Before they were abolished, there were diversity seats representing students who identified themselves as Latino/Latina, international and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Conservative students also applied for a seat, but were denied.
The forum was organized by Caleb Deats '06, who had suggested that the AAS form a committee to look into alternative representation options for minority students.
At the forum, Deats reiterated his initial suggestion that the AAS send out personal invitations to clubs to send non-voting representatives who would participate in the discussions at senate meetings.
There was some general consensus that all clubs should have some liaisons to the AAS. "All groups should be able to have a voice in the senate," said Ben Baum '03.
Senator Geoff Walter '04 encouraged club members to go to AAS meetings and to coordinate with Secretary Alexandra Linden '04.
"Seeing a lack of interest can be demoralizing. All students should come to AAS meetings ... Sometimes we send out emails and people do not respond," Walter said.
Baum suggested that AAS senators to go to club events and encourage more student participation in the AAS.
However, according to Senator Mike Flood '03, "We do not need to go to club meetings because it just consists of planning events."
Marika Hashimoto '06, one of the three non-senators in attendance at the meeting, said that clubs need to be more attached to the AAS. She said that, as part of their outreach efforts, the senators should serve the interests of the clubs.
"The senate is much more diverse, but there is still nervousness that the AAS is not listening to people's needs," said Jason Nino '05 of La Causa, the Latino/Latina affinity group.
According to Walter, controversy surrounds the allotment of funds to the various affinity groups. "We've had some undesirable fiscal decisions. Sometimes our spending has been misconstrued as favoring a sport over something that is more social," said Walter.
Students discussed several ways to ensure that the voices of minority students will continue to be heard.
Flood suggested that the AAS announce clubs' events during the meetings. He thought that vocal announcements are more effective than email announcements.
Walter suggested that AAS members personally deliver letters encouraging clubs to go to AAS meetings.
The AAS plans to look into listing club events in order to promote participation, as well as compiling a list of AAS senators who would volunteer to be liaisons for clubs.