Student Government Board passed a new resolution aimed at protecting students’ rights and preventing discriminatory policies at Pitt and discussed its food drive at its weekly meeting Tuesday night at Nordy’s Place.

SGB President Marley Pinsky read from the resolution’s preamble to explain its purpose. 

“The student body of the University of Pittsburgh affirms that all students, staff and faculty are entitled to an academic and campus life free from discrimination regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status and other protected classes,” Pinsky said. 

The resolution clarifies SGB’s role in governance and aims to increase communication between the University’s policies on international students and SGB. 

“We call on the University to provide transparent, accessible and timely updates regarding policy changes and proposals in order to ensure the safety and civil liberties of all members of our campus community,” Pinsky said.

Pinsky said this resolution stems from the current political climate, citing an increase in deportations without due process and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

“In light of nationwide patterns of xenophobic rhetoric, intimidation, arrests and deportations conducted without due process, the University must do everything in its power to resist federal attempts to seize protected information and disrupt campus life,” Pinsky said.

The resolution passed unanimously at the beginning of the meeting.

Pinsky also encouraged students to get involved with SGB’s sponsored food drive.

“All donations will benefit the food pantry. [We are not just looking for] food but paper products [and] menstrual products,” Pinsky said.

Donations can be dropped off at locations around campus, including in front of Forbes Street Market and in SGB’s office on the eighth floor of the William Pitt Union. They will be accepted until the end of the semester on Dec. 13. 

Budgets:

Bioethics Bowl requested $2,174.35 for its yearly budget. The board denied this request in full.

Engineering Student Council requested $2,510.17 for its yearly budget. The board amended and approved this request to $1,743.03.

National Society of Black Engineers requested $4,353.65 for its yearly budget. The board amended and approved this request to $3,220.85.

Chabad at Pitt requested $30,153.93 for its yearly budget. The board amended and approved this request to $1,800.

Ski and Snowboard Club at Pitt requested $65,422.80 for its yearly budget. The board amended and approved this request to $21,484.80.

Panther Racing requested $75,403.69 for its yearly budget. The board amended and approved this request to $42,231.73.

Allocations:

Pittsburgh Electric Propulsion requested $11,791.43 for a competition. The board amended and approved this request to $10,171.43.

National Pan-Hellenic Council requested $19,319.04 for an on-campus program. The board amended and approved this request to $18,969.04.