SGA Debates Religion on Campus

At the Tues., Oct. 27 meeting of the Student Government Association (SGA), a discussion on how religion should be handled at campus events was held. The original idea was brought up by the Faculty Senate. Senator Gerry Martin, who was chosen to lead the discussion, explained there is usually a prayer at the beginning of ceremonies such as graduation or commencement. He also explained that some faculty and students have skipped these ceremonies due to feeling uncomfortable or offended by the prayer. Some students feel strongly that the prayer should be included, while others feel it has no place on campus. Senators were present to share both sides of the argument. "It is a student led prayer. It is not the faculty shoving the prayer down student's throats," said Senator Cameron Marshall. He explained it is just like the Pledge of Allegiance, which features "Under God." Many people chose to abstain from saying the Pledge of Allegiance; they can also choose to abstain from the prayer.

Senator Jillian Ratliff shared a different view. "I talked to a few students and I found that some of them were actually turned off by the prayer. It is a public ceremony and everyone should feel comfortable. Even though you do not have to say the prayer you still have to hear it. That's not appropriate in a public institution."

The goal of the debate is to find a common ground as an alternative to prayer. Every week the SGA features a question of the week, and this week's question is designed to get student feedback on this issue. The question of the week is: Do student led prayers at university sponsored events offend you? Send responses to the sgalongwood@live.longwood.edu or drop your opinions in the suggestion box in the student government association office, located in the top floor of Lankford.

SGA treasurer Shawn Fidler has developed a workshop for club treasurers. It is a mandatory workshop that will help the treasurers better understand the budget process. The workshops will be held on Tuesdays Nov. 3 and 10 at 8 p.m. The location is to be decided and the treasures are only required to go to one of the two workshops.

Last week SGA President Cameron Patterson presented the idea of a Sports Club Council to the Senate. The SGA Student Senate will be considering legislation to amend the Student Finance Committee (SFC) bylaws. This legislation looks to give the Sports Club Council the authority to allocate a lump sum of money from the SFC/Student Senate to club sports.

Students have the opportunity to share thoughts on this legislation. The Legislative Affairs Committee held a public meeting on Mon., Oct. 26. A second meeting will be held on Mon., Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. Both meetings are open to everyone and will be held in the SGA office. The Senate will take action on the bill at the November 3rd meeting. President Patterson serves as Chief Sponsor of the legislation. For anyone interested in the legislation but cannot attend the meeting the SGA encourages feedback either through topping by the office or through emailing longwoodsga@live.longwood.edu.

The next SGA meeting will be held on Tues., Nov. 3 at 3:45 p.m. in the AB room of the student union, and everyone is invited to participate in the open forum and/or sit in the gallery.