The student government passed the emergency legislation proposals for payment to the student government graphic designer and the proposal for the approval of the Kickin’ It in the Quad event, during Wednesday night’s meeting.

The benefit of having an on-staff graphic designer was discussed.

“I think that it will help with advertising for sure, especially for events that we are planning. It will give a better appearance for student government that students can see on posters and brochures,” said Alex Boyd, student government member.

The Kickin’ It in the Quad event was also discussed.

“I just hope that students will come out and address the senate with appropriate and logical concerns and express every and any ideas that they want addressed,” Speaker of the Senate Jason Sandidge said.

Boyd said what he wants to accomplish through the event.

“My main concern is that I want people to know that we are able to help, there are a lot of people that don’t know about our student government, so that is a big thing I want to get addressed,” Boyd said. “I want people to be able to come and talk to the senate about their issues and concerns and realize that we are students too, we are at the same level they are.”

The number of participants, both students and senate members, in this event was also important to members of the student government.

“For senators, I hope that every senator that is free during that time will be there,” Sandidge said. “And for students, I’m hoping for a huge turnout, because this is a great way to go out and directly reach the students and hear their direct concerns instead of having them fill out a piece of paper or email us, instead we will be right there talking to them face to face.”

Boyd said that he would like to see at least four to five senators to be at the event at a time.

Boyd said that snacks and refreshments will be available along with games such as: beanbags, a football, and Frisbees.

“If I could get a steady stream of quick conversation for a couple hours that would be great,” Boyd said.

If the proposal is passed, the Kickin’ It in the Quad event will take place on Oct. 21 from 11a.m. to 2p.m. in the South Quad.

During audience participation, Professor Chris Hanlon proposed changing the name of the Douglas Residence Hall.

“I’m coming to you tonight to ask you to consider voting on a resolution supporting that suggestion,” Hanlon said.

It is named after Stephen Douglas and Hanlon explained his motive to change the name to Douglass Residence Hall, after Frederick Douglass.

“There is no excuse, I maintain, for having on our campus a building named in honor of a man whose every utterance relayed such contempt for people of African descent,” Hanlon said. “Further, I believe that it is an insult and a provocation to many Eastern students.”

Members of the student government had comments regarding Hanlon’s proposition.

“It’s a touchy subject, I can see his reasoning, and if he goes through the right passageways to get this done and he’s done his research on it, and also gets the feedback of students on this subject with the majority supporting this, then I will support him,” Sandidge said.

A campus debate on this issue is scheduled for Nov. 1.

Rachel Rodgers can be reached at 581-7942 or at rjrodgers@eiu.edu.