Senate makes progress

Senate takes baby steps in rebuilding shattered caucus

Student Senate, with its 10 newcomers, seems more productive than ever thought possible. The March 23 open meeting was productive and set a strong precedent for the rest of the semester.

The new senate jumped headlong into business with a proposal brought forth by the Student Labor Action Coalition. The proposal would end College purchasing of products made in sweat-shops. The proposal, brought forth by concerned student members of SLAC, sophomore Katharine Cristiani, junior Corrina Steward and junior Ursula Lawrence, spurred a great discussion.

A paid student intern would report to the committee with research about the various companies from which the College purchases. He would check for violations indicating sweat-shop conditions. The committee would also be responsible for publishing the information that is collected. This will serve to keep the general public aware of the committee and College actions.

There was one major difference of opinion that occurred between the senators and the SLAC members. Within the proposal, there was a clause that stated that concerned persons who had attended four consecutive committee meetings would gain voting privileges.

Senators felt that College representatives would not want to sit on a committee that could possibly be dominated by concerned students. Senate voiced this concern and the clause was amended. According to the current proposal a person who has attended three consecutive meetings will be able to interview for the committee.

Beyond this major issue, however, Senate harped on details that might have been better dealt with before the open meeting. Nevertheless, the proposal passed through senate 13 to 1, with two abstentions. Everyone appeared to come away happy with the decision.

The proposal also has support from Assistant to the President Diana Roose, Vice President for Finance Andy Evans and Athletic Director Mike Muska.

Juniors Sarah Fineberg and Sarah Stein-Greenberg, both former student senators, were also present at the meeting. They came to explain their goal of streamlining the chartering process. Several of the new senators showed interest in creating a process that would possibly change Senate's role in the chartering process and set a time limit for the process.

Other general business included approval of charters. Approved charters include: the Oberlin Pre-Medical Society, the Oberlin Swing Society and the Queers and Allies of Faith.

Overall, senate got a great deal of work accomplished, especially for a practically brand new group of senators. "I thought you guys did a good job," said Bill Stackman, associate dean of student and a regular attendant of senate meetings.

First-year Kate Davoli put it best. "This is our one chance to make a difference."