For the first time in The Morgan School’s history, the Student Government Association has passed legislation: the inception of a House of Representatives.

What is the new House of Representatives at Morgan?

The new legislative body, enacted on February 4, serves to formally segment student government into two divisions: a legislative branch focusing on representation, and a budgetary branch, composed of executives (class president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer) to manage fundraising.

Senior and student body president Mason Jakober emphasized, “Students can take an issue, represent themselves and others, and be a force for change.”

This new and revolutionary look at student-led change focuses directly on issues in the school, rather than diverting efforts and attention to budgetary tasks. Some of these budgetary tasks include prom and fundraising events (volleyball tournaments, Swoosh for Change, etc.) that require time and planning, leaving less time for constituent needs.

Ultimately, it provides an opportunity to “genuinely make a difference,” reflected Jakober.

What will they do?

A legislative agenda is currently in the making, with topics such as mental health, athletics, student welfare, safety, food services, administration relations, and board policies in the mix.

“One of the biggest issues we’re tackling is the fighting policy,” Jakober said.

The current fighting policy from the Student Handbook states, “Under no circumstances is fighting permitted at The Morgan School. All participants in a fight will be suspended from school on an equal basis.”

Since both parties are suspended on an equal basis, this may fail to distinguish from the initiator and recipient of the fight. Work is being done in student government to define this policy further.

Morgan’s Student Government Association has already gathered research from Connecticut General Statutes and judicial precedents from around the country. Whether instituting a fighting policy or opening up a peer support program, “it’s about making real change efficiently,” stated Jakober.

In the new structure, Representatives will propose, debate, and vote on legislation. Within the body, a Speaker of the House will be elected.

In this position, the Speaker will direct legislative discussion and assign proposed bills to the appropriate committees. The Speaker then nominates the vice speaker, known as the Speaker Pro Tempore, as well as a Clerk who takes notes during meetings.

How was the legislation passed, and what does it look like? 

The Student Government Committees, specifically the Administration Relations Committee, drafted the bill alongside the president, Mason Jakober. The Connecticut General Assembly template was used to lay out the bill, which committee work and General Assembly meetings followed, ultimately passing unanimously.

Before this event, the General Assembly acted as the legislative body, but the addition of the House of Representatives has changed the internal structure of the Student Government.

The bill outlines the legislative process by the House of Representatives: bill proposal, committee review, house debate and vote, and presidential approval. The General Assembly has its own roles and responsibilities, mainly budgetary, but still maintaining oversight on legislative matters requiring a broader scope of review.

In turn, the legislative process has allowed representatives to become more involved within their roles, assigning more responsibility with school-wide issues and legislature. It is not just the General Assembly deciding, but the representatives, as a more defined and powerful body.

How will this impact Morgan?

With a smaller and more decisive body, constituency representation will have a higher level of influence. The representatives will focus on such issues with a stronger eye, not diluting their efforts to school fundraising.

More attention will, in theory, result in more change within the school.

The new legislative body still holds the positions of prior representatives, while offering new spots for prospective members. “The current representatives are grandfathered into the program.

If others want to join, they have to receive five nominations from a student via a signature, and then two nominations from staff members, and then they have to receive a signature from their class president to be confirmed.” Jakober explained.

This process honors current members of student government while offering new membership to dedicated and driven students looking to make an impact within the school.

Exposure to this process vitally helps students understand how government works and how each branch works together, legitimizing the Association overall. “If they get to participate in student government, they will be able to see that we have a legislative branch and that we have an executive branch,” stated current student government advisor and Spanish teacher, Mrs. Luther.

Student participation and reception

After a school-wide email was sent out on February 26, explaining the legislation, nominations came through, and new members began to join. The first official meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th, at 7:00 AM in Mrs. Luther’s room. Mrs. Luther described the meeting as “not well attended,” prompting a rescheduled date to Thursday, March 6th.

Though individuals submitted their nominations, there are still issues of attendance. Mrs. Luther explained her high hopes for this opportunity but is really “looking for people who signed up who commit,” and attend the meetings.

Even if students have not secured nominations yet, they still have the opportunity to join. If students are questioning whether they want to participate, “they can still attend the meeting as a student to observe the process and prepare to become a representative or just to voice concerns and propose issues,” said Jakober.

With various new changes such as the Constitution and Committees within our Morgan Student Government, the main goal is sustainability for the future, with new leadership taking over next year.

As Mrs. Luther commented on aspirations going forward, she said, “I am looking for them to continue with what we started and hopefully use the system that we have put into place this year.”

Student outlook

Class of 2025 Secretary, Cora Dunham, explained her thoughts about the new legislation, “I think the idea behind it is beneficial, but I don’t think there is enough student participation for its intended purpose.”

With an initial low turnout, there is concern for sustained success of the program, and whether there is demand for this new enactment.

As Dunham suggested, “people who already have a voice are in student government,” raising questions of optimal participation and equal representation of the entire student body.

New student government member, Senior Rachel Spaziano, shared her personal aspirations, “my hope is to bring more awareness to mental health through the implementation of potentially new programs and restorative processes.”

She decided to join student government in announcement of the new House of Representatives. “I hope to benefit the school and set a new ground for future students, guiding others through high school,” said Spaziano.

Ultimately, Spaziano explained, “With the right leadership and participation, it has the potential to make a real difference.”