JHU SGAThe 114th Session
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Senate Meeting #13 - 11/7/23

Minutes / Senate · 111th session · dated November 7, 2023 · updated November 11, 2023

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This document is from a previous session and is kept for the record. It may have been amended or replaced since.

111th JHU Student Government

Senate Meeting #13

November 7, 2023 / 07:00 PM / Hackerman B17

AGENDA

  1. Call to Order and Attendance (1 min)

    1. Absentees:
      1. Excused:
      2. Unexcused:
    2. Present

  2. Convening Business (3 min)

    1. Office of Alumni Relations - Vice President Morris

    2. CMC Director Confirmation - President Dalhart Dobbs

    3. Assistant Secretary Confirmation - Secretary Amy Li

  3. Amendment and Approval of the Agenda (1 min)

  4. Public Input (3 min)

  5. Reports (17 min)

    1. Cabinet Reports (4 min)

      1. Student Body President - President Ryan Chou
      2. Student Body Vice President - Vice President Jackson Morris
      3. Student Body Secretary - Secretary Amy Li
      4. Student Body Treasurer - Treasurer Jenny Chen
      5. Chair of Programming - Chair Shalala Leny
      6. Director of Communications - Director Milton Diaz
      7. President of the Senate - President Dalhart Dobbs
      8. Director of Research - Director Jason Shumsky
      9. Advisor Report (2 min) - Dr. Charles Norman

  6. Non-Legislative Business (15 min)

    1. JHPD Draft Policies Presentation - Dr. Branville Bard, Associate Vice President Jarron Jackson, & Senior Director Phil Kasten
    2. Prayer Room Update - Vice President Morris
    3. Religious Inclusion Working Group & Campus Dialogue Working Group - President Chou & Vice President Morris & President Dalhart Dobbs
    4. Survey on Health and Wellness Services - Senator Gabriel Granados
    5. Rec Center Rentals - Senator Arihant Singh
    6. Dean Schlesinger Meeting Agenda - Resham Talwar

  7. First Reading

  8. Second Reading

    1. November Tabling Funding Bill - Chair of Programming Shalala Leny

  9. Prospective Legislation & Announcements (5 min)

    1. Attendance Check-Out - President Dalhart Dobbs

  10. Adjournment (Estimated 9:00 PM)

Time-length and adjournment estimates are provided for the benefit of guests at Senate meetings. However, SGA meetings are always slated to extend until 10:00 PM and SGA members are expected to remain in the Senate chamber until official adjournment by motion, whether before or after the adjournment estimate.

MINUTES

  1. Call to Order and Attendance (1 min)

    1. Absentees:
      1. Excused:
      2. Unexcused:
    2. Present

  2. Convening Business (3 min)

    1. Office of Alumni Relations - Vice President Morris

    2. CMC Director Confirmation - President Dalhart Dobbs

    3. Assistant Secretary Confirmation - Secretary Amy Li

  3. Amendment and Approval of the Agenda (1 min)

  4. Public Input (3 min)

  5. Reports (17 min)

    1. Cabinet Reports (4 min)

      1. Student Body President - President Ryan Chou
        1. 11/3 - Met with SNF Agora, discussed how to approach free and respectful discourse
        2. 11/3 - Met with Provost with Jackson
        3. 11/6 - Met with Campus leadership about Middle East and campus culture
        4. Met with student leaders with Ireland for liaison program
      2. Student Body Vice President - Vice President Jackson Morris
        1. Ryan covered most of the update
        2. Asking for SGA interest later in the agenda
        3. Middle States is ongoing, delivering final address tomorrow 10:15-11am in Hodson Board Room
      3. Student Body Secretary - Secretary Amy Li
        1. No significant updates
      4. Student Body Treasurer - Treasurer Jenny Chen
        1. $11K left in SGA discretionary funds
        2. Working with Shalala for the LOTQ tabling bill
        3. Creating a form for cosponsorship events starting next GBM
      5. Chair of Programming - Chair Shalala Leny
        1. Absent, excused
      6. Director of Communications - Director Connie Weng
        1. No significant updates
      7. President of the Senate - President Dalhart Dobbs
        1. Working on potential initiatives, such as the Middle East resolutions
        2. Working on transitioning for Nas and Stone
      8. Director of Research - Director Jason Shumsky
        1. Absent, excused
      9. Advisor Report (2 min) - Dr. Charles Norman
        1. No significant updates

