’t know what I was getting into. Being dorm president is a lot of work especially with hell week. With the DLT, you don’t know who you’re working with and you don’t have the official role that you need. Especially in Rhoads, when there are events in dining hall people don’t know who you are.
Question, Sarah Lovegren ’14: Will they have to come in early for training with customs people and HAs?
Blair Smith ‘12: Yes.
Heather Taddonio ’12: What are the responsibilities of the dorm president and would they change?
Blair Smith ’12: They are in charge of dorm common spaces, making sure the honor code is upheld, approving parties, and managing the washroom and facilities issues. They’re the direct representative to SGA. Their responsibilities would not change.
Sarah Theobald ‘12: They manage the dorm budget.
Lee McClenon ’14: They attend weekly ResCo and SGA meetings.
Question, Julia Fahl ’12: Does this mean freshmen will not be able to vote?
Elizabeth Held ’12: Yes. A lot of SGA positions that affect freshman get voted on in the spring. When we have a dorm meeting within their first five days of being here, freshman often don’t know what the position of dorm president is. We want give it more of a sense of legitimacy. This resolution does eliminate freshman from the voting, but that’s not something that has to be a huge problem.
Blair Smith ‘12: Having the elections when everyone has to choose rooms will assure that all people who live in the dorm are there.
Pro Statement, Adelyn Kishbaugh ’12: As someone who was a dorm president and a hall advisor, I think it’s more important to have the dorm president more integrated in the DLT so that they can work with dorm, know what they’re doing, and have the support of the HAs and customs people.
Pro statement, Sarah Schnellbacher ’13: Last year I was a dorm president in Haffner. Being elected in the fall was difficult because HAs are seniors and most dorm presidents are sophomores going into this position without training, which can create clash between classes. Dorm presidents are manipulated by the HAs.
Question, Saba Qadir ‘13: What is the process for the election?
Elizabeth Held ’12: There’s a window between dorm selection and room selection. It would be like the election cycle we just went through. You can email in nominations. There would be maximum and no minimum number of people who could run. If you’re running from abroad, you would send a statement and it will be read a loud as a speech that night. A member of the E. Board, the elections board, or a senior member of SGA will come in and run the election. This election would probably be a senior.
YJ ’12: Is there a motion to end speaking order?
Motion
Seconded
Question, Muna Aghaalnemer: What if a sophomore runs in the spring and decides to go abroad in the spring of junior year
Elizabeth Held ’12: Ideally, that wouldn’t happen. But if it did the elections head or res co head would convene a dorm meeting and vote to replace the dorm presidents.
Con Statement, Julia Fahl ’12: I think it’s important that frosh be able to vote on their dorm president because they don’t have a lot of say in other representative positions. Dorm presidents are half of the assembly and it’s important for freshman to have the opportunity to directly relate to a representative. Taking away their right to vote disenfranchises them. This resolution will also make room selection unbearable long.
Blair Smith ’12: The freshman vote is important. Hopefully, if the elections for the dorm president are in the spring, we will be able to train the dorm presidents so that they can make the dorm environment welcoming as soon as they come on campus. Some of the people who represent freshman, like customs people, the freshman don’t get to choose but they’re still really bonded to. If we can train dorm presidents we can still allow bonding to occur and can have more representation.
Elizabeth Held ’12: Getting a face there right away can really helpful. I can’t deny the fact that this takes away the freshman vote, but two weeks later everyone votes on one third of assembly positions.
