The Famuan

Issue date: 10/10/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Josh King Senate members listen attentively to the new proposals for financial support during the fall 2007 semester.

In the 7th session of the 37th Student Senate meeting held Monday evening, two A&S funded organizations requested funds. The Senate also announced their upcoming community service project and other campus organizations announced upcoming events.

After the senate returned from their Indianapolis retreat this past weekend, senators were greeted with a full senate chamber Monday evening. Representatives from the Resident Student Association and concerned residents from Gibbs Hall were present to request A&S funding for two security cameras, valued at $1000, for Gibbs Hall. The request was made as a result of the recent armed robberies and violence that have been occurring in and around the campus.

"People don't feel safe anymore," said RSA President, Keon Hogan, 19. "Students are being held at gun point."

Vice-President of RSA, Akeem Williams, 18, and Fahad Islam, RSA's advisor, added that the money RSA is requesting will cover two adjustable, color security cameras that also have zoom capabilities. The cameras will be used to track people entering and exiting Gibbs Hall.

"People can come in [Gibbs] through the side doors because those doors don't have any locks," Islam said. "Sometimes people come in and say they are going to visit their little brothers, then say never mind and leave."

RSA has offered to install the cameras to help save an additional $1,000 that would be charged for a company installation.

Islam said RSA also came before the senate to request funds because the Office of Housing does not have adequate funding to exclusively update the Gibbs' doors.

"If an incident is reported, then we will have videotape to see what went on because then we will have an exact time, then later a clearer picture of the face," Islam explained. "Installing video cameras could help in giving more information to police than just a blue shirt."

He added that cameras would also be placed above the side doors to monitor activity.

Senate President Mellori Lumpkin said that she has created a subcommittee to obtain concrete information on the origin of the funds that will be allocated to assist in Gibbs Hall for security. After RSA addressed the senate, New Beginnings, the childcare center on FAMU's campus, requested a fixed budget from the senate.

Continued...

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