This past week on March 20, the Villanova Student Government Association (SGA) posted a statement online to formally address recent federal policies that impact the University student body.
Co-posted alongside the Villanova SGA DEI Department, the statement covered the recent attacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Departments and efforts on college campuses.
“We reaffirm our commitment through structural changes that support students from a variety of lived experiences through the creation of the SGA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Department, which advocates for all students finding a sense of belonging at Villanova,” the post read.
This post falls in line with much of the current Student Governments goals to increase inclusion on campus.
In a previous interview with The Villanovan, current Student Body President Dean Millard shared his ideas on diversity, equity and inclusion on campuses, just in the beginning of federal policies taking shape to attack these institutions.
“I am confident that we can all come to the table together and exchange and uphold mutual respect and discuss diversity, equity and inclusion,” Millard said. “It’s not political, you just have a place here. Were an education institution, it’s important that we share different perspectives”
Now, college campuses are facing threats or legitimate removal of federal funding for noncompliance with several federal policies. The University thus far has established several discussions on the current political climate and what it means for the campus, including one hosted by the Communication Department just last week.
The Student Government statement also argued that protecting DEI falls in line with existent University values.
“In doing so, that also means we are advocating for a better Villanova that embraces our university values of Veritas, Unitas and Caritas,” the post read. “Our Augustinian mission at Villanova is maintained to ensure that all students–no matter where you come from, what you look like, or who you aspire to become– feel welcome.”
On March 10, in the midst of these federal actions, the Student Government even hosted a panel for students to get to know leadership of diversity, equity and inclusion at Villanova.
The Q&A featured Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Ariella Robbins and additionally, also featured Eloise Berry, the Vice President and Director of the Office of Belonging and Inclusion.
Currently, Kenza Idrissi Janati serves as the Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion. When she was appointed to the executive board, she shared online that she chose to participate in SGA in pursuit of inclusion.
“I wanted to continue cultivating meaningful and sustainable action on diversity, equity and inclusion issues at Villanova University,” SGA shared in a post as a part of its leadership spotlight series.
While campuses across the country scramble to hide DEI initiatives in an effort of compliance with federal policies, SGA has clearly established its stance online.
“Our goal since our inception has been to empower the student body,” the statement read. “By providing support for any students currently struggling and creating a climate where all students can thrive, we will continue to uphold the mission statement we abide by. Each student within our community matters, and we will continue to stand by you.”
Students with further inquiries for SGA are encouraged to come talk if they are struggling with the recent political events to come speak with members of SGA.
The office is located in Room 206 on the second floor of Dougherty Hall, and students are also able to email anytime at sga@villanova.edu.
