During their first meeting of the term, the newly elected Student Council members discussed the hotly debated JuicyCampus.com. Amid the controversy surrounding this Web site Council members unanimously passed a resolution criticizing the site, formally requesting that Facebook discontinue advertisements for the site and encouraging students to boycott use of the site.
"We felt we had nothing to lose and everything to gain by passing this resolution," Council President Matt Schrimper said. "I think if we're going to take a stance and if we're going to say this is not something we want at our University, then we should back it up."
A number of community members expressed their opinions about the site to Council before the vote.
"I hope you do take this seriously," Resident Staff Co-Chair Alexandra Arango said. "Because if we have Student Council's support we will be able to work with other organizations."
First-year College student Neal Fox expressed similar concerns to Council members.
"This site is hurtful," Fox said. "Some of the comments are threatening and some are unbelievably rude. I implore you to consider the effects this site has on students."
College Rep. Sam Davies, who proposed the resolution, said Council should make a strong public statement about the site.
"It's gotten to the point where we have to act," Davies said. "Anyone who has gone on Juicy Campus is taken aback. There are some serious statements that target specific individuals; it's an embarrassment to the University and it's important that Council says something about it."
Although the Juicy Campus resolution formed much of Council's discussion last night, Council passed another resolution that confirmed the new Executive Board. The board, appointed by Schrimper, includes Christina Portal as chief of cabinet, Ethan Jorgensen-Earp as director of university relations, Chareid Ross as chief financial officer, and William Reynolds as chief technology officer.
College Rep. Kathleen "Katie" Lee was elected to the new position of chair of the representative body, a position formerly known as executive vice president.
"I've become very passionate about Council and I feel like I'd bring a lot of good ideas to Executive Board," Lee said in a brief speech before voting. "I will do the best to my ability."
Schrimper noted his confidence in the new board members.
"Each [Executive Board member] is here for a distinct reason, and they'll all contribute something to Student Council over the coming year," Schrimper said.
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