ASG Approves Key Legislation for Indigenous Language and Student Access

The Associated Student Government (ASG) at Northwestern University passed significant legislation during its meeting on June 14, 2023. The three resolutions focus on expanding Indigenous language learning, updating the Books for ’Cats program, and enhancing access to student athletic tickets for graduate students.

Indigenous Language Learning Initiative

The resolution to support Indigenous language learning was spearheaded by Lula Fox, a senator representing the Native American and Indigenous Student Alliance and a senior at Weinberg College. The initiative, which received support from 16 voting members, calls for the University to establish Indigenous language classes to help students meet their language requirements.

Fox emphasized the importance of this legislation, noting her personal experience learning CHamoru, an Indigenous language of Guam, without institutional support. “That is why we decided to write the legislation,” said Fox. “Just to show the University that there is student support for Native languages with ASG.” She highlighted that the School of Education and Social Policy had already begun offering Indigenous language courses, setting a precedent for other schools within the University.

First-year student Monica Riley from the Medill School of Journalism commented that SESP’s initiative serves as an important model for broader institutional support of Native languages. Classmate Abigail Buell, a sophomore in McCormick School of Engineering, expressed that institutional backing is crucial, especially as Indigenous languages face the threat of extinction.

Books for ’Cats 2.0 Update

ASG also approved an update to the Books for ’Cats 2.0 program, which aims to make textbooks and course materials more accessible. Proposed by sophomore senator Ivani Phillips, the update allows students to rent textbooks instead of relying solely on loans. Phillips explained that the traditional loan process can incur additional costs for students, making renting a more flexible option, particularly for those with financial constraints.

She expressed her satisfaction with the passage of the updated legislation, stating, “I’m just so happy that students have passed this updated legislation. It’s important to have student input on programs that directly impact students, especially with textbooks, that are, in a way, funded by students’ tuition.” Phillips plans to advocate for the University administration to adopt this new policy.

Access to Student Athletic Tickets for Graduate Students

In another notable decision, ASG senators voted to pass a resolution that grants graduate students access to student tickets for athletic events. Proposed by Communication senior Ryan Lien, this resolution seeks to ensure that graduate students can enjoy the same athletic experiences as their undergraduate peers.

The recent legislative actions reflect a broader commitment by ASG to enhance student life at Northwestern. In the coming weeks, ASG is expected to address additional resolutions, including a proposal to establish two campus lost-and-found centers to better serve students on both the north and south sides of the campus.

As these initiatives gain momentum, they underscore the active engagement of the student body in shaping policies that impact their educational experience.