Lincoln Mayer '04 submitted a proposal requesting SGO authorization to distribute material on savings bonds and to send a campus-wide email on the SGO account to publicize the bond drive.
Mayer said that his proposal was written with the belief that, because they are fully guaranteed, bonds are a safe way for Amherst students to support the U.S. government in its efforts to deal with the aftermath of the recent terrorist attacks.
"This is a way to support the country and a good way to save money. It's a mutually beneficial deal," Mayer said.
Some representatives raised the concern that the SGO, as a representative body of the College, should not give the appearance of condoning the military retaliations-which some students object to-by sanctioning this sale.
"If this is a simply ceremonial measure, supporting it could ultimately lead to controversy," said Livia Angiolillo '04.
"The revenue raised by these bonds is used for general purposes," Mayer said. "The money goes to the United States Treasury, not the Department of Defense. Any person who has paid or intends to pay taxes will not suffer moral debasement by buying U.S. savings bonds."
"The SGO doesn't have to approve in order for the information to be distributed, but Lincoln is asking for a statement of our support," said Will Johnson '03.
While a majority of the Senate was in favor of sponsoring the resolution, the text was simplified to consist of a general statement issued by the SGO supporting the distribution of material on buying savings bonds in support of America.
Other topics under discussion included student elections, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 18. Positions to be filled include freshman class president, freshman college council representative and three freshman senator-at-large positions.
Angiolillo, acting in her capacity as the newly appointed student health liaison, reported on her communication with Dr. Daniel Clapp. She addressed the concern raised at the last SGO meeting regarding the inconvenient health services office hours.
"Dr. Clapp is willing to entertain the idea of extending office hours from 5:30 until 6 p.m.," Angiolillo said.
"Dr. Clapp is aware that there have been problems with certain staff members, and he explained that the staff has been and will continue to change in the future," said Angiolillo in response to a concern raised at the last meeting regarding dissatisfaction with the health services staff.