The SGA senate unanimously voted during Monday night’s meeting to pass a resolution recognizing FAMU soldiers serving in the war .
The resolution is the senate’s way of showing support to the 15 to 25 FAMU students deployed to serve in “Operation Iraqi Freedom.”
The resolution, SR03S-003, says, “be it resolved that the 32nd student senate act diligently to show its utmost concern and gratitude for our FAMU students called to war for their service to the country and representation of FAMU.”
The resolution’s author, freshmen senator Ramon Alexander, said the motivating force behind the resolution’s conception was the “commitment and dedication of these brave students.”
Alexander deemed it imperative that a resolution of this caliber be passed.
“This initiative is appropriate to bring forth some unanimous opinion of legislation, which shows that the senate has care and concern for FAMU students oversees, said Alexander, 18, a political science student from Tallahassee.
Senior senator Darnell Strong said his only hesitation in supporting the resolution was the lack of objectivity in its language.
“I just don’t want the language to be skewed that the students think the student senate supports the war,” said the political science student.
A town hall meeting on April 16 in Perry Paige Auditorium will commemorate the resolution’s passing. During the special meeting a rendition of TAPS will be performed and a moment of silence will be offered for FAMU students called to serve overseas. The senate also plans to present the resolution along with names of students serving in Iraq to representatives of Army and Navy ROTC.
The senate is also looking to launch a pen-pal campaign, so that all students can express their concern and support for those FAMU students away defending the country.
Alexander also hopes that the senate’s unanimous decision highlights the senate’s ability to come together, despite differences, for the greater good of FAMU.
“Hopefully students will feel confident that the senate realized this issue’s importance and devised a legislative vehicle to ensure that it was addressed.”