Debate erupted Sunday evening as the Student Association deliberated over whether to recognize an abortion rights organization.

During its weekly meeting, the SA Senate heard Advocates for Choice, an abortion rights group petitioning for SA recognition. The senators debated whether the group might be able to receive funding from the SA if it were to be recognized.

“The group started as an extension of my internship with Planned Parenthood of Illinois,” said Alex Springer, president of Advocates for Change. “This semester we are mainly focusing on visibility as we are a new student group.”

The group would work as an extension of Planned Parenthood of Illinois, Springer said.

“Consider the organization’s scope and if there are enough people on campus [who share these views] to justify this organization,” said SA Vice President Eric Calmeyer. “Put your personal feelings aside and consider whether this is for the good of the campus or not.”

According to the SA Constitution, no group or organization can receive funding if it labels itself as political or religious. Advocates for Change is reportedly listed as a social advocacy group.

Some senators questioned whether or not the group would be willing to change its classification from social advocacy to political to keep it from receiving funding. This was due in part to the fact that We Change, NIU’s anti-abortion activism group, is listed as having religious affiliation and is therefore unable to receive SA funds.

“We have to respect the voices of students with pro-life views,” said Senator Austin Quick. “The concern is that [Advocates for Choice] may in the future get funding.”

Springer said she would have to consult with an internship director at Planned Parenthood before she could change the group’s classification, but that she would be willing to do so and that the group had no intention of requesting SA funding.

“Every time we asked a question, her answer was that she did not know,” Quick said. “Is this a student group or is it a Planned Parenthood group? As the president, shouldn’t she have some authority?”

Although Calmeyer assured senators that the group would be ineligible to receive SA funding as-is because of its political leaning, he could not confirm at the time of the meeting that the constitution would forbid the group from receiving funding if it was not listed as a political group.

“They can see if they want to change categories,” said Patrick Talley, speaker of the senate. “Because they are listed as a social advocacy group, they could potentially be eligible for funding.”

Ultimately, the senate moved to postpone the vote until Springer can confirm that the group is able to change its group listing to make it a political group.

“I thought the debate went very well,” Talley said. “The senators kept it very professional.”

In addition, the SA began making moves to fill its empty senate seats. The SA Senate heard from sophomore business major Jeremy Peters, the first student to apply for a senator-at-large position.

Peters addressed the senate, discussing his qualifications. Peters was voted in as an SA Senator by a unanimous vote.

Eight senate seats are still open, and 14 other senator-at-large application packets have been received. The senate will hear up to three prospective senators a week until all spots have been filled, said Talley.

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