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Syracuse University’s Graduate Student Organization outlined goals for its DEIA committee during its second meeting of the semester on Wednesday. The organization also approved a funding request and held confirmation hearings for a new interim director of external affairs and interim communications director.

Since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, the White House has rolled back diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives and reversed efforts made by previous administrations pushing for LGBTQ+ inclusivity. GSO President Pro Tempore Avery Welna, co-chair of the DEIA committee, said the committee’s main goal is to find solutions for those affected by these policy changes while navigating the current political landscape.

“Given the recent attempts to roll back DEI initiatives, we want to make sure that these students know that they are protected and that there are resources here for them, and that GSO is a place where hopefully they feel safe,” Welna said.

As part of its DEIA efforts, GSO will partner with SU’s Disability Cultural Center to raise awareness for Rare Disease Day. The organization will highlight the stories of people living with rare diseases on its Instagram page.

Welna said her committee will also compile resources for international, transgender and non-binary students while advocating for other marginalized groups on campus. The committee also serves to expand GSO’s presence on campus, particularly with the university’s heritage and awareness months, such as Disability Pride Month and Women’s History Month.

GSO also approved a funding request from the Black Graduate Student Association to host its annual Black Opulence Brunch. BGSA initially requested $1,000, but GSO amended the request to $1,450 to help BGSA cover more catering costs.

Senators then entered confirmation hearings for a new interim director of external affairs and interim communications director, naming Alexis Faison and Prasad Ranka to the positions, respectively.

GSO President Daniel Kimmel said the hearings were held after the former director of external affairs, Becca Vinciquerra, left the position. Vinciquerra has finished her coursework and will graduate in May, Kimmel said. The newly filled positions will be effective Friday.

In their presidential report, Kimmel expressed a desire to strengthen the practice of shared governance with other government bodies on campus, referring to members of the University Senate’s recent efforts advocating for shared governance on campus. They also said GSO was working with the senate to improve its outreach programs and increase its influence across SU.

Kimmel closed their remarks by encouraging the organization to continue advocating for graduate student rights and exercising their rights as GSO members.

“Remain vigilant in the defense of your graduate student rights. I’m doing everything I can in my final months in this position to prepare all of you and to prepare anybody who might be taking up the mantle after this,” Kimmel said. “I do believe that graduate student rights are no longer seen the same way as they once were.”

Published on February 27, 2025 at 1:25 am

Contact Henry: hdaley@syr.edu