Behind the gavel with SGA: Addressing recent constitution and bylaw changes

Omar Ratrut, Madeline Stovall • September 12, 2025 • 52 Views

To our Trinity Community,

We are writing to you today to address an update in language from the Student Government Association (SGA) constitution and bylaws. On Sept. 3, SGA voted to amend the organization’s constitution and bylaws to update the name of the DEI Chair and DEI Committee to become the Inclusion and Belonging Chair and the Inclusion and Belonging Committee, respectively. This decision was made thoughtfully to ensure that SGA’s language reflects and aligns with Trinity University’s commitment to fostering inclusion and belonging within our campus community. Due to the sensitivity of the matter, SGA entered an executive session to ensure members were given the space to voice their opinions. In the end, out of the 13 Senators present, 12 voted in favor of the proposed changes, with one abstaining. While the language has changed and evolved, our commitment has not.

In writing this letter, we are affirming SGA’s commitment to upholding our institutional values of thoughtful inclusion and authentic belonging. The goals and attitudes of inclusion and belonging echo the same notions of making Trinity a place where all students of all backgrounds, identities and communities can thrive and grow into the leaders of tomorrow. As the SGA president and vice president, our platform this year is One Trinity Place — a place where every student feels valued, supported and connected. We assure you, at One Trinity Place, you are all valued members of our community, seen for who you are and respected in all your authenticity. We are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure Trinity remains this space for all students.

SGA will uphold these values and promises through a series of events and activities. Each class of senators will host forums and socials that will give students a platform to voice their concerns. SGA has long maintained and taken action on comments left in the Make It A Reality Google form, which you can find on our Linktree on the SGA Website. In addition, students are always encouraged and welcomed to voice their questions or comments during Climate Check at SGA meetings, which happen every Wednesday starting at 6 p.m. in Dicke Hall room 208. Stay tuned for more to come on how you can get involved with SGA and use your voice to be a thoughtful advocate.

With great admiration for our One Trinity Place,
President Omar Ratrut and Vice President Maddie Stovall

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About the Contributor

Omar Ratrut, Pulse Reporter

Hello! My name’s Omar Ratrut and I’m a sophomore political science and sociology double major from San Antonio. Aside from the Trinitonian, I’m involved in SGA and Greek Life (Omega Phi) on campus. I love thrifting, hanging out with friends, and listening to new music in my free time.