By Rory McNelley, Education and Enrichment Coordinator

Professor Sean Rhiney, Xavier’s director of government relations and a professor in the Philosophy, Politics and the Public Honors Program, came to speak about how Xavier administration is navigating recent legislative changes. The students discussed with Rhiney the executive orders impacting higher education including a federal agency freeze, prohibitions and defunding programs or grants that involve diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), gender ideology, immigration student visa issues and climate justice. 

• Xavier, receiving both state and federal funding, has established a task force to aid the university in being compliant with new legislation. 
• LGBTQ+ Alliance came to speak to SGA about their opinions on recent budget cuts. 
• Alliance explained that they feel as though the association is not funding diversity organizations like theirs due to personal beliefs. Their budget decreased 43% from last year. 
• One main concern expressed by the organization was a lack of explanation for the cut to their budget. SGA explained the amount they proposed was not approved due to a lower allocation for the entirety of student organizations.
• Xavier’s Black Student Association (BSA) came to express similar concerns.
• The Student Rights and Identity (SRI) committee presented ideas about their SGA tabling event that will take place in the Justice Hall atrium at the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester.
• Including posters for safety during off campus demonstrations, job searching, the Xavier Shuttle, how to run for a position in Student Government and information about its various committees.