Resolution passes
Support of Undocumented Bryn Mawr Students
Submitted by Jessica Hyejin Lee ‘13, Anna Machalski ‘13
Whereas, Bryn Mawr College has challenged the prejudices of the 19th Century by opening up academic opportunities for women and has sought to sustain a diverse community in belief that a deeper understanding of the world is only gained through considering many perspectives, as affirmed in its mission statement,
Whereas, in 1959, Bryn Mawr College became the only institution in Pennsylvania to decline aid rather than take on the role of informer during the Vietnam War when Congress required the College to report student protesters as condition of eligibility for government scholarship support,
Whereas, the student body prides itself in being a force for social justice and in its self-governance, making recommendations to the administration to bring about change in its own community,
Whereas, the Admissions and Financial Aid offices, renowned for their deep commitment to socioeconomic diversity, can make a transformative decision to publicly affirm fair admissions practice for undocumented Americans, whose status is not fairly acknowledged by the current categorization as international students,
Whereas, undocumented Americans comprise 4% of US population and face unique barriers of hardship, discrimination, and systemic oppression which we believe will bring valuable experiences into our community,
Be it resolved, the student body recommends that Admissions and Financial Aid offices continue to give fair admissions & financial aid consideration to undocumented Americans and post a statement of guarantee of a fair admissions process for undocumented Americans on their webpages and printed catalogues, encouraging them to apply,
The student body recommends the Admissions and Financial Aid offices to insert a checkbox for undocumented Americans on the supplement application, so that they can accurately self-identify and no longer be generalized as international students,
The student body recommends that the Development Office include in its alumnae contribution efforts an option for alumnae to donate to a pool of funding for undocumented admits,
The student body recommends that Bryn Mawr College opts out of E-Verify, which is not mandated by state or federal law, for non-federal contracted projects to respect the human right to work as stated in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but to still protect any government-related funding to the College,
The student body recommends that Bryn Mawr College declares “sanctuary”–with the term sanctuary having no affiliation with any religion–following the recommendations above and disapproving of any involvement of immigration enforcement authorities that disrupts undocumented Bryn Mawr community members’ studies, safety, and well-being.
Jessica Hyejin Lee ‘13: There are more than five undocumented students. Being undocumented is never a choice. At Bryn Mawr people welcome you home despite any differences. Undocumented students can’t feel safe in community where other do. We can’t share the experiences we have with our friends. We can’t contact police. We graduate without being able to explain why haven’t gotten a job. We can’t pursue the same future graduating seniors are excited about. We forced to keep ourselves in the closet. Being undocumented is often viewed with bias. The immigration system oppresses 1,200 people. This is about Bryn Mawr’s policies and SGA because it has to do with who we are as community and what we value in terms of education, safety, dignity, and human rights. Bryn Mawr has a noble history of standing up against injustice. It’s up to the student body to carry on the torch. There should be no barriers against undocumented students who could be part of our community. We have declared Bryn Mawr sanctuary to recognize, welcome, protect students, which does not violate laws in terms of admissions and financial aid. Haverford will be passing similar resolution. Haverford and the Seven Sisters could follow our footsteps and Bryn Mawr could be a leader in creating change.
Question, Jennifer Lopatin ’13: What are you hoping to accomplish by bringing this resolution to Plenary rather than talking to the President and the trustees of the college.
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: SGA means power over who is part of our community and who we’re excluding. It’s important that this initiative come from the student body rather than being a top bottom initiative from the administration. I would love it if student body could join in making this happen.
Anna Machalski ‘13: It’s important that the student body have a say.
Question, Jennifer Lopatin ’13: Have you thought about surveying the student body?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: Plenary is a way to get all students opinions. Not a lot of people answer surveys. This is a perfect place to get everyone involved in student change and show that we all agree.
Question, Alexandra Cooke ’14: Have you fully researched legal repercussions of this resolution? Or spoke to the Board of Trustees about having a fund for alumnae to give to undocumented students?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: This is not about U.S immigration policies. The administration already knows about the undocumented students on campus. As a college, we support undocumented citizens. This resolution is about clarifying our position. It would help to have a fund for alumnae to give to undocumented students. Some private grants go to undocumented students. There’s currently no way for alumnae to donate to undocumented students although they have expressed interest.
Question, Alexandra Cooke ’14: Do you have any statistics about percent of alumnae who would be willing to donate to this kind of fund?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: I got an email about it from an alum.
