Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s Student Government Association held its weekly senate meeting on Monday. The extensive meeting lasted more than five hours.
Natalie Alfonso, a student at the FAMU College of Law, went before the senate to be appointed as an associate circuit court judge. Alfonso was denied the position, but strongly voiced her opinion during her closing remarks. She said that the Student Senate was very unprofessional during her entire interview process.
Alfonso finished by thanking the senators for the interview. “Thank you to those who took the time to stand and make a comment, and I appreciate you for your time today,” Alfonso said.
The College of Law Student Bar Association President, Jonathan Monk, entered the gallery to speak on the denial of Alfonso. “I am deeply disheartened by the decision that was made here tonight,” Monk said. “I wrote a recommendation for her personally … because several student leaders here at the College of Law campus believed in her, and we all saw the intangibles that you could not see.”
Monk plans to work closely with SGA President, Rochard Moricette to fill the associate circuit court judge position.
The electoral commissioner said she has been working with all parties within SGA to finalize election dates for the spring election.
Two sets of dates were brought to the floor four times, but were denied each time. The Student Senate came to an agreement of dates where the declaration of candidacy will begin March 23. This agreement was reached after two hours of deliberation.
The Student Senate allocated funds to several organizations for travel, lodging and events.
Relay for Life was awarded $10,000 for its annual fundraiser, which takes place on April 17 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Florida A&M Army ROTC received $7,000 for its annual ROTC cadet ball.
The FAMU Concert Choir was awarded $10,000 for its invitation to Carnegie Hall in New York. Carnegie Hall has previously extended several invitations to the choir, but the concert choir denied them due to funding.
This is the first year the concert choir has been able to accept the invitation with help from Dean Valencia Matthews, President Larry Robinson and the Student Government Association.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:43 p.m.