Brooke Schmill
bschmill@uwyo.edu
A bill to support relocation of the UW family statue due to its perceived exclusivity was passed Tuesday during ASUW’s final meeting with its 2015-16 elected officials.
Senate Bill No. 2509: ASUW Support for Relocation of the University Family Statue originated because of the controversy surrounding whether the statue includes all types of families.
The family statue is in the middle of Prexy’s Pasture, and it is a white mold depicting a mother, father and child in an embrace.
“Although the University Family Statue is only one artist’s rendition of the UW Family, it is not an accurate or inclusive depiction of those individuals who comprise the UW Family,” according to the resolution.
Prexy’s Pasture serves as a centerpiece for student activities, visitors, alumni and statewide events, and art displayed on the UW campus is a nonverbal representation of campus values, according to the resolution.
Senator Breanna Farley said she believes the sculpture might not bother some students because it represents the family they grew up with; however, there are numerous students who grew up with non-traditional families, and the statue excludes them.
Senator Clinton Harper said, “When I asked students about this, the reaction was mixed. Some people see nothing wrong, others find it offensive.”
Senator Sarah Lehmitz said moving the statue will be sending a large message, as well.
“For some students who do identify with the sculpture, might see this negatively. The home they grew up in is now a stigma. Maybe there should be a diverse collection of statues,” Lehmitz said.
In other business, ASUW discussed and then failed to pass Senate Bill No. 2508: Revision of the Powers of the Executives.
According to the Bill’s Addendum’s, members of the Executive Branch would have authority to author legislation only if collaborating and co-authoring legislation with at least one senator of the legislative branch or a student-at-large
ASUW President Brian Schueler stated disapproval for the bill. Schueler said every student on campus is allowed to write legislation, with the exception of judicial council members who voluntarily waive the right. He did not believe there is rational in taking away this right from Executives.
“Executives are paid to write legislation which is the grunt work compared to the magic that senators do; debating the legislation on the floor and making a decision on the floor,” Schueler said.
During the debate co-author of the bill Senator Sarah Maze from the College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized this bill is in no way an attempt to diminish the Executive Branch’s powers.
“The intent behind this bill is positive. It is not supposed to be inhibiting. The focus is to empower ASUW,” Maze said.
One senator brought up passing this bill would make authoring legislation over summer break difficult, considering some senators will not be sworn in until fall semester.
“Having this requirement during the summer is a great way to assure that there is outreach over the summer,” Senator Eilish Hansen from the College of Agriculture said.
Senator Courtney Thomson-Lichty from college of arts and sciences fears this bill might decrease incentive for students to become Executives.
Senator Rael Otuya from the college of agriculture said, “The fact the Executives are paid to write legislation makes this bill a restriction.”
She said the Executive Branch should be allowed to use their time for the reason they were hired in the first place.
Additionally, ASUW is hosting “Word with the Byrd” today at 6 p.m. in the Agricultural Auditorium. Wyoming Representative James W. Byrd, D-Laramie, is coming to UW to lecture on his journey, and how working in the system can help promote change.
ASUW will have its first meeting with its 2016-17 elected officials Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Union Senate Chambers.
