The Student Government Association voted on three bills, including one to support breast cancer awareness, during its Senate meeting on Mar. 20.

Bill 15-18-S proposed funding $300 to WKU Students for Breast Cancer Awareness for a fundraising event called “#WhyIFight.”

“The #WhyIFight campaign is a way to raise awareness for breast cancer by encouraging members of the community to write on a chalkboard their reason for supporting breast cancer research,” the bill stated.

The $300 allocated for the event would be used for purchasing materials, including but not limited to chip board, plywood, nails, chalkboard paint and white colored paint, according to the bill.

Senator Amanda Harder, who co-authored the bill with Senator Logan Hornback, said her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It’s something I’m really passionate about,” Harder said, regarding breast cancer awareness.

The bill passed unanimously in the Senate.

The Senate voted on Bill 13-18-S, which allocated $250 to purchase stoles for Lavender Graduation, which takes place on May 8, 2018.

The Lavender Recognition Ceremony, or “Lavender Graduation,” is an event that celebrates and recognizes the achievements and contributions of LGBTQ and ally graduates at WKU, according to the bill.

“The funding is necessary as SGA’s purpose is to represent all students at WKU, including members of the LGBTQ community,” the bill stated.

Senator Dallas McKinney said in a short speech against the bill that he did not support it, though he did not give his reasoning.

Senator Lucas Knight, who said he works closely with the Bowling Green Fairness Ordinance, said the funding of the stoles for the graduates was important.

“This bill is a very small way of giving back to the LGBTQ+ community,” Knight said.

With a vote of 28-5, the bill passed.

The third bill voted on in the Senate was Bill 14-18-S, which allocated funding $450 from the Senate budget for the WKU Indian Student Association Holi Festival. The funding would be matched by $450 from the executive budget.

The funding would be used to purchase materials, including colors, water bottles, tables and chairs.

SGA Director of Information Technology Smita Peter said Holi is celebrated all over the world.

“It signifies love and is a victory of good over evil,” Peter said, regarding the significance of the Holi Festival, which would take place on March 25, 2018.

The bill passed unanimously in the Senate.

Public Relations Committee Chair Will Hurst did not attend the meeting, and SGA Senator and Public Relations Committee Vice Chair Alex Sergent sat in Hurst’s seat at the front of the Senate chamber. The Senate did not acknowledge the change.

“I am the interim chair currently, and I have not been given any details as to what is going on,” Sergent said after the meeting.

When asked if Hurst was officially removed from Senate, SGA President Andi Dahmer said “nothing is official.”

News reporter Nicole Ziege can be reached at 270-745-6011 and [email protected]. Follow Nicole Ziege on Twitter at @NicoleZiege.