Senate questions Shabbat

Although it is dubious how much was accomplished at the Student Senate meeting this week, it was undoubtedly a spirited event.

One main issue concerned the choice of whether or not to endorse Shabbat, the Jewish-oriented dinner. It was decided that not enough information was present to make a decision until the next meeting. While some senators saw the event as a happy and worthwhile occasion, others expressed skepticism caused by the source and quantity of the dinner's funding.

The majority of the meeting, however, was spent discussing the proposal for the student-run forum on multiculturalism that was held Thursday. The forum centered on the level of cultural diversity currently in the Oberlin curriculum and allowed students to voice their opinions and suggestions for additional classes.

Sophomore Senator and Communications Coordinator Chris Anton had reservations about the timing of the event, as there seemed to be a lack of publicity, as well as the fact that it is following very closely on the heels of a similar multicultural forum organized by the administration. Nevertheless, the event continued as planned.

Anton said, "[This is] our opportunity, as Senate, to see what the student body wants us to do."

Anton's hope was that students would take advantage of the opportunity to provide input on what the College needs with regards to multiculturalism in the classroom.

There was a good deal of time dedicated to a complicated voting process to elect a Senate member to facilitate the forum. Ultimately, it was decided that Organizational Committee Officer junior Erika Hansen would act as facilitator. In the event of her absence, Anton would take over. "I know how to be rude to people without being rude to people," he said.

Sophomore Senator Kate Davoli saw the forum as being notable in that it envisioned a specific goal."[This time] there's going to be a product," she said, "a poll reflecting what students and faculty think."

First-year Senator Dave Jessop also expressed support. "I'm excited about following up on the College's commitment to multiculturalism," he said, "I think this will provide an excellent vehicle."

Senate also touched on a mandatory meeting they are expected to attend which is scheduled to happen after the academic semester has ended. Deeming this interference with their holiday procedures and flight plans, "unconstitutional," a vote was taken in favor of writing a letter to the Review expressing their concerns.