It was also the first meeting for seven of the eight first-year senators, who as vice president Bob Razavi '03 pointed out are "actually all guys-only guys." They introduced themselves to the senate.and took committee assignments. Rania Arja '06 and Kevin Han '06 tied for the remaining seat, to be decided in a runoff election. (See Run-off to determine eighth freshmen senator, page 2)
The discussion of vandalism went beyond the recent statement that the senate issued on the damage to the "Pronghorn Antelope" and "Indian Hunter" statues. Much of the discussion was in response to a rise in dorm damage reported so far this term.
"We need to look not only at one incident, but at a broader trend of disrespect across campus," said Luke Swarthout '04. He also said that the faculty Committee of Six and the Trustee Committee had expressed concern.
Swarthout suggested that a change in the drinking policy could decrease vandalism. He pointed out that the drinking policy changes slightly with each administration and that the new president will probably enact some changes.
Stronger disciplinary measures from the outside were another option, but one that the AAS has only limited control over. The third and most popular option was that of increased regulation from within the student body.
Many senators thought that "the urge to destruct Amherst College" stems from the lack of a community on campus.
To start discussing solutions, Stacy Kennard '03 proposed that the senate create an ad hoc committee to explore community building and student-based disciplinary measures, including research into an honor code. The motion was approved by the senate.
Jesse Freedman '03 said that many senators were abandoning their support for the Senate's statement against the Mead vandalism in the wake of a negative on-campus reaction. He asked the senate to "stand behind what you voted for. Don't throw it off on the executive board or me."
Niti Sardana '05 asked that the senate not move as quickly in approving statements like it in the future. "People really don't like how harsh and how personal it is," she said. "We should consider what other students are thinking at this time."
The senate also voted to endorse the Massachusetts Youth Vote campaign in its effort to encourage voter registration and turnout among Amherst students.
Dr. Warren Morgan, the new doctor at health services, introduced himself to the Senate and asked for ideas and input throughout the year.
Budgetary committee chair and AAS treasurer Livia Angiolillo '04 proposed allocating discretionary funds to the gospel choir, the ballroom dance society, Quack and the women's rugby team. These allocations passed with no opposition.
Angiolillo also responded to criticisms of the new requirement that club sport coaches have contracts. Although the requirement will cause more paperwork, she said, it also forces teams to make their funding requests more accurate, according to Angiolillo. Women's rugby has already been able to go from $3,500 for coaching to $2,000, while the crew team changed its request from $7,000 to $3,000.
With the exception of a few committee seats that urgently needed to be filled, the senate decided to leave most committee assignments to the next meeting when all eight freshmen senators would be present.
Caleb Deats '06 and Matt Vanneman '06 were appointed to the IT committee. Andre Deckrow '06 received a seat on the judiciary council and Ian Shin '06 joined the budgetary committee.