The Senate convened on Sunday to hear recognition and chartering petitions from clubs and to discuss Senate Money Requests for upcoming initiatives.

The Brandeis Mathematical Society petitioned the Senate for recognition, with student representatives explaining that their aim is to foster a community for students interested in math, regardless of experience or majors. 

In a discussion after the students’ presentation, Class of 2020 Senator Tal Richtman questioned the necessity of the club, arguing that academic departments should pick up the slack in student outreach and satisfaction. Executive Senator Hannah Brown ’19 pointed out that many similar academic clubs already exist, arguing that these clubs serve a different purpose than departments. This opened up a larger discussion about clubs that overlap with existing institutions within the University. After a lengthy discussion, the Senate voted to recognize the club.

The Aviation Club then approached the Senate for chartering, explaining that they will use funding to purchase quadcopters and smaller drones for students to practice flying. Club representatives explained that these drones are flown not on campus, but rather in a nearby park. The club has hosted one meeting, with a weekly meeting plan in place, and a speaker event planned for next semester. 

In a discussion after the presentation, a few senators raised concerns that the club has not had enough meetings to figure out a stable leadership plan. Some explained that their impression from the presentation was that the club hinged on one student, which would not be a feasible setup, they argued. The Senate voted to charter the club after another lengthy discussion. 

Moving on to the rest of the agenda, Brown explained to the senators that the amendment to create an international student Senate seat had passed after the vote was brought before the Union Judiciary for technical issues. The Judiciary deferred judgement to Union Secretary Gaby Gonzalez Anavisca ’19 — the chief of elections — who chose to pass the amendment. 

In executive officer reports, Brown announced that Student Union President David Herbstritt ’17 had met with Department of Community Living staff, who told him that while they expect housing to be tight, they anticipate that they will be able to provide housing to all students who want it. 

Midyear Senator Dana Brown ’20 interjected to ask about the reality of “East” bugs and what the Union can do to eradicate pests. Class of 2019 Senator Kate Kesselman responded that while there are some bugs in East Quad, the problem is not as bad as commonly believed. Senator at Large Matt Smetana ’17 added that students should avoid leaving food out so as not to attract bugs. 

The Senate then discussed an SMR for a screening of “13th,” a 2016 Netflix documentary about the intersection of race, justice and incarceration in America. The senators discussed whether the Social Justice and Diversity Committee would need to purchase the film rights for the event. The senators did some quick research, concluding that Netflix allows non-profit groups to screen the film without purchasing rights, as long as the Netflix logo is not used in promotional materials. The Senate tabled the vote on the SMR until a later date.

The senators discussed another SMR relating to the long-planned initiative to provide free menstrual products on campus. In the discussion, Kesselman voiced concerns that students would take more products than they need in order to stock up. The Campus Operations Working Group chair, Massell Quad Senator Aaron Finkel ’20, explained that the Union will be working with Student Sexuality Information Service to measure product usage. He explained that products will be distributed in high-traffic areas, with more products available for free at the SSIS office. The senators also discussed the need for trash cans or waste baskets for men’s rooms, in order to accommodate transgender or gender nonconforming students who use those restrooms. The Senate pushed up voting on the SMR, voting unanimously to pass the motion. 

—Abby Patkin