ASUO Senate resolution condemning Pacifica Forum members | News

The following is a resolution passed Wednesday night by the Associated Students of the University of Oregon Senate condemning the Pacifica Forum:

ASUO Student Senate, February 10, 2010
Student Senate Bill SS.R.6 (2009/2010)
 

Authored by: Senate Vice President Nick Schultz, Senator Demic Tipitino and ASUO Executive
Sponsored by: Senator Mercedes Whitecalf, Senator Castenada, Senator Zach Stark-MacMillan, Senator Chris Bochichio, and Senate Ombudsman McCafferty

SUMMARY
Condemns the actions of Pacifica Forum members and supports the University Administrations decision to remove them from the EMU

Section I.

    1.1  Whereas, the Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO) is composed of an Executive and Legislative branch, both advocating for issues and concerns shared by students of the University of Oregon; and
    1.2  Whereas, the ASUO acknowledges the right of all individuals and organizations to engage in unrestricted speech; and

    1.3  Whereas, the ASUO supports the Affirmation of Community Standards of the University of Oregon, policy number 1.000, which seeks to “Reject bigotry, discrimination, violence, or intimidation of any kind.”; and

     1.4   Whereas, recent comments and actions by members of the Pacifica Forum have degraded many students on this campus; and

     1.5  Whereas, students have expressed that they feel unsafe due to the situation surrounding the Pacifica Forum; both for the actions of members of the Pacifica Forum and to the negative climate they foster; and

    1.6  Whereas, the EMU is the center of student life, the home of a diverse student population, and is paid for with the intention of enhancing the cultural and physical development of the students of the University of Oregon; and

    1.7  Whereas, students partially control the functioning of the Erb Memorial Union, and desire that it remains a safe space for all students.

Section II.
    2.1  Be it resolved that, the ASUO unequivocally condemns the recent comments and actions by members of the Pacifica Forum; and

    2.2  Be it further resolved that , the ASUO supports the Administration’s recent decision to move the Pacifica Forum to a campus location outside of the EMU and recommends this decision become permanent; and

    2.3   Be it further resolved that, the ASUO encourages students to stand in solidarity against the views and actions of members of the Pacifica Forum, and encourages the administration to maintain the safety of all parties involved; and

    2.4  Be it further resolved that, the ASUO (especially the Executive and the Legislative branch) will pursue ways to build skills, to speak out, and be allies in order to lead the way to a more tolerant and inclusive campus community; and

   2.5   Be it further resolved that, messages of hate are not welcome on our campus.