Once again fighting the encroaching threat of losing a quorum, the Student Government Association Senate handled a variety of issues, from a student boycott to funding to attendance.

In old business, Commuter Senator Rich Bergin reintroduced his bill to acquire SGA support for a boycott of Sodexho-Marriott food services on Tuesday, April 4. The primary concern is that Sodexho owns a large portion of shares in Correction Corporation of America. From inside these private, for-profit prisons come the cries of injustice, Bergin said.

“From the time they get there until the time they leave, prisoners are basically slave labor, while the prison receives generous pay from the government,” Bergin explained.

Some senators questioned if SGA should take a political stance. Arts & Sciences Senator Todd Stonewater replied, “This is a political body, we can make a political decision.”

The senate unanimously supported the resolution thus giving their recognition to the April 4 boycott.

Following the boycott resolution, the Finance Committee proposed spot funding for four chartered student organizations.

First, the senate considered the request of $500 for SANGAM-Indian Asian Student Association. As a result of a highly detailed and prioritized budget proposal along with documented financial accounts, the group was granted the funding to cover the costs for theater rental and labor cost for spot light operation for the Indian Cultural Show.

The Muslim Student Association, requesting $1029.89, was not so fortunate in funding. The Finance Committee recommended only $455 in spot funding to cover a banquet.

Some questions arose as to the MSA’s financial records which were not accounted for and fully-documented.

“They did meet other points,” said Financial Vice President Corey Bailey. “Detailed records is only one of ten criteria.”

After passing the MSA funding request, the SLU Rugby Club’s request fell into much debate. Although they requested $6,000, the Finance Committee recommended $1383.14 to cover the cost of tournaments, medical equipment and rugby balls.

Responding to accusations of misuse of funding last year, Stan Dondle, a rugby player, said, “All the money we got for the Bahamas was paid for by the players.”

Administrative Vice President Tony Wagner feared other groups would follow suit if SGA condones the use of SGA money for activities and then personal money of groups is used for trips to the Bahamas.

“They’re students; we’re students. There are four students who could have personal feelings and those four are on the Finance Committee and they got past it,” said Executive Vice President Elect Lauren Gretz in reference to the election competition of the Wrestling Party.

Finally, the SGA agreed unanimously to give the Rugby Club the spot funding.

The last group to receive spot funding was the SLU Men’s Volleyball Club Team. Requesting $985 to cover the cost of their tournaments registration fees and one referee, the Finance Committee recommended they receive the funding as all their accounts were in order.

Brian Black, a member of the club team in attendance, explained their record, “We’re eighth in the nation and number one in the Midwest.”

In light of their success and excellent handling of finances along with continued need for financial support in other tournaments, First Year Senator Peter Brokish motioned to give the team the additional $676 left in the spot funding budget.

“We allotted them the money they asked for,” explained Finance Committee member Sharonda Lewis.

The senate voted to give the Men’s Volleyball Club Team the requested amount of $985.

After spot funding, the senate turned its attention once again to attendance. The newest attendance bill would count unexcused departures during senate meetings as one-third an absence.

“We’re not here to babysit, but the primary duty is to be at Senate,” said SGA President Jay Perry. “Right now, it is just not working.”

Black Student Alliance President Eddie Holman explained that while they were preaching to the choir, there were better ways to combat the problem effectively.

After a long debate, the bill was eventually tabled until next week.

Concluding the evening, the SGA wished the best to Traci Buss, Senior Secretary in the Office of Student life, in her new job, along with many thanks for her service to student organizations and the student body.