Do you need to hear more?

Overview of this week's Senate meeting: The NASU Sit-in that occurred late wednesday evening revolved around a scheduling conflict between the annual Mother's Day Powwow, a cherished tradition for the Native American Student Union (NASU) and indigenous community, and the ASUO Spring Concert. NASU says the powwow is a vital cultural event celebrating indigenous heritage and providing a space for cultural expression and community building. ASUO's decision to hold the Spring Concert on the same day as the powwow has sparked outrage and protest from NASU members and supporters. They argued on Wednesday that this scheduling conflict undermines the attention towards the powwow and demonstrates a lack of cultural sensitivity and respect from ASUO towards indigenous traditions. The issue highlights the latest tensions regarding funding allocation and representation within the student government. NASU advocates for their voices and cultural heritage to be prioritized and respected by ASUO.

The ASUO Senate meeting held this week became a platform for impassioned speeches denouncing what many students perceive as the hypocrisy and fascist actions of the student government. The central theme of all speeches was the condemnation of ASUO's erasure of identities and oppression of people of color.

"It's not enough to just win your position or appointment," pointing to the failures of ASUO.

One student's speech starkly labeled ASUO as a fascist government that suppresses cultural expression and denies opportunities for marginalized communities to celebrate their heritage. Addressing the senators directly, the students accused them of complicity in these actions, urging them to feel shame, guilt, and responsibility for perpetuating systemic oppression.

“Each and every one of you is complicit in it... you should feel shame, guilt, and responsibility."

ROAR, a prominent student organization, echoed this sentiment and further emphasized the disapproval of ASUO's spending on last year's concert. ROAR explicitly demanded that ASUO refrain from scheduling the concert on the same weekend, let alone the same day, as the longstanding tradition of the Mother's Day Powwow. The ROAR representative condemned ASUO's "historical precedence" claim over the 56-year-old powwow tradition as violent.

"When you take away our opportunities to dance, sing, and celebrate our cultures, you are no better than the people that came in 1492."

Another student highlighted the colonialism and oppression embedded in the foundation of our systems, referencing the indigenous genocide that stains the country's birth. They asserted that ASUO senators, by assuming office, inherit the responsibility of addressing these historical injustices. The student called for genuine action rather than mere nods and applause in response to courageous statements made during the meeting.

As ASUO senators, "By taking office as student senators, you shoulder the burden of resolving those harms." the student added, "I really don't want to see you nod and clap while people say courageous things up here."

After students had voiced their concerns, the ASUO president invited further comments but was met with a question from the crowd: "Do you need to hear more?" Her response was a blunt "no." She then proposed the formation of a committee to protect the Mother's Day Powwow without addressing the fate of this year's powwow and the Spring Concert date.

The ASUO Senate meeting revealed deep-seated frustrations and demands for accountability from the student government. The failure to address the scheduling conflict and heed the concerns of marginalized communities underscores the need for systemic change within ASUO. As students continue to advocate for justice and representation, the pressure on ASUO to uphold its responsibilities and commitments only intensifies.

UPDATE: March 15th

ASUO President Chloe Webster released a statement via the ASUO student Government Instagram account addressing the situation. Many of the comments pointed out that the response was too little, too late. An important message President Webster highlighted was “these words will mean nothing” until action is taken. The planned action being “actively working with the agency to cancel the spring concert.” That action being “actively working with the agency to cancel the spring concert” and “prohibiting ASUO from hosting events during that time” in the future. Considering this is the second year NASU has had to fight over the placement of the concert, AND the fact that ASUO is increasingly unresponsive and filled with false representatives, it is unlikely we will see that change without having to further fight for it. The statement is as follows:

“Dear Native American Student Union and Indigenous Community members, On behalf of all the Associated Students of the University of Oregon, we deeply apologize for yet again scheduling the ASUO Spring Concert on the first day of the 56th Annual Mother's Day Powwow. As student government representatives, we recognize this decision caused direct harm and that we have failed to center your voice. While we are deeply sorry, we are very aware that these words will mean nothing until this organization takes action to restore trust.

We are actively working with the agency to cancel the spring concert. We will have more information early next week. That being said, we understand this hurt has been happening for years and that canceling the concert does not erase that. We know that this must be the start of significant change. The formation of the working group during Wednesday's Senate Meeting, including both NASU members and ASUO officers, begins the creation of the resolution, "Protect the Powwow." This resolution will ensure the security of Mother's Day weekend by prohibiting ASUO from hosting events during that time.

During Spring Term, a committee consisting of representatives from cultural organizations and ASUO officers from both branches will be formed and institutionalized within ASUO governing documents. The goal of this committee is to systemize consistent communication and transparency. We want to thank the students who came and shared their stories, perspectives, and experiences with us. The pain we saw and heard will sit with us in reflection not only for the remainder of our term but throughout our lives.
Sincerely, Chloé Webster ASUO President”