  6. Non-Legislative Business (15 min)

    1. JHPD Draft Policies Presentation - Dr. Branville Bard, Associate Vice President Jarron Jackson, & Senior Director Phil Kasten
      1. Dr. Branville Bard
        1. Responsible for overseeing the operations of JHPD, future chief for JHPD to ensure that what is promised and what will happen align with the same person
        2. Have increased public safety prior to the unfortunate events at other universities, such as Morgan State and Bowie
        3. Ensured that religious centers are well protected, try to be ever present in terms of campus safety
        4. In the developmental stages of JHPD, which is probably the most important time such as people can provide feedback in the policies released. We released our first batch of policies in September 2023 for 60 days (police-citizen interactions)
        5. Second batch (more administrative things such as uniform, etc.) for 60 days as well after the first batch is closed
        6. Encourage thoughtful, engaging feedbacks
      2. Motion for 20 min moderated caucus, no speaking time
        1. Tim: SGA passed a BoT resolution but this has nto been sent out yet. –
        2. Dalhart: What is the spirit of difference between Hopkins and other universities in terms of security cameras?
          1. We looked at the most progressive university PD that has been reviewed by the government. Looked at the best protective programs and used a multi-faceted review with different groups.
          2. JHPD officers will use body security cameras. Officers will allow for citizens to record, which is a progressive policy
          3. Emphasis on authority, not authoritarian policies. Seek to make policies more protective
        3. Using cameras at private residences are not allowed. What is the policy for cameras in those settings?
          1. Balancing act between going to private residences and protecting the individual. Need to let the resident know about the camera
        4. Stone: There is an increase in armed robberies on campus. What is the JHPD’s response to this?
          1. We have a vast network of cameras, using the footage with BPD and working with BPD to piece together footage. Adjust our coverage for allied security. We have an off-duty police program, hiring them 24/7. There is a bit of a broken system since police officers do not have their police vehicles to efficiently help. This is why we need another dedicated program
          2. We have countless cameras on campus and we can also piece together footage on our own
        5. Omatara: A lot of students are reluctant about JHPD. What are your plans to foster a positive relationship between JHPD and the student body?
          1. ACLU set policies that state the goals of preventing racial injustice in PD. I believe that it is my job to be committed to these policies.
          2. Included a “scope of services” such that people can see who is responsible for different roles
        6. It is interesting how you have policies in place. Are there any ways for students to communicate our experiences to JHPD?
          1. We have a JHPD accountability board, which helps gather feedback about different policies, so you can provide feedback there. Also part of the Baltimore City Review Board
          2. Understand the need to hold the police to be accountable
        7. Jaden: What preventative measures that the JHPD does not infringe on the constitutional rights of students?
          1. We have numerous policies that ensure that there is equitable treatment for everyone. Working with BSPH to understand how we should interact with people for people of different races - frequency, results, duration of each encounter to understand the differences that exist for each encounter. Whatever happens we will be transparent
        8. What are the ways that firearms are to be used? What preventative measures to limit officer shootings?
          1. Officers are to use pistols when necessary, outlined by the policies. When an officer has to use force, they are to calm people down and treat people with fairness. Come with the recognition that we don’t live in an ideal world, weapons are to counter and neutralize interactions.
        9. Hailey: Appreciate your policies, such as the LGBTQ one. How do you aim to transition members of the public who haven’t thought about these things and how do you help them retain this knowledge such that people can be aware of this beyond training time?
          1. For LGBTQ policies, we employed experts regarding this. We went to the diversity leadership council to train the policy writers to ensure that it represents everyone, such as Paul Rainer. Ensure there are positive interactions and comfortable interactions. General public does not think about these policies enough. See the statute training to be important and seek to get training to question your involvement in this system. Helps you make sure that you bring compassion for people, important for interactions
        10. How many months do you go through these training sessions?
          1. 40 hours a year, which the baseline
          2. Can afford to bring cutting edge training. May be 40 hours minimum
        11. Motion for 20 min extension
        12. For the disciplinary matrix, which is modeled after the Maryland matrix. What is the rationale for this implementation?
          1. State legislation, we are mandated to follow the state matrix. We can increase the penalty but cannot lower it. Disciplinary matrix is one piece of the process, such as performance and counseling to ensure that every officer has enough resources before it becomes a disciplinary issue. Dr. Bard can supersede these matrices to require higher disciplinary marks
        13. Clarification about semantics, such as what does “feasible” mean in these scenarios?
          1. Depends on the situation and how the officer approaches the varied scenarios. Goal is to be protective and bring the proper professional to each citizen
