The Associated Students of Colorado State University convened Sept. 16 for the sixth session of the 56th senate.
Following the swearing in of new senators and associates, the senate went straight into gallery input.
CSU student Thomas White gave an announcement regarding a “Pick Up The Mic Initiative,” that took place Sept. 17. The event was held by the CSU chapter of Turning Point USA, a national conservative political group.
“I simply ask that regardless of your beliefs or whoever you are, that you attempt to support those around you tomorrow during a time in which a Turning Point USA rally will be held, regardless of who you are or whether you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community,” White said.
Next for gallery input was Sen. Jack Pendleton, chair of the internal affairs committee, who brought attention to what he said is a problematic partnership between CSU and restaurant and company G-Que BBQ.
“On Sept. 6, CSU announced a new partnership with G-Que BBQ in Canvas Stadium,” Pendleton said. “G-Que was founded by Jason Ganahl, husband of former Colorado gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl, whose 2022 campaign built a defining part of its platform around the opposition to how schools treat transgender students.”
According to Pendleton, Heidi Ganahl spoke at a fundraiser for the Nine PAC, which is organized to restrict transgender women from women’s sports.
“We shouldn’t have to watch money from our public university flow towards a business connected to one of the most visible antitrans campaigns in recent Colorado history,” Pendleton said.
Next for gallery input was ASCSU Vice President Ben Gregg, who shot down rumors Erika Kirk would be in attendance at the CSU Turning Point USA event Sept. 17. Rumors first surfaced from a Reddit post Tuesday, Sept. 15.
“There have been a lot of rumors swirling around that Erika Kirk would be in attendance, so I spoke to CSUPD, and I also spoke to Marc Barker, who is the head of CSU Safety (and) Risk Management team, and he said those are completely baseless at this point,” Gregg said.
Senate then moved into campus community reports, and the CSU and Brigham Young University football game that took place Sept. 20 was mentioned for its recent social ramifications.
“Due to the upcoming football game against BYU, there’s been a noticeable rise in anti-(Mormon) sentiments on campus and on social media,” Sen. Laura Richards said. “The council is taking steps through our social media and some posters to mitigate that.”
Richards is on the Multifaith and Belief Student Council, which advocates for students with religious interests or who are part of religious groups.
Speaker of the Senate Ryer Roberts said next week’s senate would have a guest speaker before moving into confidence business.
Following the trend of the last two senate sessions, there were no nominations for the Housing and Basic Needs Caucus or Constitution Caucus chairs.
Regarding old business, Sen. Brooklyn Reese presented Lex #5604, “Codification of the ASCSU Oath of Office Reference Card,” which aims to make the office reference card a resource for ASCSU officials when they first start. This was the lex’s second reading.
Following a 30-minute period of Q&A, Lex #5604 passed via unanimous consent. The lex will go through the University Affairs Committee before it is finalized.
For new business, ASCSU Student Body President Victoria Quesada-Stoner presented Lex #5607, “Amending the Job Descriptions for all Executive Positions 2026-2027.” The legislation’s goal is to revise and add accurate job descriptions for roles within ASCSU.
Senate then proceeded with reports from all branches and committees.
ASCSU will reconvene Sept. 23.
Reach Katya Arzubi at news@collegian.com or on social media @RMCollegian.
