Twenty-five newly elected senators last Monday took an oath to follow the SGA constitution and represent VCU and its students’ best interest. Now having 44 total senators, the main item on Monday’s agenda concerned electing new officers for Senate leadership, which drew tensions when some senators spoke out against another.
Sen. Kia Potts, one of the 25 new senators, said she joined the SGA because she wanted to make a difference at VCU.
“Working on the Human Relations Committee as well as Appropriations is going to be fun,” Potts said. “I also want to see more participation in multicultural events. I believe that when people understand each other through culture it eliminates ignorance and discrimination.”
Potts said she was unhappy with Monday’s meeting.
“I was appalled how it was run,” she said. “The whole purpose for me being a senator was to represent and fulfill the needs of VCU students as well as promote different cultures. How can I do this when we have racial vindictiveness and unprofessional conduct?”
Sen. Tayyaba Waqar spoke out against Sen. Tiffany Townsend as Townsend was running for vice chair of the senate.
“Tiffany is racially biased,” Waqar said. “She caters to a specific group of people and is very hard to work with. She has her own personal agenda.”
Townsend said her goal now is to take the issue to the judicial board.
“Tabby and I have spoken and she has apologized to me,” Townsend said. “I don’t think that is how someone should conduct themselves as a leader. I’m all about what is right and what is wrong.”
Sen. Megan Shandelson, who told the new senators that they have a very important job, was chosen vice chair.
“Each of you represent 600 people at this university,” Shandelson said. “There are 30,000 people here at this school. When you approach the administration, you get to decide on important decisions. You can’t take on actions if you don’t have change. I want to be the one that helps you make those changes.”
Vying for office became a competitive race for all of the 15 nominees, including Sen. Emily Reijmers, who was elected director of governmental affairs. Reijmers told the Senate she is very politically involved, and when working on the campaigns for Virginia’s state senators and delegates, she learned a lot about how state government works.
“I have a lot of political experience when it comes down to it,” she said to her fellow senators. “I will also work really hard for the SGA.”
In supporting Reijmers, Shandelson told the Senate that Reijmers would make a good candidate.
“She has a ton of experience,” Shandelson said. “It’s obvious that she is caught up on our government today.”
Sen. John Michelli experienced less competition as the lone candidate for director of student services.
“I’m really looking forward to carrying out new duties next year,” he said.
Sen. Ali Alikhani said Michelli did a good job this year trying to pass a lot of bills he supported.
“John’s bills were all deeply involved with the student body,” Alikhani said. “I appreciated all the hard work he has done for the SGA.”
Besides Michelli, Alikhani also supported Sen. Bruce Vann, who won the election for director of financial affairs.
“Bruce would go down to the General Assembly in a suit and tie three to four times a week,” Alikhani said. “He would always bring back reports to our committee and was always on top of research. He’s an honest and hard-working man.”
After Sen. Nusrat Chowdhury was approved as director of communications, she promised the Senate that she would become more involved with the SGA Web site.
“I’m very outgoing and I get along with people very well,” Chowdhury said. “I will also actively force the SGA to use their Web site more effectively.”
Sen. Jessica Lee won the seat for Senate chair, saying she realized the problems the SGA has faced this year and wants to change many of the issues.
“In this past year, there have been problems with the SGA,” Lee said. “People have been cussed out, thrown out. We need stronger leadership, and I am willing to take every single issue and make it my issue. I stand behind what is right.”
The final SGA senate meeting will begin at 4 p.m. Monday May 2 in the Forum Room in the University Student Commons.