Five clubs were funded, a dining services representative presented and the Denouncing Hate Resolution was approved at the Undergraduate Student Government general council meeting on March 7.

Vice President of Diversity Malcolm Lawson read USG’s new Denouncing Hate Resolution to the council.

“The goal of this is not to provide a guide for students who face discrimination. The purpose of this document is to make it perfectly clear that student government does not tolerate these things on our campus,” Lawson said.

Sustainability Committee Representative Emma Smith asked if the language of the resolution was approved by students on campus who belong to the groups mentioned. Diversity Relations Representative Vivi Martinez said the diversity clubs on campus were included in committee meetings to make sure the language is to their liking.

The resolution was approved 40-0.

$315 for Choir Club, $1,890 for Gamma Iota Sigma, $1,507.80 for Dance Club and $3,700 for Computer Science Club were approved in internal funding requests and Ballroom Dance Club was approved for $2,500 in conference and competition requests.

Mitch Karstens, associate vice president for auxiliary services, discussed the changes for dining services next fall. These changes include an unlimited meal plan, flex dollars changing to dining dollars and extended meal hours in The View.

USG members had many questions and concerns with regard to pricing and the unlimited meal plan. Karstens said that research shows that unlimited meal plans reduce food waste by about 40 percent and increase the number of meal swipes used by 20 percent. He assured members that meeting dietary and sustainability needs is a priority for dining services.

The Love Your Melon club presented with hopes of getting approved, but the discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

Junior Class Senator Andrew Spencer proposed changing the council’s meeting location. This discussion was also tabled until the next meeting.

Kat Barrett can be reached at barr1289@stthomas.edu.