Senate Briefs


Strossen Successful, Podesta still to come

ASPC President Phil Kopczynski '03 began the meeting at 11:30 a.m. with the approval of the previous week's minutes-both for the April 8 weekly meeting and the April 10 special session. Kopczynski reported that Monday's presentation by ACLU President Nadine Strossen was a success with approximately 200 people in attendance. Vice President Julia Patzelt reported that only nine senators were present for the event, criticizing those who chose not to attend. Kopczynski also distributed flyers advertising Clinton White House Chief of Staff John Podesta, who will speak about life inside the real West Wing. Podesta is scheduled to present in Little Bridges at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18.

Nearly all unallocated funds now allocated

Patzelt then reported on the status of the ASPC's unallocated discretionary fund, which began the year with $19,537. After funding a variety of events and clubs, the fund has $930 remaining. A majority of the funds were spent on guest speakers and campus security. Patzelt also presented two recent fund allocations approved at the April 10 budget meeting, greater than $1000 and thus requiring full senate approval. Ashley Berry '06, on behalf of the Conservative Union, requested $2000 to bring Libertarian talk-show host Larry Elder to campus to speak Wednesday April 30; and the Campus Security Fund, which has run out of funds, requested an additional $3000. Both funding requests were approved, although Residence Halls and Food Commissioner Evan Sirc '03 expressed some concern that turnout for the Elder event would likely be very low.

Constitutional Basis for Anti-War Resolution

Kopczynski then said he wanted to spend some time talking about the anti-war resolution placed on Tuesday's ballot to "clarify [the Senate's] angle on that." Kopczynski cited Article IV, Section 4 of the ASPC Constitution which reads, "Any matter over which a governing body or committee of ASPC has jurisdiction may be brought to a vote of the ASPC either by a petition signed by at least ten percent of the ASPC or by a majority vote of the Senate. A decision on such a matter shall be determined by the majority of those voting on a ballot of at least four hundred members of the ASPC." Much concern was expressed that the senate has no jurisdiction over a war in Iraq; however, Kopczynski was quick to read Article II, Section 1 which states, "ASPC shall serve as the representative voice of the students both on and off campus," and Article III Section 3 which reads, "ASPC Senate is responsible for the following: …To serve as a forum for students to voice their concerns, and to respond to such student concerns." Academic Affairs Commissioner Sam Glick '04 said that Section 4, which adds, "To facilitate student participation in the surrounding community," was also relevant. Kopczynski explained to the senators that these portions of the constitution grant the senate sufficient jurisdiction to place such a resolution on the ballot.

Some discussion followed regarding whether an all-student email should be sent, explaining this resolution to the student body, as many senators reported receiving complaints from students about the decision. Sirc responded to such comments by saying, "If [students] really cared, they would be here today." Glick recommended Kopczynski send a letter or message to students explaining why he did not find the original motion to place the initiative on the ballot inappropriate. Kopczynski agreed to send some sort of response to The Student Life.

New Alcohol Policy Presented

Kopczynski then presented a draft of the new Pomona alcohol policy. He explained that the Student Affairs Committee had "rewritten basically the entire thing, making at least a few fairly substantive changes." Patzelt summarized the major changes, explaining that "Hard alcohol is taken very seriously. The penalties are now the same as having an unregistered keg." Patzelt went on to explain that distinctions are now made between public and private social events. After taking a training course, students over 21 can now register wine or a keg and host a private party at one of seven designated small, residential spaces. This student host would then take on all the responsibilities currently held by servers and campus safety personnel, including preventing underage students from drinking and insuring no hard alcohol is present. Hosts found in violation of their responsibilities will not be allowed to host any additional events and may face sanctions.

Aside from these changes, kegs can now only be registered Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights in non-residential areas. However, a student may choose to host a private party in any of the seven designated areas with registered a keg on any night of the week, pending approval from college administrators.

Glick voiced concerns that the new policy is long, confusing, and may be difficult for students to understand. Dean of Students Ann Quinley explained that plans are already being made to clarify the policy to ensure all students understand it.

South Campus Representative Sierra Ferguson '05 pointed out that the policy does not prohibit advertising of the supposedly private student-hosted parties. Kopczynski explained that these are intended to be small events and that a statement prohibiting advertising would be an appropriate addition.

Associate Dean of Students Neil Gerard then asked what is meant by "small." Kopczynski responded, explaining that these events would have about 50-60 people over the course of the party.

Associate Director of the Smith Campus Center Dave Swenson voiced serious concern that two of the seven areas designated for use as private party spaces are in first year halls. Swenson did not see how the host could successfully prevent underage drinking in such a situation. Quinley responded by saying, "I think first year students drink a lot, and we are taking them to the hospital far too often for consumption of hard alcohol. I think if a freshman goes to one of these private parties and has a beer, then that is a lot better than drinking hard alcohol somewhere else."

Communications Commissioner Tanya Laguerre then requested more information about the host training programming, but Patzelt explained that this program has not yet been developed.

Kopczynski ended the discussion by encouraging senators to read through the draft thoroughly and come to the general forum Wednesday April 16.

Laundry Baskets Found

Sirc then gave a quick report telling the senators he had contacted Sud-Z, a laundry supply company, and found metal laundry baskets appropriate for mounting in campus laundry rooms. Sirc will receive a catalog shortly and will then purchase the baskets.