Question, Alexandra Cooke ’14: Would it be for a tuition base or would it go to other expenses?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: Tuition worries a lot of people because there’s a misperception that undocumented students will take away from funding. The administration is already committed to funding undocumented students. This would increase funding for everyone and wouldn’t make it harder anyone else.
Question, Leah Grady Sayvetz ’14: The checkbox that you’re recommending for applications – how does that function as part of the admissions process?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: The purpose of that is to fairly represent undocumented students and not generalize them as international students. It would recognize that there are no real categories for undocumented students to identify themselves. There are options for students who are permanent international students and who have visas to identify themselves but not for undocumented students. It would be a symbolic thing.
Question, Sarah Fischer ’13: Bryn Mawr does use the common app. Although it doesn’t explicit provide a checkbox for undocumented students, there is an “other” option where you would be able to say that you’re undocumented. The supplemental app asks you what you’re interested as a student and does not ask you to provide information about your ethnicity and religion and what not. Have you considered that we use the common app and have you spoken to admissions?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: Bryn Mawr can control the supplement. Just as it wouldn’t be fair for there to be just a woman and man checkbox, it wouldn’t be fair to not give students the option of identifying themselves as undocumented.
Question, Sarah Fischer ’13: The supplement asks about why the prospective student is interested in Bryn Mawr and their interests. It doesn’t ask about race, religion, or gender. I’m don’t know why it’s important to ask students about their status on supplement, when they can provide more information on common app.
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: We shouldn’t disregard the supplement.
Question, Sadie Mahmoud ’13: If they don’t want to openly declare their status as undocumented, how will BMC ensure that they won’t be deported? Just because admin won’t report them doesn’t mean that information won’t get out. So how would students be protected? How will they access things like the fund if their not comfortable declaring their status?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: The administration can tell they’re undocumented. A symbolic change would enable them to identify themselves accurately.
Question, Rachel Faulks ’12: By changing it to an official policy will we state that we admit undocumented students and will there be any legal repercussions from there?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: There is no federal or state law saying we can’t provide an education to undocumented students. Vassar has gone public about it. They say on their website that they support undocumented citizens.
Question, Sharaai Marrero ’13: Is there a list of undocumented students? There’s a list of all the Latina, African American, and mixed race students that they give out to clubs like Mujeres. It would be good idea for campus to be able to collect information like that in some way because we are given that information. It does exist.
Question, Elizabeth Held ’12: On the supplement, they ask for your name, address, about your academic interests, and why Bryn Mawr. That’s it.
Motion to extend time to the end of speaking order.
Seconded.
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: You have to put your social security number with your address and name. Undocumented students don’t have social security number. The point of the checkbox is that undocumented students don’t know they can apply without being deported. If they know that the administration is going to support them, they’d be more likely to apply. The checkbox would make clear our support for undocumented applicants.
Caroline Parra ’14: Can you elaborate on the Vietnam War clause – what happened?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: During the Vietnam War students and the administration came together to protect the student protestors. This was a community oriented social justice decision. Bryn Mawr would not get federal aid if they didn’t get rid of protestors. It was important to protect students.
Priya Saxena ’12: I’m looking at the college supplement and there’s no spot where you put soc security number. There’s a spot that says “required of all international students (Non U.S. Citizens/Non-Permanent Residents) ONLY: If you are applying for financial aid from the College, please estimate in U.S. Dollars how much you and your family will be able to contribute each year toward the cost of your education at Bryn Mawr.”
Malli Gupta ’12: Why does BMC need to opt out of E-Verify? How does that affect undocumented students? Does it affect aid?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: The point of E-Verify is to check the immigration status of any worker. Any student that comes up as undocumented will not be able to be hired. The point of this clause is just to acknowledge workers rights. They should not relate d to immigration status. This would not have a real impact on students who are already working on campus.
YJ ’12: I think what Malli is trying to ask is what is E-Verify and how does it effect undocumented student’s on campus jobs?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: BMC is not required to use E-Verify and does not have to submit to it when it’s not respecting any rights. Undocumented students may have a work permit even if they’re undocumented.