          2. Need vague terms to allow flexibility in the situation
        14. S : For the emergency drive-in policies, the calls will get information from 911. To talk to JHPD, or do we need to call 911?
          1. Emergency number will always 911, BPD is the parent agency, which goes to Baltimore City dispatch
        15. There appears to be more flexibility for JHPD. Does that mean that students will have more access to JH public safety beyond the current radius?
          1. When you need us, we will come get you
        16. For the hiring procedures, how will you get officers with more diverse backgrounds and experiences such that students can feel represented?
          1. Hope to get young Baltimoreans involved in JHPD
          2. 25% must live in the city for 5 years, will pay them 20% more if they do live in the city
          3. Hope to get different shifts such that officers can have a better work life balance, such as for single parents by limiting the hours can work
          4. Joining 30 for 30, minimum 30% females
          5. Ensure that Baltimoreans can do these jobs, people who have the service mindset. When we have our own dedicated department, I hope they can see the benefits
        17. Jazzlyn: When an incident happens, will information be sent to JHPD to the student body? Will there be any talk that can relay the message to students faster?
          1. We have to log incidents by law. Requires reporting authorities and conversations
          2. We use timely warnings—when we learn about it, you will know about it at the same time as well
          3. Oftentimes, people do not want to report to the police first, which is another reason there is a delay. There is also vague information about different scenarios, such as vague descriptions, so we usually delay this information such that it doesn’t create anxiety on the campus community
        18. Jackson: Will the student affairs also get training for the assemblies and student gatherings?
          1. Will get de-escalation training, which is the best way to approach these situations
          2. Has public safety and student affairs met to discuss how to set the steps to approach these situations?
            1. Yes, numerous times, to set these policies
        19. Brandon: What led to the decision to conduct career long training and how often?
          1. Our policies must be updated to reflect the current times, can meet more than once a year and whether there are cutting-edge trainings
          2. Importance of building a culture such that conversations about policies happen every day
        20. We do not use hollow words, please contact us if you have any questions and please fill out the feedback form
    2. Prayer Room Update - Vice President Morris
      1. Prayer room is open in MSE C28! Please report on this to ensure that students know!
    3. Religious Inclusion Working Group & Campus Dialogue Working Group - Vice President Morris & President Dalhart Dobbs
      1. Jackson: Going to pass out 2 sheets of paper such that students can sign up for this. Met with Daniels, Provost, and Dr. Bard and other administration. Religious individuals at Hopkins do not feel included or the best way they could, hope to facilitate discussions with students, staff, alumni and anyone else that can help and support for any potential initiatives
      2. Dalhart: there is religion involved in the middle east tensions, hope to bolster religious life and student life resources and conversations, which was sparked by the Middle East conflicts
      3. Jackson: We hope to gather with students about academic freedom such that students can share their experiences and backgrounds. We hope to create a safe space for students to talk about this
      4. Dalhart: We are working with SNF Agora and work with facilitators. Please submit any productive questions. These initiatives are sparked by the Middle East conversations but hope to provide resources and discussions to build a stronger community
      5. Ryan: University working groups (2): (1) Focus on educational funding on campus community, (2) student-specific programming
        1. Jackson: Hope to get as many students involved
    4. Survey on Health and Wellness Services - Senator Gabriel Granados - https://forms.gle/1TMKxhKp1svfhT438
      1. Want to let SGA know that I had a meeting with Dr. Kessler (mental health) and working on the physical therapy and chiropractic program for students
      2. Working on a form, got feedback from Director Shumsky, open to feedback on form, initially for physical wellness and narrowing to chiropractic program to student body
      3. Dalhart: For any form to be sent to the student body, it must be on Hopkins Groups. Another way of incentivizing is providing prizes
        1. Jackson: maybe ask the rec to get funding for incentives
        2. Resham: also student health and wellbeing
    5. Rec Center Rentals - Senator Arihant Singh
      1. Know that Stone met with Rec, hope to expand the equipment in the weight rooms
      2. Please reach out to me if you are interested in collaborating on this initiative
      3. Stone: Rec center administration is interested in coming in for GBM in November
      4. Gabriel: Have you gotten any student feedback about the rec equipment?
        1. Yes, but priority is to get admin in to discuss this further in-person
    6. Dean Ed Schelsinger Meeting Agenda - President Resham Talwar
      1. Thursday meetings (11/9) with Deans, please add anything that you hope to have us discuss on the agenda
        1. Dalhart: Internships for credit
        2. Mufasa: CUE 2 conversation with Dean Rowe, advise more classes like experiential learning labs
          1. Jennifer: There are many classes like this already for Intersession
      2. Will meet with people working on user interface (such as SIS), please let us know if you have any questions or concerns
        1. Jackson: We will also be meeting with KSAS Dean, please let Resham and/or Tim know if you have any questions or concerns

