STUDENT SENATE RECAP: TITLE IX, WARTBURG LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

ZACH HINEY, KNIGHT WIRE STUDENT SENATE REPORTER

The Wartburg Student Senate had its second meeting of the semester on Thursday, January 20, focusing on Title IX and its impact on the Wartburg community.

Karen Thalacker presented and is the campus Title IX coordinator, a pre-law advisor on campus and also a lawyer.

The discussion about Title IX opened with a general overview and the history behind it. Title IX was a part of the Education Amendments of 1972, and it prohibits gender and sex-based discrimination in federal organizations, such as a college. It’s well-known for its role with college athletics, but Thalacker said its purpose at Wartburg shouldn’t be forgotten.

“Title IX focuses on gender disparities on campus as well,” said Thalacker.

The discussion then shifted to Wartburg specifically. Thalacker said it’s extremely important for those on campus who don’t have to worry about something like walking back from the library at night to be involved in making change.

“It’s important to hold others accountable here on campus,” Thalacker said.

The final part of the discussion was about an opportunity that could be coming to campus. The Riverview Center in Waterloo is a nonprofit group that helps victims of abuse. They will be coming to Wartburg to talk to the Senate about what they do. After that, the goal is to set up a time for them to talk to other Wartburg students.

Also, Dr. Michael Gleason is looking for volunteers for the Wartburg Leadership Council. If interested, contact  michael.gleason@wartburg.edu.

The final part of the meeting contained an update on the search for a new president. Vice President Olivia Hobson is working with the presidential search committee and said that they’re looking to meet with student leaders on campus to talk about the search. Hobson also said they hope to pick a new president by the end of June.