In this week’s Student Senate meeting, two new bills were proposed condemning violence against Israelians and Palestinians.
One bill stated, “Resolution calling for the condemnation of anti-Jewish attacks perpetrated against the Israeli people by Hamas terrorists.”
The second bill stated, “Resolution calling for the condemnation of violence committed against Palestinian civilians.”
Dr. Carl Stiles, the advisor of the Student Senate, recommended striking both bills.
“I know the intentions were for good upcoming resolutions,” Stiles said. “However, the impact that may happen may cause harm to members of our community.”
Senators were able to comment on the bills and Stiles’ statement. Senator Newman believed that it is the responsibility of the cultural committee to speak on world and cultural issues.
“Maybe we can make a Facebook or an Instagram post, or let them know that we are here to support them, but I do not think we need to be putting bills on the floor about it,” Newman said.
Chair Rudolph disagreed with striking the bills. Rudolph is also one of the sponsors of the bill.
“It’s soul crushing that the idea that condemning atrocities by terrorist groups on the Jewish people is considered in any way controversial or taking sides against students on campus,” Rudolph said.
Chair Beckham agreed with Newman, adding that the Student Senate is not in a position to comment on international issues.
“Ultimately we are going to be missing some people’s opinions and people will feel marginalized,” Beckham said. “This is not fair or right to them.”
Beckham added that if the bills were to move forward, it may seem like the Student Senate is taking sides. She believes that the Senator’s job is to support the entire student body.
Senator Mayers, one of the bill’s sponsors, thinks the Senators were elected in order to make hard decisions.
“If we didn’t want to make hard decisions, I would have joined Puppy Raisers Club,” Mayers said. “We are here for a reason, and we should vote.”
A student on the outside of the room, Daniel, spoke to the Senate. Daniel voiced that the Senate should stick to the current events that are unfolding. In specific, the Hamas attack on Oct. 7.
“This is terrorism,” Daniel said. “Plain and simple. There is no way of rationalizing or diluting the actions of Hamas.”
Director Feroz proposed for the bill to state “In support of Israel and Palestinians right to exist as a democratic place of refuge for the Jewish, Muslims, and Christians and all people, all finally free from hate-driven, terrorist attacks, and oppressive governments.”
Feroz said that this is a compromise and an attempt to meet halfway.
Chair Rudolph and Senator Johnson both agreed to strike their bills off the agenda.
“This is the best way to make sure that we make a statement that is unbiased and that meets people halfway,” Johnson said.
The Student Senate thanked the students who came to sit in and speak at the meeting. They highlighted that it is not required for them to come, and that the Senate appreciates their opinions.
The Senate will meet next Wednesday, Oct. 25.