The Senate convened for its weekly meeting on Sunday, voting on probationary status accreditations and constitutional amendments for three clubs.

Ben Shelling ’20 and Sami Schnall ’19 presented Smile Train to the Senate for probationary status. 

Shelling stated that there was “not enough emphasis on global, social change related to the health fields.” Schnall explained that Smile Train is an organization which funds surgeries for underprivileged children suffering from a cleft lip or palate. Schnall added that without surgery, children with these conditions have “difficulties with eating, breathing, drinking… and have difficulties holding a job.” 

Shelling stated that the club’s events had little -to-no cost, and that the club wanted a room to hold events.

Class of 2018 Senator Abhishek Kulkarni asked how Smile Train would differ from other campus medical clubs focusing on children on campus. Schnall replied that it is very difficult to raise awareness of every disease in a club that generally focuses on medical problems.

Schnall added that other medical clubs are “a lot about research … but Smile Train is significant in that you are seeing the before and after.”

Shelling stated that the club’s goal is to create “social change and health change.”

Kulkarni stated that he was worried about having a club focused on an individual disease, as that could open the door for many other clubs focused on other diseases and draw membership away from existing clubs.

Class of 2019 Senator Vidit Dhawan expressed reservations about holding a vote on Smile Train, stating that the club had not had an active senator come to its meetings due to miscommunications with the Student Union. Foster Mods Senator Casey Lamar ’18 had attended a meeting, but Lamar had never been present at a Senate meeting.

Executive Senator Aaron Finkel ’20 added that should the Senate not vote on the club’s presentation for probationary status, the club would not be able to ask for funds during Marathon and would need to present to the Senate again.

The Senate voted to accredit probationary status to Smile Train.

The Senate voted to amend the constitution for the Brandeis Academic Debate and Speech Society.

The Young Americans for Liberty Club proposed changing its name to the Philosophy Club. Senator at Large Shaquan McDowell ’18 stated that the club’s proposed change is “more than a name change, but … of the identity of the club.” The Young Americans for Liberty Club is associated with the overarching Young Americans for Liberty organization. 

The Senate voted to place the item in unfinished business for next week and to ask the club to present at the next meeting.

Finkel reminded the Senate of the upcoming Student Union Coffeehouse this Thursday at Cholmondeley’s from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Sustainability Committee Chair Benedikt Reynolds ’19 reported that the committee has initiated a Sustainability Ambassadors program in partnership with the Department of Community Living. Reynolds added that the program will be a part of the next orientation.

 —Emily Blumenthal