The University of Rhode Island Student Senate met with members from the office of Community Equity and Diversity to discuss its importance, reviewed the results from a shuttle service survey and passed a bill acknowledging a senate recognized organization on Wednesday.
The senate was joined by members of the CED: Markeisha Miner, vice president, Michelle Fontes, assistant vice president, Manuela Vadis, coordinator of the Gender and Sexuality Center, Jean D. Nsabumuremyi, director of the Multicultural center and Bob Flynn, director of the military veteran education center.
Members discussed the importance of sharing stories related to disability, access and inclusion amid threats of federal termination of diversity equity and inclusion programs.
“I want to see more people coming together in a way where we can begin to understand each other,” Nsabumuremyi said. “I want to see everybody in the room.”
The DEI staff expressed gratitude for the senate’s interest in making a difference.
“I think it’s great just that [student senate] is listening to us,” Flynn said. “This is a great start.”
Possible liaison positions for the student senate were also proposed. If enacted, liaisons would allow members of the senate to serve as channels to voice the diversity centers at URI.
“[Student senators] are the voices of the community,” Vadis said. “[They] will help amplify our word.”
The discussion ended with a communication of the Inclusive Excellence Awards which honor students, faculty, alumni and staff who are dedicated to amplifying inclusion at URI. The nomination deadline for award submissions is on March 12.
After the meeting, Student senate Vice President Sanah Feroz announced that a total of 950 responses for the shuttle service survey were collected.
These responses will be assessed and presented to URI Transportation and Parking, according to Feroz.
The senate also passed a bill acknowledging The Rhody Drag and Makeup club as a senate-recognized organization.
The next student senate meeting will take place on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Memorial Union Room 300.
