Two resolutions condemning the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israel and human rights violations in Gaza were passed unanimously at the ASUI Senate meeting on Oct. 15, 2025. The resolutions F25-R05 and F25-R06 were introduced at the previous senate meeting.
“It is essential that the student body takes a principal stance in the face of ongoing human rights violations,” said Senator Andrea Leal, who sponsored F25-R06, condemning human rights violations in Gaza.
The sponsor of F25-R05, condemning the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israel, Senator Leika Devi, was not present to make a comment.
Multiple senators reported that they met with clubs to discuss club funding requests. The Argonaut previously reported on recent changes to the club funding request process which now matches clubs with a senator who assists them in writing a proposal, which is then voted on at a future meeting.
Senate bill F25-B03 is the first club funding request brought to the senate floor. It was written by Senator Preston Hardcastle and requests $500 for the National Association for Music Education at the University of Idaho.
The bill’s purpose says the $500 will be used to partially reimburse club members for the $45 registration costs for student members attending conferences.
“By allocating these funds, we’re helping reduce financial barriers for students pursuing opportunities that not only enhance their individual skill sets, but also bring value back to our university through their involvement and continue excellence,” said Leal, who also sponsored F25-B03.
Senator Zac Knapp asked for clarification on the number of club members and amount of reimbursement.
Hardcastle said there were approximately 30 students in the club, but he would clarify with the NAME president before the next ASUI meeting. Other senators addressed grammatical or formatting issues with the bill that will also be updated by the next meeting where a vote will be held.
Niccole Rice, director of sustainability, reported success with her homecoming tote-bag painting event with 35 people in attendance. Rice announced a food drive project she was organizing for the week before Thanksgiving break and provided an update on her initiative to improve the sustainability of the laundry in the student dorms.
Alia Schmitt, a member of Movimiento Activista Social, spoke during the open forum about the organization’s upcoming Hispanic heritage celebration, El Color de Nuestra Tierra. The event will happen at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, in the International Ballroom in the Pittman Center. Schmitt said the event will also focus on mental health in the Hispanic community.
ASUI President Seyi Arogundade and ASUI Vice President Bryant Sitts were absent from the meeting. Senator Pro-Tempore Julissa Mcdowell led the meeting in their place.
ASUI Senate will continue to meet every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Clearwater-Whitewater Room in the ISUB. Meetings are open to the public.
Joshua Reisenfeld can be reached at [email protected].