Naomi Girson | staff writer

The Student Government Association met on Wednesday to discuss how Duquesne University is approaching Trump’s administration, as well as the induction of a new vice president to their executive board after a two-thirds majority vote in favor.

Braden Niles, vice president of academic affairs, discussed the conversations of an academic panel that was held with members of SGA and Duquesne’s administration on Monday. With growing concerns over federal funding, he assured everyone that Duquesne is staying alert for changes that may be afoot.

“I know there’s a lot of concerns over federal funding and things changing with the new administration, so they’re working closely to follow that, so just sort of any anxiety you have, don’t worry, there’s people in admin who are aware of the fluidity of the situation,” Niles said.

SGA President Faith Cook also met with Duquesne President Ken Gormley recently, and she addressed the recent school wide emails that have been sent to the student body, regarding immigration and other concerns under Trump’s administration.

She offered her support, telling everyone to come to her with any concerns or questions that may arise with these changes. Cook was adamant that she would be able to help or find someone who could.

Samiya Henry, co-chair of the diversity, equity, inclusion committee, highlighted the importance of Duquesne Police and Chief Eric Holmes, and their role with the protection of campus.

“[Chief Holmes] is the main figure on campus that people have to go through in order to step foot in our little home on the Bluff. So if they’re here, there’s already a reason why they shouldn’t be, but Chief Holmes kind of knows what’s up, and so all of his officers are fully prepared for you to call them in the event anything happens,” Henry said.

In cases of unwanted visitors on campus, Henry recommends calling the Duquesne Police emergency number, 412 396-2677.

In other news, two new senators were installed, Aziz Yumouh and Alexis McMichael, both wanting to join the cabinet in order to get more involved with campus.

Cook along with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Government Operations committee were also finally able to vote on their amendment to the SGA constitution, adding a new vice president position to the executive board, executive vice president of mission and community.

The amendments made were summarized by Cook before the vote. She said the new vice president would work to strengthen the SGA connection to Campus Ministry and the Division of Mission and Identity. This will create a better community both within SGA and for Duquesne as a whole, Cook said.

With the majority votes in favor, the position would be ready to be on the ballot for this upcoming SGA election, taking place on March 19.

Everyone gave Henry and Cook a round of applause for their accelerated work on their vice president pursuit, getting approval for this year’s election cycle.

During the open forum, numerous upcoming events were promoted, including some from Henry, in honor of Black History Month.

In the Union atrium this Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Duquesne is holding a Black business expo, and next Wednesday in the Power Center Ballroom, there will be a formal Black love day dance, with non-Parkhurst associated food, starting at 6 p.m.

SGA will next meet in the Student Union, room 119 on Feb 26, at 5:30 p.m.