Question, Lauren Mandelbaum ’15: Vassar has a general non-discrimination policy and statement on their website, which is not exactly a vocalized support for undocumented students.
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: They show their support undocumented students on the admissions website.
Question, Lauren Mandelbaum ’15: It’s the general non-discrimination policy.
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: That’s outside the discussion.
Question, Kaushiki Dunsinghe ’12: If BMC opts out of E-Verify will this affect the policy on hiring international faculty and staff?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: Not at all. E-Verify reviews all the I9 forms that people turn in and reviews their immigration status. It doesn’t affect any government funding and would not affect the faculty.
Question, Malli Gupta ‘12: Do they use E-Verify every time an employer is employing someone who is an international citizen?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: No.
Question, Malli Gupta ‘12: They do because I went through the process.
Anna Machalski ‘13: Bryn Mawr does use it, but it’s not required under federal law.
Ivy Moody ’14: What are the options for people who are brought her underage, not under her own consent? If you’re under the age of 18 when you enter the country you can apply to be a citizen. What are the options for someone how is undocumented in that aspect?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: The social security information about the supplement was not true. I also heard that you have to indicate that you’re an U.S citizen. To answer the question about undocumented students applying for citizenship if they’re underage – undocumented students have no real options except the dream act and a kind of halfway citizenship. There are people whose status has been undocumented for 30 years.
Priya Saxena ’12: There’s nothing on supplement about whether or not you’re an There’s just that statement about how much money you can provide towards your education if you’re an international student.
Question, Deborah Centeio ’14: Could you reiterate the financial aid situation? The resolution says that we would continue to give financial aid to undocumented students and encourage them to apply. How does that affect current students who are trying to apply for financial aid and federal financial aid?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: The aid that undocumented students get has nothing do with federal aid. Undocumented students can’t fill out FAFSA or private loans. They’re given grants from Bryn Mawr. BMC already gives loans to undocumented students. This does not affect any other student because it’s the amount they’re already given. Alumnae giving would to help undocumented students at BMC without affecting what students are already given. BMC would continue with whatever they’re offering
Question, Deborah Centeio ’14: Doesn’t encouraging undocumented applicants to apply increase the budget for undocumented students?
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: Maybe. If undocumented students are encouraged to apply, it doesn’t mean they’re going to flock to BMC. Bryn Mawr already supports undocumented students and it hasn’t had a flock of students applying. BMC will continue to only accept qualified students.
Pro Statement, Sarina Dane ’12: I would like to voice my support for this resolution. It’s incredibly important for me as a student to have the smartest most ambitious students here, regardless of race, religion, county, no matter what their citizenship status is. I want to be surrounded by the people who will help me learn. It shouldn’t be that really smart undocumented students feel that they can’t apply to Bryn Mawr. It’s important to think about Bryn Mawr’s history and at the time of our founding, we were racist and anti-semitic. Now, we can be at the forefront of being progressive and being inclusive. We can know as a college that we were there supporting our fellow students when they didn’t have any options because in the past weren’t on their side.
Con Statement, Julia Fahl ’12: Plenary is a space that’s supposed to be apolitical. A lot of the questions asked today are about issues that are inextricable from American political climate. In a majority rule situation not everyone’s voices are going to be heard, which forces us to misrepresent some people’s views. The steps taken by authors of the resolution are good first steps in changing our current policies, but perhaps this would be better served by a petition so that students who didn’t feel comfortable with the political aspects of the resolution wouldn’t be silenced by a majority rule. We ended at speaking order, but there are still several people who had questions. We didn’t give ourselves enough to time delve into what this means for the college. I’d like to motion to postpone indefinitely so that we as Bryn Mawr students can attack this from a different but similarly democratic process.
