GSA recap – April 13

The Graduate Students Association is the voice of graduate students on campus. The association meets for forum every three weeks and takes positions on current issues affecting graduate students. Forum meetings are at 5:30 p.m. in the Ackerman Viewpoint Lounge.

Agenda

• The forum found President Milan Chatterjee guilty of violating the GSA code and constitution, but did not take action against him. They will write a letter of censure next week, which will state they disapprove of his actions.

• The forum approved funding for the GSA election, including $3,971 for the Grad Bar, a social event informing students about the election, $204 for a meeting dinner, $300 to $400 for incentives to vote, depending on voter turnout, and $2,600 for unexpected expenses. The cabinet allocated a total of about $7,175 for the GSA election.

• Omar Zahzah, a member of the Students for Justice in Palestine at UCLA, presented a resolution condemning Islamophobia and anti-Arabism. The forum approved the resolution, but voted to strike out a few parts that accused some UCLA students of engaging in discriminatory behavior, because they could be defamatory.

• The forum voted to approve funding for the Innovation in Health competition, which intends to encourage students to use technology to bridge public health services. The forum allocated $2,000 for prizes.