President Law began the Senate meeting stating that USF is guided by two ideals, truth and wisdom, and that USF will adhere to academic freedom, access, and civic ideals. She noted that the Governor had released his proposed budget in which he proposed denying funding for critical race theory, diversity / equity / inclusion, etc., but USF will not know what is entailed until we see the legislation.
USF held several townhall meetings on upcoming legislation, and Senate President Jenifer Schneider presented some of the slides that had been presented at that meeting, noting in particular the intent to 鈥淎bolish DEI bureaucracies.,鈥� and concluded with some 鈥淔aculty Suggestions for Action,鈥� including rallying academic allies and informing and supporting students; it also presented talking points.
Senate elections are forthcoming and will be conducted by the individual units by March 3.
In other news, the Senate approved changes to the bylaws , which take effect immediately, and changes to the constitution , which take effect once approved by the Faculty and the President. Access to the library will soon require photo ID cards. Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Eisenberg reported that a draft of a policy on academic freedom shall soon be forthcoming.