YJ ’12: We’re going to explain what motion to postpone indefinitely is, finish this discussion at the end of speaking order, then Anna and Jessica will have three minutes for a rebuttal, then we will vote. A motion to postpone may be made if you feel like there is inadequate information or if it does not warrant discussion. It can be brought up at Plenary the following semester.
Pro statement, Aine Sheehan ’15: As a first generation American who has family and friends who have been deported, I understand the fear of being deported and having your children not being accepted into a community. This resolution would be more of a symbolic act and not a political act which would help welcome the best and brightest students to Bryn Mawr, not just American citizens.
Con statement, Isidora Armentrout ’13: Plenary is apolitical. With regards to the points about that BMC handled Vietnam, these were not movements that were brought up because of plenary. These things must be taken to the administration. My problem is with the point about Bryn Mawr offering sanctuary. That’s beyond our control. We can’t ask the school not to let police come unto our campus it they choose to. So many layers to this resolution it would be hard to agree on every one. This resolution needs to be revised.
Pro statement, Sharaai Marerro ‘13: I think it’s a great idea to bring this to Plenary to start a conversation about it. It should be a subject that’s talked about more because it’s such a big deal. I support your efforts. To start a movement like this at a small institution is a very Bryn Mawr way to of about things.
Question, Leah Grady Sayvetz ’14: I was wondering if the E. Board could clarify what self government means in terms of partisan vs. political.
YJ ’12: Students are saying that SGA at Bryn Mawr is a non-partisan organization and we have to be inclusive from students with different political ideals.
Question, Leah Grady Sayvetz ’14: Partisan has to do with political parties as they’re established in the U.S. There are people who are not in political parties. How does being non-partisan mean being apolitical? SGA shouldn’t affiliate with a party. The nature of what happens at BMC has a political consequence. Non-partisan doesn’t mean we’re apolitical and or have to do with what we as students and as human beings have to do in a political sphere. As far as the common app goes there’s a specific place where if you are an international student it asks you to please address this question. If you’re undocumented do you answer? If you do putting yourself down as an international student. The undocumented checkbox is to clarify who you are and what your experience is. Regarding aid – anyone who applies for aid is applying because that student has been admitted to Bryn Mawr. To exclude undocumented students from that application process would be unfair because they ‘ve already shown that merit. The fund for undocumented students would be an auxiliary thing because it’s not taking away from a fund that already exists, it’s creating a special fund to which donors can contribute. As far as the concept of sanctuary goes, providing a sanctuary here is not illegal. Many communities have provided sanctuary in U.S history. When it comes to the law, if a law is not upholding human rights it’s your place to see where you’ve been in that. I would like full heartedly support this and I hope that we can continue to have this conversation.
Three Minute Rebuttal
Anna Machalski ’13: We want to stress that this resolution is making it clear that BMC’s current policies make it so that qualified students who are already admitted to BMC have the support that they need and that BMC can provide sanctuary to students as has been done by organizations.
Jessica Hyejin Lee ’13: Thanks for the comments and thoughts about the community and this resolution. It’s been suggested that we haven’t discussed this resolution enough yet. It’s fair to have this discussion at Plenary with quorum and a voting majority. I don’t see how it’s different than any resolution that’s been passed before. We recognize that this represents student government. It’s up to you if you want to support this or not. It’s not illegal for Bryn Mawr to be a sanctuary for undocumented students. This resolution calls for the college to acknowledge that undocumented students well being is as important as any student’s well being. Disapproving of this resolution means disapproving of how unique we are as a college and a student body. Maybe this kind of resolution hasn’t been passed in Plenary, but today we can make a historic change in how we define self-government and how we define the values we identify with.
YJ ’12: We’re going to vote to postpone this indefinitely. We’re going to vote: Yes, I approve, I disapprove, and I abstain.
YJ ’12: We’re going to do another vote because we are not sure we have quorum. Just to be sure. There are 300 who approve postponing this resolution indefinitely, 209 who oppose, and 89 who abstain. This discussion will be postponed indefinitely. Thank you for coming.
2:50pm: Plenary ends.