Student Government Association Hears from Students at “Speak Up!” Session

The NOVA Student Government Association hosted “Speak Up!,” a listening session with the student body to introduce them to SGA leaders, to discuss current events, reactions to the fall plan and suggestions for NOVA to consider to improve services. Student leaders from SGA were present to field questions and brainstorm ideas to address inequity, systemic racism and increased support for students during remote learning.

Students spent a considerable amount of time discussing ways that NOVA could make a statement against racial discrimination and systemic racism by officially denouncing the confederate flag and banning it from campuses, hosting more listening sessions with NOVA administrators and planning a webinar featuring NOVA faculty and staff to address institutional racism and what NOVA and the VCCS can do to “change the system.” They also discussed their feelings about the plan to limit campus interaction for the fall semester. While many of them were disappointed, they understood that the decision was made to protect the health and safety of everyone.

They also shared their thoughts and concerns about the death of George Floyd and police brutality. SGA members provided resources to support organizations fighting racial injustice and educational materials to learn more about the history of systemic and institutional racism. From this conversation, participants suggested hosting an International Week and programs that could be hosted through the Virtual Student Union to draw attention to different cultures and their history.

SGA is in the early planning stages of a webinar to address institutional and systemic racism. If you are interested in being a presenter or conversation facilitator for this event please contact Cari Dresser, Manassas SGA Advisor, cdresser@nvcc.edu.