03.04.10 Meeting Minutes

Chair: Venus Soto

Minute Taker: Erin Strasen
Stack Taker: Akeema Anthony

AGENDA

1. Proposal for Free Press reporters to be banned from meetings
2. Proposal to postpone Occupation Fund voting due to National Day of action. 
3. Proposal to make changes to the constitution regarding the use of a proxy.
4. Miami Conference Proposal

Free Press

• LSU does not have the authority to ban any student or organization. It is unconstitutional and we are an organization that promotes transparency.
• Further complaints about errors or misquotes in the Free Press should be directed to editor-in-chief Kate Hanselman at hanksek45@gmail.com.

Occupation Fund

• Agreed to postpone the vote due to unclear facts in the proposal.
• The final destination of the money needs to be made very clear. 
• Where will the money be going exactly? 
• Lang students? Or the Occupation Fund in general?

Proxy Costitnution Changes

• 1:1
• Verify that they are full time Lang students
• The proxy can be used for one meeting at a time.
• Clarify the definition of extenuation circumstances.
• How can we make it so that people who regularly attend meetings have do not become outnumbered by proxies in terms of the ability to vote.
• Must inform the LSU of the proxy in advance.
• Extenuating circumstances include work and class.

Miami Conference Proposal

·      $3,000 includes round trip airfare, housing and transportation.

·      3 people

·      April 16^th to 18^th

·      New School University is recognized

·      Vote will be postponed until next meeting

·      We need a more specific break down of funds.

General Meeting Notes

• $16,045 remain in the account. 
• Spread the word that we need proposals.
• Proposals should be sent 2 days before the meeting.
• Adjustments to proposal guidelines need to be made.
• Differentiate between large funding proposals and less significant proposals.

CONSTITUTION CHANGES

Amendment to Article IV, Section 2, line b
One member of the Lang student body can only proxy for one other full time matriculated Lang student. 
In Favor 14
Opposed 0
Abstentions 3

Amendment to Article IV, Section 2, line b
Any student sending a proxy in their stead must send an email at least 24 hours in advance from their New School account stating their intent and proxy name.  The proxy vote is only effective for one meeting.  Extenuating circumstances extends to class and work schedule conflicts only. 
In Favor 13
Opposed 0
Abstentions 4


Amendment to Article IV, Section 2, line a
3/4 majority process vote is required any funding, constitutional and political proposals.  2/3 majority process vote is required for operational, non-political and non-funding proposals. 
In Favor 14
Opposed 0
Abstentions 3

Meeting notes can also be viewed here.


UPDATED CONSTITUTION

LSU Meeting: Occupation, Constitution, Proposals, CHANGE

After 3 weeks of postponing the vote on the contentious issue of::: funding the remaining legal defense fund for students involved in the occupation $2200, we will finally be voting on the issue.  We have included information about the occupation to debunk any myths that may exist regarding the event and to invite new students to educate themselves on the topic.

We invite all Lang College Students to attend this meeting and participate in the decision making project.  If you cannot attend tomorrow's meeting you may not vote electronically on the issue, but you may send a proxy in your place.  (See LAST WEEKS MEETING MINUTES or the CONSTITUTION for details).

We have enclosed the constitution and guidelines for all students to keep and review when necessary.

Meeting Agenda

Legal Defense Fund for Occupiers $2200

Clinton Global Initiative University conference fees $3000

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

LAST MEETING MINUTES

Attendance

14 Lang Students

Amendments to the Constitution

Currently, unanimous vote passes all proposals.  This amendment proposes that the current unanimous vote be changed to include a minimum 10 minute open dialogue, where parties For and Against  and Abstention is given 5 minutes to present their arguments.  Whenever a unanimous vote cannot be reached this open dialogue will preceed a 2/3 majority vote of students voting for or against.  Abstentions are not counted towards the 2/3 majority vote.

Vote

For: 10

Against: 0

Abstentions: 1

Currently there is no clause that addresses physical/digital presence for vote.  Regarding physical presence for vote, attendance is required.  If a person desires a vote and cannot attend for extentuating circumstances they may send a proxy in their stead.

Vote

For:10

Against: 0

Abstentions: 0

Currently the constitution implies that students who attend Union meetings are responsible for allocating the budget based on votes on behalf of the entire student body.  We propose that a clause be added that explicitly gives Lang students in attendance at Union meetings all jurisdiction over the budget allocations.

Vote

For: 9

Against: 0

Abstentions: 2

Memo to JS from Ad Hoc Committee 

Park Jensen Report to Ad Hoc Committee