A bill that some expected to garner little attention Thursday night quickly turned into a subject of debate at the SGA Senate meeting. First Year Councilor Robert Pendley proposed a bill amending Chapter 1108.3, which mandates that council members be addressed as “Councilor” followed by their last name. The amendment sought for council members to be addressed as “Councilman” or “Councilwoman,” depending upon the individual’s gender. “We wanted to stick with historical precedent in American history,” Pendley said. “There was sentiment in the First Year Council that, since we do not hold a degree in anything, we should not be called ‘councilors.’” When the bill moved to debate, hands shot up in protest. Senators felt the language of the bill would offend councilors who choose not to identify with a gender. “I feel like with this bill, you are separating a group that does not need to be separated,” said Sen. Fred Horn. Sen. Daniel Bruno advised FYC to proceed with caution in the language of the bill, proposing an addition at the end that allows each individual to be called as their choosing. Sen. Sydney Page said the issue is already a touchy subject, and that students do not need to be placed in a position where they will be forced to go against the norm. After the bill failed by way of a 23-8 vote, with three abstainers, Councilor Pendley left the room to the laughter of many senators. Pendley later said he left early due to a prior commitment to which he was late. He said he in no way aimed to infringe upon diversity issues on campus. The goal of First Year Council was to follow U.S. standards. “I just want to apologize if I did offend anyone,” he said. However, Pendley said his position on the legislation has not changed. “I think everyone is kind of on edge right now,” said Chandler Wright, secretary of the Senate. “No one wants to feel like they’re ostracizing a group on campus.” She said SGA does not always follow U.S. precedent. Pendley said the organization provides experience for people who plan to be in public service. He said a move towards a U.S. form of government should be a goal for SGA. Earlier in the meeting, Kristina Kamburis was confirmed as the Senate’s Executive Secretary. David Wilson, vice president of student affairs, recommended Kamburis, whom he said he has known for 12 years. “I’ve literally probably never met anybody who is more able to work well with anybody in the world,” he said. “She is one of the most workable people I’ve ever met.” Kamburis, a senior majoring in biology, said she is very willing to work with every aspect of SGA. “My main goal is to make sure that, through our website, the student body knows what’s going on in SGA, because we want to gain the trust of our student body,” she said. She also said she plans to make a handbook for the new executive secretary. Dorothy Griffith, a senior majoring in political sciences and public relations, was also confirmed as the new communications director, replacing Seth Morrow. SGA President Stephen Swinson lauded Griffith’s credentials, including her role as Morrow’s deputy communications director. “We have a lot of confidence in her and we think she’ll do an outstanding job,” he said. Griffith said Morrow has done a great job, leaving her big shoes to fill. Sen. Brinkerhoff also introduced a bill allowing Senate resolutions, acts and bills to be authored by any currently enrolled student at The University of Alabama if it is sponsored by a senator or senators.