“William” from the Never Again Foundation spoke again at the open forum of this week’s ASUI senate meeting that took place on Oct. 9. He spoke about the deaths of some Jewish people that he knew of and how the current Israel versus Palestine crisis was “the largest massacre (of Jewish people) since the Holocaust,” according to him. He then shared images from the families of the victims, who he said, “wanted to share this.”
Senator Julissa McDowell responded to William, saying “This is a very big conflict… and it’s very hard for students to understand how these things occur. We as a campus, and especially as ASUI, want to make sure all students feel included and that this is a safe space for them to be in. What would you like us specifically to do?”
“Adopt the IHRA,” William said.
The IHRA, International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, is the “only intergovernmental organization with a mandate focused on addressing contemporary challenges related to the Holocaust and genocide,” according to their website. Adopting their policies would include embracing the working definition of anti-Semitism, which includes contemporary examples of discrimination.
Other topics were covered at the meeting as well.
Senator Bryan Juarez Ruiz has been working on incorporating Spanish tours guides into the university’s current campus tours, much in theme with Hispanic Heritage Month, which lasts until Oct. 15.
A bill was presented proposing the allotment of $500 for two $100 scholarships for students attending senior night games, specifically the volleyball and soccer games, and gifts for the seniors playing. ASUI wants to be able to acknowledge the seniors for their hard work and improve student attendance at these games.
President Martha Smith met with the Vision 2050 committee this past week. They spoke about finding a way to make a connection between the university campus and downtown Moscow in a meaningful way. They also discussed increasing sustainability, improving green spaces on campus and the future of the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. Smith said she wanted to make sure that students’ voices are heard.
Vice President Emma Johnston has been working with the university to engineer a way to add Vandal Cards to Apple ID and other electronic wallet systems, as well as adding barcode scanners to high traffic areas. She also met with the administration board to discuss student fee relief.
Johnston has been working with other senators to find a way to provide literature for international students, in their native language, to aid them in their transition.
Rebekah Weaver can be reached at [email protected].