For their first resolution as a body, the new ASUO Senators dealt with a controversial issue when they discussed the Marriage Equality Resolution. The resolution “expresses student support for the freedom to marry and marriage equality for all Americans.”
From the beginning, it was clear the resolution had a lot of support in the room. ASUO Sen. Ben Bowman presented the resolution. @@http://uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Ben*Bowman@@
“We’re young people, we’re students and we’re the future leaders of this state,” he said. “As Martin Luther King said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’” @@http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-sexual-continuum/201101/injustice-anywhere-is-threat-justice-everywhere-martin-luther-king-@@
He also talked about how significant it is that for the first time in history, a sitting president announced his support of same-sex marriage. Former ASUO Senate Vice President Andrew Lubash explained how much that meant to him. @@http://uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Andrew*Lubash@@
“As a member of the LGBTQ community this is very important to me,” Lubash said. “This sucks being a second-class citizen and I believe that marriage is a human right. When I heard Obama’s announcement, I almost cried.”
Bowman then went on to say that Oregon State University already passed something similar to this on their campus and underlined the timelines of this decision. When the discussion was opened to the floor, floods of support came in from many senators. Sen. Taylor Allison was excited this was the first resolution she would get to vote on. @@http://uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Taylor*Allison@@
“As being a new senator, I’m really thrilled that this is the first thing I can do,” she said. “Everyone in this room and the majority in the country can say that they are affected or know people that are.”
One senator, Bryan Vanderpool said that although he is not opposed to this resolution, there might be some students on this campus that are. He was worried that it isn’t up to Senate to make opinions for the entire body. Others voices this as being a non-issue. @@http://uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Bryan*Vanderpool@@
“There’s a time to listen what our constituency says and there is a time to make some progressive action,” ASUO Sen. Will Steiner said. @@http://uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Will*Steiner@@
ASUO Sen. Matthew Miyamoto agreed with this statement. @@http://uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Matthew*Miyamoto@@
“I think this issue in particular is one that if you’re in support of it, it is because you see it as a battle of human rights and a battle of equality,” he said.
After hearing more statements of support, the resolution passed with only one abstention.
Following this, Lubash was appointed to Programs Finance Committee. He expressed his love of programs and his excitement for this position, and was unanimously voted in. After this, Josh Roth was unanimously appointed to ACFC. @@http://leadership.uoregon.edu/get_involved/governance/506@@ @@http://uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Josh*Roth@@
The meeting came to a close when the body chose a Summer Senate Chair. Sens. Matthew Miyamoto and Lindy Mabuya were both running. To begin, each candidate had a chance to speak for themselves. @@http://uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Lindy*Mabuya@@
“I have grown exponentially as an individual and a leader,” Mabuya said. “I’ve grown to the point where I can take criticism really well.”
Miyamoto was next.
“I have put a phenomenal effort into researching Summer Senate,” he said. “I am planning on driving three hours to get here for Summer Senate.”
After their testimonies, the candidates were told to leave the room while the body discussed their decision. Support for Miyamoto was voiced first.
“I know both of these people and I think we truly can’t go wrong with either,” Sen. Ian Needham said. “That being said, I am advocating for Matt. He seems incredibly dedicated. I also like that he mentioned outreach.” @@http://uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Ian*Needham@@
Allison spoke about her support for Mabuya.
“She works so hard for programs, and she’s been very open to helping the other senators transitions to positions,” she said. “She has so much experience and knowledge.”
After a short discussion, Miyamoto was chosen. Then, with almost no discussion, Sen. Amy Jones was chosen as vice chair unopposed. @@http://uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Amy*Jones@@
Once Summer Senate was figured out, nominations were made for the school year. Miyamoto and Mabuya were nominated for Senate President. The body will vote on this fall term.