The Associated Students of Colorado State University convened March 4 for the 23rd session of the 55th senate.

Following the swearing in of new senators and associates, senate moved into gallery input.

Many students voiced support for Bill#5540, “Funding the CSU Lavender Cabinet,” in light of a Kansas bill largely targeting the transgender community. The bill requires “multiple-occupancy private spaces” in public buildings, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, to be used based on birth sex. The legislation also nullifies birth certificates and driver’s licenses that don’t reflect a person’s sex assigned at birth.

The Lavender Cabinet, located in the PRIDE Resource Center, provides a range of gender-affirming supplies and basic needs resources for students at CSU. Many students said that supporting the bill would send the message that transgender students are valued members of the CSU community. 

Students also addressed the Department of Homeland Security’s 287(g) program, which allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement to delegate state and local officials to carry out specified immigration officer functions under the office’s direction and oversight. The program has three models: jail enforcement, task force and warrant service officer. Colorado currently has one model in the state, according to the program’s map. Students opposed the CSU Police Department’s potential working with ICE under this bill and called for a resolution from ASCSU to address it.

“These local police know our neighborhoods, they know where we come from, they know the ins and outs, they know the people we are, they know many people of our community, and this is dangerous,” said Maya Denny, co-chair for CSU Young Democratic Socialists of America.

Following galley input, guest speaker Medora Huseby, associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, shared information about the Open Education Resources committee, which Huseby chairs.

The executive, judicial and legislative branches then gave their respective reports. Notably, ASCSU Supreme Court Deputy Chief Justice Katelyn Brennan delivered Opinion #5503, clarifying ex-officio status and the rights of senators emeriti and establishing a difference between speaking rights and motioning rights.

Next, Associate Sen. Jack Pendleton was nominated to the Legislative Strategic Advisory Board and was approved with unanimous consent.

Moving into old business, Bill #5540, “Funding the CSU Lavender Cabinet,” was revisited. The bill requests $7,500 to fund a wide range of items, including gender-affirming garments and hygiene products, for the spring and summer 2026 semesters.

Following discussion and debate, the bill was passed via voice vote.

Moving into new business, Resolution #5546, “Enforcing the Time Limits of the Senate,” was visited. The resolution aims to amend the Senate Bylaws and create stricter time limits, requiring the consensus of the senate to override them.

Following Q&A, the legislation was sent to the Internal Affairs Committee, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Affairs Committee and the Accessibility Caucus for review.

Next, Bill #5547, “Supporting Open Educational Resources at Colorado State University,” was visited, formally expressing ASCSU’s support for prioritizing and expanding the OER program.

Following Q&A, the bill was sent to the University Affairs Committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Affairs Committee for review.

Finishing off new business, Bill #5548, “Advancing Equity in College-Specific Graduation Celebrations,” was visited. The Bill aims to disseminate information regarding certain college recognition ceremonies being held in a tent. The legislation “calls on the university to host all college-specific ceremonies in equitable indoor settings on campus.”

Diverging from historic commencement locations like Moby Arena, several colleges, including Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources and Liberal Arts, have been placed in ceremonial tents.

Initially shared during the 20th senate session, Associate Sen. Kambria Wilkin revisited a survey she sent out regarding commencement changes. The survey has accumulated nearly 100 responses as of March 4, gathering opinions of students from each year in all colleges. 

“Finishing a degree takes years of hard work,” wrote one student in their response. “For all of that to culminate to a celebration in a tent is insulting to the graduates, as well as a reflection on what CSU truly values — and it’s not the achievements of their students.”

Gallery input speakers have also expressed dismay with college recognition ceremonies being held in tents during prior senate sessions as well.

Following Q&A, Bill #5548 was sent to the University Affairs Committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Affairs Committee for additional review.

ASCSU senate will reconvene March 11.