  7. First Reading

  8. Second Reading

    1. November Tabling Funding Bill - Chair of Programming Shalala Leny
      1. Motion for 5 min moderated caucus
      2. Stone: In the Finance committee, the ~$900 budget may be too much for one tabling. In past experience, food should be enough. We urge that the blankets, sweaters, and plushies to be removed
        1. Shalala: Noticed that most students become more interested in the tabling with non-food items
      3. Dalhart: Seems like a lot of merch for one tabling. Maybe triple the cookies, for examples, and have more people to get something out the tabling
      4. Brandon: We will have keychain plushies from the sophomore sendoff that we can donate this year. Maybe save the sweaters and blankets for LOTQ
      5. Resham: We can donate, but unsure the exact number. We might as well use these prizes for more than one tabling
      6. Mufasa: maybe choose between sweaters and blankets. Giveaways are important for people to actually come
      7. Jennifer: Which blue jay plushies do we plan on getting? Choose between the blankets and sweaters. Seems like that the apple cider quantity is low
        1. Round ones
        2. Maybe purchase the keychains
      8. Ryan: If it is with the B&N, discount 20%
      9. Gabriel: What is the budget?
        1. Maybe around $500-600
      10. Jenny: Do not recommend delay tabling; for custom items, we need 30 days. We also have the halloween tabling stickers that we can still use that for the november
      11. Stone: Motion to amend the bill to move the blankets, sweaters and plushies. Add the current reserves (keychains, stickers)
      12. Motion to triple the number cookies
      13. Nasreen: Instead of Insomnia Cookies, may be look at Krispy Kremes
      14. Stone: We still have leftover airfryers and lego sets
        1. Maybe use that for the LOTQ
        2. Charles: We are not allowed to run a raffle
      15. Jennifer: Motion to replace cookies with donuts. Order 8 dozen donuts and 20 blue jay keychains

  9. Prospective Legislation & Announcements (5 min)

    1. Attendance Check-Out - President Dalhart Dobbs
      1. Dalhart: I know we want to do our SGA independent initiatives, please contact SGA exec if you want to sent emails to admin, otherwise to prevent any redundancy in SGA
      2. Dalhart: We have really spirited questions for JHPD, we should not ask questions that redundant and simple questions to respect these professionals
      3. Shalala: Starting to plan the LOTQ tabling
      4. Jackson: Dr. Brown wants to meet with SGA senators for lunch. Will let you all know when we get more information

  10. Adjournment (Estimated 9:00 PM)