SGA Beat: Talks of New University Seat, House Bill 512 and the Masquerade Ball

During the SGA meeting of March 14th, President Rosalyn Hedgepeth reminded attendees to stay tuned to new developments of the possibility of KSU creating a new seal. In the student-body meeting before spring break, Plamen Mavrov, a Political Science and International Affairs major, presented SGA with the idea of revising KSU’s seal.

The current seal displays the University name, state, and founding year, along with columns draped in a ribbon that reads “wisdom, justice, moderation” over an arch that reads “constitution.” When Mavrov saw the seal, he said he noticed that unlike other major universities in Georgia, KSU’s seal does not include a motto. Mavrov insisted that modifying the seal to contain a motto will “bolster school spirit, unity, and identity.”

“Taking up this topic on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the institution’s founding,” Mavrov explained, “sends a… symbolic message concerning the mission, philosophy, and increasing sense of unity and identification that has led KSU to its current status in half a century and that will lead it into the next half century of its existence and beyond.”

SGA council members appeared pleased with the idea of changing the University seal, and Mavrov said he is working with both SGA and the KSU Administration to make the new seal a reality, although the Board of Regions holds the final say on whether the plan will be implemented. Mavrov hopes the new seal to debut in Fall 2013, the kick-off of KSU’s 50th year.

President Hedgepeth addressed her concern and opposition of House Bill 512. HB 512, the Safe Carry Protection Act, would allow concealed handguns to be carried on Georgia Public School System campuses. President Hedgepeth, along with many other university presidents from schools such as Albany State University and Georgia Southern University, have written and signed a document asking members of the Georgia State Senate to join them in opposing the bill. In the letter, the presidents collectively concluded that passing the bill will “lead to much greater harm than good.”“I spoke on behalf of the majority of students on campus,” said President Hedgepeth. While she believes most KSU students share her opinion on the allowance of deadly weapons on campus, she also empathizes with pro- gun students. “I understand both sides,” she stated. “I believe in protecting myself, so I understand that [stance].” HB 512 has passed the Georgia House of Representatives and is now being considered by the Senate.

The first annual Feed the Future Masquerade Ball is less than one month away, taking place on Saturday, April 6th in the University Rooms. Referred on its Facebook page as “a party with a cause,” the ball’s proceeds will be used to benefit “students in need.” Entry is either three dollars or three Ramen or Hormel Complete Meals for KSU members (with an ID card), or five dollars or five Ramen or Hormel Complete Meals for non-KSU members. Tickets can be bought by going to the event’s Facebook or KSU’s homepage.