At its Friday meeting, the Student Government Association addressed a recent incident involving racist and homophobic slurs directed at campus staff in the Little Building and Emerson’s response.

An email from Vice President and Dean for Campus Life Jim Hoppe and Vice President for Equity and Social Justice Shaya Gregory Poku was sent to all Little Building residents stating a note was found on a staff office door containing “harmful words attacking the identity of those staff members with racist and homophobic slurs.” 

As a result, all Little Building residents are required to attend mandatory conversations on Sept. 30, at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

“We are aware of what happened in the Little Building,” said SGA President Pranit Chand. “We as the SGA condemn this incident.” 

Hoppe attended the meeting and affirmed his support for the mandatory events. 

“The goal is to start the conversation,” he said. “This is the first time an incident like this has been so directly targeted at a specific person.”

Later in the meeting, SGA appointed two new members: Sean Meyers ‘24 as the Performing Arts Senator, and Izzy Astuto ‘25 as the Academic Department Senate Chair. 

Additionally, several SGA candidates introduced themselves before their official voting-in at next week’s meeting: Sam Rajesh ‘24 (Spiritual Life Senator), Stefani Davila ‘25 (Community Service Senator), Ariane Ivanier ‘23 (Communication Studies Senator), Rebecca Sherman ‘24 (Deputy Chief Justice), Charlize Silvestrino ‘25 (VMA Co-Senator), Fiona Brown ‘25 (IDS Deputy Senator), and Vivian Wang ‘24 (International Student Senator).

Many of those running for SGA positions expressed their desire to represent the various students at Emerson and foster a better sense of community. Sherman addressed this as she explained her goals as future deputy chief justice. 

“I want to connect with the Emerson community so they know that their voice matters,” she said. 

The association still has openings for a sustainability senator and a library and technology committee position. 

Fourth-year BCE major Adriana Sophia Amy Delgado attended the meeting remotely and proposed a fundraiser to support those impacted by Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico. Delgado was born and raised in Puerto Rico and is seeking the support of SGA and various intercultural organizations at Emerson for her fundraiser.

The SGA will hold a follow-up meeting to further discuss sending aid to Puerto Rico. This meeting will be open to anyone interested in or affected by Hurricane Fiona.