This article was corrected from its original version. 

In its second meeting of the quarter, Graduate Student Senate put forth a resolution condemning discriminatory parties and events at Ohio University.

The resolution asks that the university be open and accepting and states that the senate opposes any previous or future events of a discriminatory nature. It also asks that dialogues be created to enhance diversity.

Senators agreed that these activities, specifically the race parties that took place around Martin Luther King weekend, were out of line.

“We owe it to the African American population on this campus to at least express our concern,” senator Karen Greiner said.

Senators said they also wanted to make this a learning experience for students who may not recognize any offense in their participation.

Senator Eric Zimak called these parties a teachable opportunity, where students are given a chance to learn from their mistakes.

Concerns about the resolution arose, especially involving its wording and intentions.

Senator Jennette Lovejoy said while the acts may be offensive, she is concerned that the senate be careful to avoid condemning students’ right to free speech, comparing it to how the Ku Klux Klan can march down the street in protest.

“I support freedom of speech and freedom of action,” she said, explaining that she wants “to make sure our language does not go over that line.”

Senator Shane Tilton said he wanted the resolution to create awareness against the activities rather than condemn them.

“We are not confrontational,” he said. “We are being advocates to our constituents.”

The senate also discussed the release of the revised second draft of the Five Year Vision Ohio Implementation Plan on Jan. 16 and its progress.

Senator Drew Pusateri said the new draft, which commits $300,000 to the realignment of the general fee, is a step forward for the senate.

Through the current draft, however, only those who receive funding from the university benefit from the change, which reduces their general fee.

The resolution passed by the senate addresses this progress but asks that those who do not have assistanceships be given a voice.