Two pieces of legislation will be read and voted on Wednesday that will affect all students.
Jacob Kluth, Student Government Association multicultural and diversity chairman, wrote both pieces — one about a new diversity statement to be implemented into all syllabuses and one about using preferred name when possible.
The diversity statement states that students should be able to talk to their professor or department chair anytime they feel they are discriminated against in the classroom setting.
Beau Browning, academic affairs chairman and sponsor of both pieces of legislation, said if students feel discriminated against, it can take a toll on more than just their emotions.
"It is about making students feel comfortable in the classroom and in their environment at their school," he said. "If they think they are being discriminated or judged for any reason, it will have an effect on their academic life."
Kluth said he wrote a diversity statement in fall, but Charles Payne, provost of diversity, said it needed to be reworded. The initial statement said professors will not discriminate against students, and the statement was too definite and could be a binding agreement.
The current diversity statement for all syllabuses, if passed, states professors should not discriminate against students for any reason, but if it happens students have the right to talk to their professor about it.
Kluth said he knows there is already a diversity statement worked into the journalism department syllabuses, but he has not seen one in any of his core class syllabuses.
The other piece of legislation being read for a third time Wednesday would give students the choice to have their preferred name option on their ID card and class rosters.
If students choose to use a preferred name, their birth name would remain the same on official Ball State documents, such as their degree, financial records and DAPR.
This piece of legislation is for students who are not comfortable being recognized by their birth name. Kluth said this includes transgendered students and other students who do not want to be called by their birth name.
Chris Buck, student services chairman and sponsor of both pieces of legislation, said this piece will help several students feel more comfortable in their everyday school life.
"If students feel they aren't safe with their name, we should protect that," he said.
If the legislation is voted in, the change will be made in 30 months when the system is updated.
Senators will be talking to their constituents before the SGA senate meeting Wednesday to see how they should vote.
Kluth said student voices are the most important factor in voting on the new legislation.
"Senators are the voice of the students. It is important we actually know what the students want," he said. "I think it is important for the students to know what is going on in the university and tell their representatives what they think."
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