Meet the New Groups Added to the SGA
(Photo courtesy of SGA’s website at udayton.edu)
Gracelin O’Malley | Contributing Writer
There are three new campus organizations that have been added to the Student Government Association (SGA), which also has taken a stand with other student governments across Ohio opposing legislation that would dismantle and ban diversity and inclusion initiatives at state colleges and universities.
The Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center, the Global and International Affairs Center, and the Brook Center are the three new positions that have been added to SGA this year, SGA President Aila Carr-Chellman told Flyer News.
The three organizations serve as essential pillars of inclusion and diversity on UD’s campus. These organizations provide critical support for students from various backgrounds, fostering an environment that encourages cultural awareness, engagement, and belonging.
“I want MEC to become more known and represented this year,” said Nancy Garcia of MEC. “We have achieved getting Green Box disposal bins in the MEC lounge.”
Carr-Chellman said SGA is concerned about the potential impact that Ohio Senate Bill 1 has on the three organizations and similar organizations on campuses throughout the Buckeye state.
According to Carr-Chellman, the legislation poses a significant threat to their structure and operations, potentially altering their ability to serve students effectively.
The “university of Dayton Student Government, in association with student governments across Ohio, signed a letter of testimony opposing Senate Bill 1,” Carr-Chellman said. “Senate Bill 1 serves many purposes to undermine the integrity of higher education institutions across Ohio.”
Senate Bill 1 would only affect public institutions right now. However, it is causing concern across UD. The Ohio Capital Journal has reported that SB 1 would dismantle and ban diversity and inclusion initiatives, set standards for classroom discussions, block faculty strikes, change the term length of university boards of trustees’ tenures and require an American history curriculum.
How can students get involved in issues like this?
UD students can contact SGA through its website, speak directly with their SGA representative, or attend weekly Senate meetings on Sundays at 5 p.m. to engage with student leaders and to stay informed on key initiatives.
Voting in SGA elections is another important way to make an impact. Campaigning begins Feb. 25, giving students time to learn about candidates and their platforms. Elections begin at 8 a.m. on March 4 and continue through 8 p.m. on March 6.
“SGA has four senators per class, and three community action senators.
We have 23 voting members, directors can vote as well, and around 60
general members,” Carr-Chellman said.
SGA also produced another first last fall, Carr-Chellman said, and that was an event called “SGA Week.”
The event was “an opportunity to engage with the student body and for us to demonstrate what it is we do,” she said.
“This was the first time that’s ever happened,” Carr-Chellman said of SGA Week, “so I think being more accessible and more visible to the students has been a priority this year.”
REPORTER’S NOTE: Gracelin O’Malley is a student in the Flyer News Practicum, offered through the Department of Communication. Most students in the Practicum are assigned stories to write. Some executive photo assignments. Others may want to produce a podcast or work on FN social media. All Practicum assignments are geared toward giving students the chance to have their work published on the student-run online newspaper website.