Monday night, the Student Government Association discussed Trenton Kirksey’s controversial proposal to revise the student body constitution, allowing male escorts to run for their positions. The Escort Bill is aimed at changing the constitutional amendment.
According to the Student Body Constitution, royal escorts are selected by Mr. and Miss Florida A&M, a representative from SGA and the royal court advisor.
“The system works fine but does not best serve the student body,” said Kirksey, 20, a third-year music student from Houston, who works in the president’s office.
On the other hand Henry Kirby, associate vice president and dean of students, said the court does represent the student body.
With the present guidelines of the student body constitution, escorts submit an application, interview with the panel, exhibit chivalry and must have a 2.5 GPA.
The duties of the escorts include following the instructions of Mr. FAMU and the royal court adviser as well as assisting Mr. FAMU with his chosen community service project.
A letter read by the current Miss FAMU, Kindall “Sunshine” Johnson, was written on behalf of current and former members of the royal court.
In the letter, Johnson said, “We believe the royal court has been successful in its purpose of recruitment and positive university representation due to its current structure and balance.”
Advisers’ main goals are to support, train and prepare the escorts and attendants for the duties of assisting Mr. and Miss FAMU.
Allison McNealy, royal court adviser, refused to comment.
“Advisers are not in a position to select escorts, but we can recommend them,” said Edward Willis, royal court co-adviser.
Willis said it is not unusual for certain positions to be selected or elected. He then said it is no different than how the president selects his vice president.
“Balance and harmony are the formula to a successful royal court,” Johnson said.
Kirksey said there need to be more males who represent FAMU, not a façade of what FAMU should be.