The Black Student Alliance rewrote and confirmed its new constitution last night before electing third-year College student Lauren McGlory as its newest president.
For the past year, the BSA, which serves as an umbrella organization for black organization at the University, has been testing its new structure. The current executive board, satisfied with the adjustments, recently voted to change the association's structure officially. The newly rewritten constitution eliminates the general body of direct participants in an effort to be more inclusive of all members of black organizations on Grounds and changed several positions within the executive board.
"We want it to be as open as possible," outgoing President Tamara Dottin said at last night's meeting. "We don't want to restrict anyone by saying we only have a general body, but instead include everyone who aligns themselves with our goals."
The organization's structure has been simplified to an executive board comprised of three major committees: programming, administration, and issues and networking. New official positions on the board include a leadership development chair whose responsibility is to help black students become more involved in student organizations, a community development chair who will seek to further the sense of community between black students, and a political action chair who will start political initiatives.
Following the constitutional changes, McGlory was elected BSA president last night, running uncontested on the platforms of experience, creativity, leadership and drive. She proposed reaching out to first-year students on the individual level using grassroots methods, supporting black students running for positions in student organizations such as Student Council and University Judiciary Committee, and encouraging black attendance at events many University students attend, such as the Foxfield Races.
"I want to stimulate cultural awareness and establish a better union with the community at large," she said.
McGlory, who previously served as leadership development co-chair, cited her experience coordinating past events, such as the Living on the Lawn reception, as an important quality she will bring to BSA as president.
McGlory also emphasized her drive and dedication to BSA's goals and leadership.
"BSA is something I take pride in and love," she said. "I want it to continue to make a positive impact at U.Va"
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