The 112th Student Government Association (SGA) convened on Tuesday, Oct. 15 for their weekly meeting.
The session began with a discussion of understaffing at Nolan’s on 33rd. Freshman Christopher Amanat detailed staff concerns, including understaffing at the dishwashing station, salad bar, omelet station and general dining area. Student Body President Stone Meng then outlined additional concerns, such as a hiring policy that favors temps over senior workers, a mice infestation and insufficient prep time due to the University’s kitchen management. Given that SGA has less agency over staff-related issues, Meng proposed future steps to raise student awareness about the issues stated.
President of the Senate Nasreen Naqvi then announced that several Senate positions are open, including two seats for Junior Class Senator, a Senior Class Senator, a Disability Senator, and an Activism and Advocacy Senator. There are also two positions for Assistant Secretary.
Next, Dr. Lauren Reynolds delivered a presentation to publicize Hopkins Semester D.C., a study abroad program for Homewood students in Washington, D.C. The program runs every semester with themes chosen by participating faculty. This semester will focus on migration and refugees, with a potential trip to the Southern border. The program currently has 15 open spots, and students are eligible to apply if they are affiliated with the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.
Black Student Union (BSU) President Gnagna Sy, BSU Vice President Ty’Shera Mintz and OLÉ Latine Student Group Vice President Anna Zahrah spoke to SGA about racial equity in the University's admissions process. Their concerns centered around the decline in Latino and Black student enrollment following the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action in college admissions on June 29, 2023. Sy, Mintz and Zahrah criticized Hopkins administration for failing to maintain diversity despite its claims that it would do so.
To address their concerns, the speakers called on SGA to issue a public statement criticizing the administration and apologizing for SGA’s silence regarding the issue. They also requested a comprehensive plan to take action, including SGA support for a town hall with representatives from Hopkins admissions and financial aid departments. Furthermore, they requested a survey to gather data from the student body on perceptions of campus diversity. The presenters stressed that urgent action must be taken, as the current admissions cycle would be directly affected.
Following the presentation, Naqvi mediated a question and answer session in which attendees discussed disagreements regarding the propositions and potential steps forward. Afterwards, the meeting transitioned to a closed session.
