By The Editors
Senators spent more time bickering amongst themselves than doing what they are supposed to do—allocate money to organizations—at the Feb. 5 Student Senate meeting.
Senators used all three requests for an extension of time, and the meeting lasted nearly two and a half hours.
As students who participate in a variety of organizations on campus, the justification some of these senators took for reasons they amended or voted on a bill were appalling.
If one senator had a personal problem with another senator, they directly opposed the other senator’s opinion – whether or not it benefited of the bill.
They spent precious minutes discussing precedent, while students representing the organization whose bill was on the floor watched.
Several senators said things that could have been offensive to the organizations requesting funding.
The lack of knowledge on parliamentary procedure also was cause for concern.
Senators argued about the correct way to request a motion.
Terrance Craft, Student Senate President, had to restore order to the meeting when senators began arguing and things got out of hand.
Granted, this is a learning environment.
Considering the amount of money Student Senate has control of, organizations should be wary when they come to request funds.
Funding may be cut to a particular bill just because senators feel the need to compare it to other bills. If this is the case, your funding depends primarily on when the senators choose to discuss your funding request.
Senators should think about the student body they represent and why they are sitting at those tables.
They should not have to be reminded to check their attitudes at the door.
Surely people get passionate in matters of government (even if it is a student one)? It is highly unfair to say that these fine ladies and gentlemen, giving up precious time and making an effort to help others can be accused of doing anything other than trying to represent the student body, or they wouldn’t be there in the first place.