SMU’s Faculty Senate met on Wednesday afternoon in the Hughes Trigg Ballroom to talk about SMU’s initiatives to eradicate sexual misconduct on campus.

President of Faculty Senate Jody Magliolo began the meeting by introducing special guest Paul Ward, Vice president of Legal Affairs and Government Relations, General Counsel and Secretary for SMU. Ward spoke about SMU’s response to sexual violence, assault and harassment in relation to the law.

“It is of utmost concern to the university,” Ward said. “It is more complicated now than it was and we are focused on Title IX.”

Ward mentioned the fact that SMU was one of 55 institutions on a list released by Civil Rights for sexual misconduct.

As far as the status of implementation of task force recommendations, Magliolo mentioned that he may invite SMU’s Vice President for Student Affairs Lori White to the next Faculty Senate meeting, as her team has been working to combat these issues as well.

“We are not starting from scratch,” Ward said. “We are starting from a long history of supporting materials.”

In addition to discussion of sexual assault, the Faculty Senate discussed OE2C (Operational Excellence for the 2nd Century) and, after much discussion, approved a motion to pass a new resolution for the OE2C.

“I am open to whatever the body has in mind,” Magliolo said. “Saying nothing is not the right way to go.”

Several faculty members spoke up about their reservations about the OE2C.

“There’s a sense of urgency that the truth is not spoken,” Senate member Susanne Scholz said. “The whole thing makes everyone very suspicious.”