Senate discusses police brutality, funding and online voting

During Tuesday’s Senate meeting, Budget and Appropriations Chairman Charlie Brown addressed the recent shootings of both black males and Dallas police officers.

“My name is Charlie Brown,” he said. “I’m a black male and an American.”

Brown said he remembers being 13 years old and living with his brother, who had a warrant for his arrest.

He said five officers showed up to arrest his brother, then beat him in the front yard as his mother screamed and cried.

His uncles held Brown down and told him not to help, Brown said. “‘Charlie, they will kill you,’” he said. “This is the reality for a lot of Americans.”

Brown said he wants the best for the U.S., and he believes you can support both the black community and police. He also said Americans should consider the diversity of perspective.

“The perspective at the top of the skyscraper is much different from those who are still climbing the stairs because the elevator has been taken away from them,” he said.

During first reading, the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures, a graduate Hispanic appreciation organization, received about $1,550.

The Funding for Hispanic Student Association: LOGRAS Bill passed unanimously after a different bill for its funding was struck last week.

Senate Allocations Chairman Austin Champoux said the organization would benefit more by being funded under the Hispanic Student Association umbrella.

The Senate also unanimously passed the Funding for First Generation Organization Bill, giving about $960 to the group for first-generation students.

During the public debate earlier in the meeting, Audrey Guerra, a 21-year-old UF political science senior, said she was concerned that Student Body President Susan Webster’s initiatives did not include online voting at the previous meeting.

“I’m here to express my hopes that the Senate does not ignore this issue; there are plenty of constituents who have deemed this issue super important,” she said.

For the executive branch report, Ty Robare announced plans to offer price matching and a discount on textbooks at the UF Bookstore on the first day of school.

The branch is also working on replacing the campus’ older charging stations and creating a “Pokemon Go” event.