The Ohio University Student Senate passed three resolutions at last night's meeting in regards to a new women's center, a food salvage program and an objection to a November ballot issue that would strengthen Ohio's Defense of Marriage Act.
Senate passed a resolution against Issue One, a proposed amendment to Ohio's constitution that would place restrictions on unmarried couples.
This is not a liberal versus conservative issue
said Doug Cloud, commissioner for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs. It's a sense versus nonsense issue and this amendment is nonsense.
Many senators commented on the ambiguous language used in the proposed amendment, especially the phrase this state and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design qualities significance or effect of marriage.
According to a document brought before senate from the political action group Ohioans Protecting the Constitution, the wording of the proposed amendment would reduce benefits for unmarried couples in Ohio of the same or opposite sex, adversely affecting health care, maternity leave and the ability to own property.
We need to be taking the time to realize that we can't do things with unintended consequences
said Bryan O'Shea, senator for the College of Education.
After some debate, the senate passed a resolution urging OU to begin preparations for a women's center to open along with the new Baker University Student Center.
It's time to fight for this women's center on campus
said Commissioner for Women's Affairs Linsey Pecikonis.
OU has allocated space on the fourth floor of the student center for the women's center, but the budget has yet to be decided. Some senators said the money could be better used in other underfunded areas.
Also, the senate unanimously passed a resolution supporting a dining hall food salvage program. The Second Helping program, created by the University Life Commission, will donate the excess food deemed sanitary by the Athens Health Board and University Sanitarian to shelters such as the Hannah House and the Timothy House.
Senator At-Large Stephanie Pleli, chief sponsor of the resolution, said she modeled Second Helping on Stanford University's SPOON program, which provides dinner to 50 people in the San Francisco Bay Area every day.
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Matt McClellan
