On Thursday, November 6, 2025, Franklin & Marshall’s 18th Diplomatic Congress held its weekly meeting.
A Promise for the People
The meeting began with the confirmation of the Congress’s newest members. Starting with the first year cabinet, members stood, raising their right hands, and pledged to the F&M community. They promised to “faithfully discharge the duties of the office as prescribed herein” and “uphold the highest standards of honor, respect, and responsibility.” Next up was the new student labor committee co-chair. Only one student, Christian Accardi ‘27 (Club Affairs Board Representative) was sworn in under this category.
Committing to Education
Without any public comments or emergency requests, the Congress moved on to what would have been the “Scheduled Guests” portion of the meeting. Leslie Davidson, F&M’s Vice President of Enrollment, was scheduled to speak about the college’s new Commonwealth Commitment. The program aims to make private education more accessible to Pennsylvania residents. Unfortunately, Davidson was unable to attend this week’s meeting, but she plans to speak at the next Congress. In the meantime, Congress/Student Body President, Caroline Riegel ʼ26, answered as many questions as possible. She explained that the program is a school initiative, not run by the state, and will not affect the school’s budget. Financial Aid packages for in-state students should be reevaluated. More clarification will be provided following Leslie Davidson’s presentation on November 13.
Amendments for Change
Senator Ethan Grabowski ‘26 led the discussion surrounding amendments to a proposal discussed at last week’s meeting. Proposal 18.07, still in development, calls for a reestablishment of a Common Hour, with the establishment of a Common Hour Reconceptualization Committee. According to Grabowski, “The committee should consist of roughly equal parts students, faculty, and staff.” The congress looked over the draft, making minor amendments to the wording.
The next proposal, 18.08, requests the construction of a system for anonymous proposal submission. Small changes were made since the last meeting. Where the duty of reviewing the anonymous proposals once fell on the Parliamentarian alone, the entire Executive Board will now evaluate said proposals. The congress looked over the wording of this proposal as well. In efforts to uphold the integrity of the anonymous process, the committee opted to switch out any mention of “voting” for “reviewing.” “I feel like a vote implies censorship, in a way,” notes College Entertainment Committee Representative Hildy Wicks ‘28.
With that, all amendments were approved and passed.
Events and More
The Junior Class Cabinet, in conjunction with The International Student Advisory Board, will be holding “Diplomat Night” at Booth Ferris in the Steinman College Center, November 14th, from 5-7 PM. The event will include international snacks and board games, and a fun Passport stamp competition with a boba prize for the winner. “If you care about making our campus more integrated, show up, bring a friend, and stay for a while,” Junior Class President Ibrahim Bin Amjad ‘27 urged the congress. The Senior Class Cabinet’s “Pizza with Prez” will be held on November 12, 6-7 PM in Druker Commons, where students can dine with President Andrew Rich and discuss career advice.
The College Entertainment Committee has two upcoming events. The first is “Pickle Day” on November 15, from 2-5 PM. The event includes pickles, pickleball, and other games. The second event is “MOOds and Movement,” held on December 3rd. During finals season, the event will include cows that visit campus. Students will not only be able to pet the cows like in previous years, but also take them for a walk.
The International Student Advisory Board will be hosting their International Week, with events like “Lassi and Horchata on the Green” (11/10, Hartman Green, 12-2 PM), “Trivia Around the World” (11/11, Steinman College Center, 5-7 PM), “Spring Roll Making” (11/2, Bonchek Seminar Room, 6:30-8 PM), and “Diwali Dinner” (11/13, Booth Ferris, 6-8 PM). To close off the week, ISAB will hold “International Night” on November 15th, from 6-8 PM, in the Steinman College Center Atrium. The night will include music and dancing, as well as special performances.
Sexuality and Gender Alliance’s “Pie with President Rich” will take place on November 13 in the Alice Drum Women’s Center, at 5:30. Following that, the group will host a Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil at 5:30 on November 18 in the Writer’s House. The event honors those in the community who have been lost in the past year. The vigil is also open to any faculty or staff that would like to attend.
Deserving Dips
The meeting came to a close with “Deserving Dips,” where members of the Congress were recognized for upholding the pillars of the committee. Members were acknowledged for their integrity, service, and courage, among other virtues.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 PM.
Freshman Sarah Henches ‘29 is a Contributing Writer. Her email is shenches@fandm.edu.