A Resolution to Urge the University to Reconstitute Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day
R. #13
36th STUDENT SENATE
1st Session
R. #13
A Resolution to Urge the University to Reconstitute Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day
IN THE STUDENT SENATE OF
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
December 7, 2015
Submitted By Senator Ouf, Senator O’Brien, and Senator Moore
Resolution #13
Be it resolved by the Student Senate of George Mason University -
Whereas, George Mason University presently observes Columbus Day on the second Monday of every October, and;
Whereas, Columbus Day is also a remembrance of an era of egregious crimes against humanity, and;
Whereas, the celebration of Columbus Day harms the greater George Mason University community by perpetuating a narrative which legitimizes systems of inequality against Native American and indigenous peoples, and;
Whereas, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a day of celebration on the second Monday of every October that aims to promote Native American and indigenous culture and commemorate the history of Native American and indigenous peoples, and;
Whereas, the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day will enhance the George Mason University experience by promoting the respect and inclusion of students, faculty, and staff of all identities, cultures, beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences, and;
Whereas, the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day will enhance George Mason University’s commitment to diversity by further accounting for Native American and Indigenous students, faculty, and staff, as well as further integrate awareness and celebration of their cultures in campus life, and;
Whereas, the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day will benefit the entire student body by including Native American and Indigenous students in a narrative of George Mason University that is recognized as being one of the most diverse college campus in the nation and also enables our students to create a more connected, empowering, and multicultural campus, and;
Whereas, George Mason University’s Fairfax campus as well as the City of Fairfax sit on lands that once historically belonged to the Doeg people, and;
Whereas, the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day will extend the commitment of the Student Government of George Mason University to create a culture of cultural appreciation, to work collaboratively with multicultural student organizations, and to foster a diverse and inclusive campus, pursuant to the Code of Student Governance Title II Subtitle III Chapter 12 §1202 (Purpose of the Legislative Diversity and Multicultural Affairs Committee) and Title III Subtitle II Chapter 4 §402 (Purpose of the Executive Diversity and Multicultural Affairs Department);
Therefore be it resolved, that the Student Senate urges George Mason University to recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day on any calendar published by the university every year, from this day forward;
Therefore, be it further resolved, that the Student Government shall seek to collaborate with the Faculty Senate, the Staff Senate, and any other necessary entities at George Mason University for the advancement of this initiative.
Passed the Student Senate: _______
Attest:
__________________________ _______________________
Speaker: John Daniels Clerk: Musirah Khan