The New Paltz Student Senate met Wednesday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss their unfinished business, future business and a movement they believe will make history. All Senate members were accounted for.
The Senate meeting opened up by stating that EOP is currently working on a leadership program for SUNY New Paltz. Exec. Vice president Kelsey Ryan said the “Know Your Rights” event is confirmed for April 4, and the Senate should keep up pressure against the SUNY 2020 plan.
Moving on to new business, the Senate said the National Student Action Committee will meet in Chicago April 1.
The Finance Section of the Senate said they are finalizing the budget. On April 5, the Senate will meet the Judicial Board. The Senate proposed a survey to gather student’s preferences on what foods they want or enjoy the most for campus dining.
The Senate also proposed a shift in focus toward the student tuition freeze campaign. To keep the pressure on Gov. Cuomo, the “Cuomo May I?” event will be held the Monday after spring break. The “D.A.R.K. Act” was also stomped in assembly.
When the Senate concluded their previous business, a new motion was called forward: “Ban the Box Resolution.” All 64 SUNY schools require applications be filled out on if they have been convicted of a felony or have been incarcerated in the past.
Campuses can request this information through documents that may also contain a youthful offender notice or a past felony report. These pieces of information can prevent people from getting an education, due to the negative stigma associated with past offenders.
The SUNY Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has a system of equal opportunity for all. They demand holistic integration of New York’s underrepresented or disadvantaged people into the academic culture of higher education. In light of this system, the New Paltz Student Assembly is calling for SUNY to eliminate the criminal history screenings from the application process. However, the screenings can only be implemented after the student has been admitted, and never be used to revoke admission.
The Senate will soon push the “Ban the Box” measure against SUNY in the future.