Whereas, during the Fall 2024 semester, the GPSA Executive Board funded a Day of Dialogue event on November 22nd in collaboration with Cornell EARS, Vaccination Conversations with Scientists (VaCS), and Cornell Political Union (CPU).
Whereas, the Day of Dialogue event included workshops, listening sessions, and an expert panel, co-hosted by EARS, CPU, and VaCS, on topics ranging from confronting misinformation to embracing empathy in polarizing environments.
Whereas, the Day of Dialogue event featured a listening session with GPSA organized by the Student Advocacy Committee that made space for graduate students to share their views on the campus culture around free expression.
Whereas, the Day of Dialogue event was organized and coordinated by current GPSA voting member Yuqing Wu (Physical Sciences Representative).
Whereas, GPSA funding in the amount of $1000 was applied toward food costs for the event in addition to nominal printing fees for event publicity.
Whereas, a follow-up event regarding political polarization on Cornell’s campus is being planned for May 1st in collaboration with Cornell EARS, with a guest from the State Policy Advocacy Clinic.
Whereas, the event intends to provide mental health-related support for the Cornell Graduate Student community, especially in relation to political polarization and/or the recent change of administration. Since policy issues are likely to be mentioned by participants, a volunteer from the State Policy Advocacy Clinic will be able to provide guidance.
Whereas, the event is open and advertised to the Cornell Graduate Student community.
Be it therefore resolved, that GPSA pass $1000 from the GPSAFC rollover fund to cover food expenses for 100 people priced at $10 per person for the follow-up political polarization event.
Be it further resolved, that all unspent funds be returned to the GPSAFC rollover fund following the conclusion of the event and the settling of all purchases, debts, etc.
Respectfully submitted,
Nicholas J. Brennan, Executive Vice President
Yuqing Wu, Voting Member
