FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11 November 2021
CONTACT:
Tyler Katzenberger, Press Office Director
press@asm.wisc.edu | 715-465-0289
ASM Introduces Anti-Violence and Student Workers' Rights Legislation
MADISON, WI — On Wednesday, the ASM Student Council introduced legislation to combat on-campus violence and advocate for student workers’ rights.
Student Council Representatives Erin Tritz, Kunal Sanwalka, and Jack Phillips introduced the Anti-Violence Committee legislation alongside ASM Diverse Engagement Coordinator Ndemazea Fonkem. Their legislation would create a new paid position, the Anti-Violence Coordinator, and a new open committee, the Anti-Violence Committee.
“Tonight, we proudly present a piece of legislation that would serve as a beacon of change for survivors of violence on our campus,” said Rep. Tritz. “As a survivor, I stand behind this legislation that survivors and advocates have written. There are many flaws in our campus’ sexual violence response infrastructure, and a new Anti-Violence Committee would advocate for student survivors at a legislative level and elevate the campaign for change on our campus.”
“I signed onto this resolution because it creates a committee within ASM which coordinates the efforts of various student organizations focusing on violence prevention and allows ASM representatives to amplify their voices through our unique access to administrators,” said Rep. Phillips.
The Anti-Violence Committee legislation is also sponsored by Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment (PAVE-UW), an on-campus organization dedicated to sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence prevention.
Also on Wednesday, ASM Student Services Finance Chair Maxwell Laubenstein introduced legislation calling for the formation of the Student Workers’ Rights Committee, a proposed shared governance body which would support advocacy and progress for student laborers on campus. The legislation is also sponsored by Rep. Phillips and the Teaching Assistants’ Association (TAA).
The body would consist of eight total seats, three of which would be assigned to the SSFC Chair, the EIC Chair, and the Shared Governance Chair. The remaining five seats would be at-large student seats appointed by the Shared Governance Committee.
Additionally on Wednesday, ASM approved $7,176.75 in funding for the UW-Madison Indian Graduate Students’ Association (IAGA) “Diwali Night 2021” event. The annual event, which celebrates and showcases the vibrant culture of India at UW-Madison, will take place on the night of Nov. 20 at Memorial Union’s Shannon Hall.
Finally on Wednesday, ASM appointed Jason Chladek and Keegan Lim to fill the Graduate School and Professional Student seats, respectively, on the Student Council.
The next Student Council meeting will be on Wednesday, December 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hearing Room on the 4th Floor of the Student Activity Center at 333 East Campus Mall.
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-- Associated Students of Madison: Tyler Katzenberger