FORMAL RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE BRFHS STUDENT SENATE

(Note:  Most recent resolution work is listed first)

BRFHS Student Senate 3-1:  DEVELOPING A RECYCLING PROGRAM

Passed by unanimous vote:  12.14.06

WHEREAS, recycling is good for the environment; and

WHEREAS, the school has recycling containers that go unused; and

WHEREAS, participation among everyone would keep the school environment more clean; and

WHEREAS, the school is a public tax-payer supported institution that needs to be responsible about the environment; and

WHEREAS, as an educational institution, the school must work to educate the next generation about the importance of recycling for the environment

Therefore, be it resolved, that the BRFHS student senate presents the following recommendations for consideration by the administration, staff, and students of our school:

Recommendation #1
We endorse a campaign to promote recycling at Black River Falls High School .  We strongly encourage the administration to help foster this program among the students and staff members.    

Recommendation #2
We endorse a campaign promoting awareness of the benefits of recycling.  The Senate Communications Committee will develop a plan for effective “awareness-raising” efforts including posters, PA announcements, appropriate information for the newspaper, and grass-roots efforts within the curriculum of classes where deemed appropriate.    

Recommendation #3
We will encourage the support of other groups and organizations to help aid the school environment with the recycling effort.  The Senate President will communicate with other student clubs to foster a community effort.   

Recommendation #4
We will work jointly with the Science Club to develop a realistic plan for recycling that will involve teams of students working during focus period on a weekly basis.  We will communicate with the janitorial staff and seek their direction throughout the process.  We will work to have an effective plan in place by February 1^st, 2007 .  

SENATE RESOLUTION 2-1:  PROMOTING POSITIVE SPEECH  

PASSED BY THE SENATE MEMBERS PRESENT:  12.8.05

Voting YES:  Zahasky, Rockney, Rozmenoski, Tyson, Arndt, Borreson, Gundrum, Epps, Quackenbush, Gomer, Kellen, Stittleburg, Warmke, Cork , Jordan , Koch, and Olson.

Voting NO:  None

Members Not Present:  Bohac, Back, and Rave

WHEREAS, speech that targets people on the basis of color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation is extremely damaging to those that are targeted; and

WHEREAS, hate speech can easily lead to hate crimes; and

WHEREAS, the US Supreme Court has consistently upheld state and federal laws that punish crimes more heavily if connected to hate speech; and

WHEREAS, fighting hate speech is one way to raise awareness of the damaging results of hatred and bigotry; and

WHEREAS, among the goals of the BRFHS Student Senate are creating a positive and future oriented atmosphere for students; and

WHEREAS, in 2005 the BRFHS Student Senate initiated the R.A.C.E. Initiative (Respect and Character Education) that focused on the improvement of dialogue in our school concerning race and diversity.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE BRFHS STUDENT SENATE PRESENTS THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE ADMINISTRATION, STAFF, AND STUDENTS OR OUR SCHOOL: 

Recommendation #1
We strongly endorse the notion that there needs to be a crystal clear line drawn between what is appropriate and what is not appropriate concerning speech in our building.  Hate speech and harassment issues should be punished to the fullest extent of the rules established by the Administration and School Board as spelled out in the Student Handbook.  In addition, a committee composed of administrators, teachers, and students should closely evaluate the present language related to harassment and propose changes if needed.  Changes in language should be finalized by May of 2006.    

Recommendation #2
We endorse an educational component to fighting this issue.  If a student has violates the rules related to hate speech and/or harassment, they should appear before a panel of 3-5 teachers for a positive intervention concerning the nature of their actions.  This should be in addition to the normal discipline process of the school.  The Diversity Committee, formed in the summer of 2005, should determine the make-up of the panel and the proper course of action concerning student interventions. 

Recommendation #3
We believe that greater awareness needs to be brought to the issue of hate speech and intolerant attitudes.  An ad hoc committee should be formed by January of 2006 that will explore the possibility of promoting a diversity week and/or student forums related to diversity issues and tolerance education within the school.  Input and participation from other organizations within the school should be sought throughout the discussion and development of this idea. 

Recommendation #4
We believe that the physical appearance of our building can promote the right messages concerning tolerance among diverse groups of people.  Working in conjunction with other organizations within the school, including interested and talented art students, the Student Senate proposes collaborative work on a mural or other appropriate display that emphasizes the concept of diversity.  The mural will be a first step toward creating positive imagery in the building that promotes multi-cultural awareness among our students.    

Recommendation #5
We believe that creative approaches to this issue need to be explored.  We urge the English and Social Studies Departments to work together to develop a student publication that will include works by students that center on diversity, race, and cultural issues.  This may include prose, poetry, student interviews, and the like. 

Recommendation #6
We heartily endorse the idea that the current Senate and future Senates keep this issue as a high priority.  Black River Falls High School must continue to evolve on issues of race, diversity, and multi-cultural awareness. Along with that, we encourage and endorse the idea of partnering with other groups within the school and the wider community, including appropriate local agencies and the Ho Chunk Nation in common efforts to promote education for tolerance.

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