SGA Resolution
 
Author: The 2024-2025 SGA Executive Team 


Purpose: 
To formally acknowledge and condemn apartheid, and to pledge solidarity with all individuals, particularly Palestinian students and other survivors of 21st-century apartheid, by advancing support mechanisms within St. Olaf’s student government. This resolution affirms the SGA’s commitment to finding courage in challenging moments and expresses support for affected students while insisting the college administration strengthens its commitment to creating an inclusive and globally engaged community. 


Resolution: 
Whereas, apartheid is defined as “a policy founded on the idea of separating people based on racial or ethnic criteria” (Cornell Law School 2022);

Whereas, while apartheid is most commonly associated with South Africa’s policies post-1948, the term encompasses racially or ethnically biased policies in other states, as highlighted in historical instances from South Africa to present-day Palestine, and also observed in other countries like Myanmar and in the persecution of the Rohingya population;

Whereas, past Student Government Administrations have spoken out against apartheid in South Africa, this resolution acts as a continuation of our legacy by addressing student concerns for Palestine and recognizing the historical continuity in global apartheid movements. We intend to advocate for awareness and action inspired by lessons from South Africa and other regions where communities have resisted and sought justice through institutional responses;

Whereas, the Student Government Association (SGA) is empowered by its Constitution to advocate for and represent the student body’s rights and welfare and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and just community in alignment with its mission, as stated: “We, the elected student representatives of St. Olaf College, to foster a spirit of unity among all members of the St. Olaf community, to provide opportunities for the expression of student rights”; 

Whereas, a considerable number of St. Olaf students  have been directly impacted by instances of apartheid, particularly concerning the Palestinian experience, it is incumbent upon us as student representatives to advocate on behalf of our peers and to stand against global injustices affecting human rights. The system of apartheid and dehumanization create conditions that can lead to acts of genocide, as seen in historical and ongoing conflicts. Recognizing these risks, international bodies such as the ICJ have initiated investigations to address potential cases of genocide and hold perpetrators accountable;

Whereas, we further recognize the complex reality of anti-Semitism as a serious violation of human rights and acknowledge its adverse effects on St. Olaf students. It is our duty to support the creation and continuation of safe spaces for all members of the student body and to promote a strong sense of belonging on the Hill;

Whereas, we do not seek to condemn any particular student, group, or identity; rather, our response is a commitment to challenging unjust institutions in a way that aligns with the values of inclusivity and justice; 

Whereas, this resolution does not represent the official stance of St. Olaf College but is a statement from the SGA reflecting our commitment to ethical responsibility and inclusivity, in the spirit of St. Olaf’s mission “to advance the ideal of a community where people of all backgrounds and identities belong”;
Whereas, this statement has been a unanimous legislative and policy priority of the 2024-2025 SGA Executive Team, and in response to collective conversations and reflections with campus partners, SGA now seeks to take definitive action to express our solidarity;

Therefore, be it resolved that the St. Olaf Student Senate and SGA Executive jointly:

Condemn apartheid and similar discriminatory systems and express unwavering support for human rights for all, including Palestinians and other marginalized groups worldwide. As we advocate for dignity and justice for all, we also stand firmly against any form of anti-Semitism.

Advocate for the protection of free speech on campus and condemn Minnesota state legislation or similar policies that infringe upon these rights.

We will commit ourselves to the following policy goals:

Commit to encouraging SGA organizations to restrict the use of allocated SGA funds from being spent at businesses or organizations identified as perpetrators or supporters of apartheid, in alignment with student government policy and ethical use of resources. Funds independently sourced by student organizations (ie, non-SGA allocations) fall outside this policy’s scope; however, organizations are encouraged to restrict funding as they see fit. It is important to note that student organizations retain full discretion over the use of their independently sourced funds. 

Establish a new policy supporting Palestinian students and other survivors of apartheid through tangible actions, resources, and advocacy within our community.

Host, in partnership with The Lion’s Pause, a fundraiser for World Central Kitchen in which the SGA and Pause each donate $2 for every ice cream product purchased between 10/31 and 11/3.

Allocate this semester’s Donate a Meal toward an organization dedicated to combating food insecurity in the Middle East.

Create a working group to assist academic survivors of 21st-century apartheid and genocide with undergraduate admissions essay advice.

Remove our complicity in apartheid-adjacent companies by transitioning away from the Wix platform that currently hosts Oleville.com to another web provider. 

Be it further resolved that the SGA calls for:

Engage in active outreach to the student body to gather feedback and ideas for initiatives that support marginalized communities impacted by apartheid, while maintaining transparent dialogue with campus administration, faculty, and external organizations to build a community dedicated to supporting and protecting human rights.

Our action is not limited to these points, and we hope to explore further actions as needed and as our community sees fit.

Explanation:
This resolution arises from the SGA’s recognition of our moral duty as elected representatives to advocate for students and uphold justice within and beyond our community. By openly condemning apartheid, the SGA seeks to stand in solidarity with those affected by such discriminatory systems globally. This is part of a broader commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard and that St. Olaf students have the freedom to participate in respectful, impactful actions supporting human rights that are consistent with our values as a college community.