This Sunday, November 10, Haverford students will gather in the Douglas B. Gardner ’83 Integrated Athletic Center (GIAC) to consider two resolutions—one on summer funding for international students, and another covering COVID-19 safety—and ratify the alcohol policy at Plenary, a biannual event that acts as a forum for raising, discussing, and debating campus issues.
Earlier this morning, Students’ Council Co-Presidents Victoria Haber ’26 & Yehyun Song ’25 sent the traditional pre-Plenary email, which included the Fall 2024 Plenary Packet, along with an additional video message. While Haber and Song state that the timing of the message is specific—coming just two days after former President Donald Trump was re-elected— they hoped that “ the message itself can be more general/broadly applied.”
“I find myself in the position of asking how do we move forward, and how do we use our position as a means of directing students to move forward in whatever grief or anxiety, whatever uncertainty they’re feeling,” said Haber in the video.
Song reflected on the importance of friendship and support, especially during difficult times. “I’ve found my friends and those who are in support of me as the anchor that has given me space to heal and rest,” he said, expressing gratitude for their kindness and presence. Song also urged others to foster a compassionate and respectful community, emphasizing the power of humility and mutual support. “I believe that is a community that we can build … I believe that’s what makes us Fords.”
The Plenary packet also included an adapted version of the community guidelines from last year’s Special Plenary to better align with the general Plenary session. The Spring 2024 Plenary session was marked by significant controversy, sparked by statements during the community comment period and the reintroduction of the ceasefire resolution first presented at the Special Plenary session. The Co-Presidents highlighted that, “It is not a set of rules to follow, but a reminder of the compassion and care we aim to lead with as Fords.” The packet emphasizes that while all students must follow the Social Code, there is a need for clear guidelines to promote intentional and respectful discussions. This Plenary session will also feature an open mic “community comment” session, which has been part of the Plenary since Fall 2023.
Once quorum is achieved and the rules of order are ratified, the student body will then hear the presentation of the following two resolutions, followed by debate and a vote on each:
RESOLUTION #1: Equitable Tax Coverage for International Students’ Summer Funding
Presented by: Coco Liu ’26, Students’ Council International Student Representative
This resolution seeks to address the financial strain that international students face due to disproportionate tax withholding on summer funding. Unlike their domestic peers, international students from countries that do not have tax treaties with the U.S. can have up to 30% of their summer funding withheld—more than double the amount withheld during the academic year. Since the summer funding provided by Haverford is often under $5,000, this withholding significantly limits international students’ ability to meet their financial needs for the summer and save for their financial aid summer earnings contribution.
The resolution also highlights the lack of transparency in tax classification communication and the limited access to funding opportunities for international students. It emphasizes that these issues disproportionately affect First-Generation, Low-Income (FGLI) students, as well as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students, further exacerbating pre-existing inequities.
In response to these concerns, Liu’s resolution proposes the creation of an International Student Tax Task Force, similar in concept to the Student Wage Task Force proposed by Oliver Wilson ’26 at Plenary in Fall 2023. The task force will be composed of three students, Dean John McKnight, Marissa Deitch, Executive Director of the Center for Career and Professional Advising (CCPA), Natasha Weisz, Director of International Student Support, and a staff member from the Controller’s Office. Its goals will be to improve communications about tax classification, explore opportunities to cover additional tax burdens under the Haverford 2030 “Summer Experiences for All” initiative, and provide immediate case-by-case financial support for international students seeking summer funding. The task force aims to be operational by the end of this month and to complete its initial objectives by the end of the academic year, with plans to continue its work beyond that.
RESOLUTION #2: Promoting Disability Justice Through COVID Resource Accessibility
Presented by: Disability Advocacy for Students at Haverford (DASH)
This resolution is presented in response to the ongoing threat of COVID-19 as the U.S. approaches its 10th major pandemic wave, with daily infections projected to near 2 million. It emphasizes the heightened risks faced by disabled and immunocompromised members of the campus community, as well as anyone considered “high-risk” due to a health condition, individuals with marginalized identities, or those facing barriers to healthcare access.
The resolution criticizes the currently limited availability of COVID-19 tests and masks provided by Health Services, citing significant demand for protective equipment. It highlights that BiCo COVID Co., a student organization, distributed nearly 1,500 masks and over 150 COVID rapid tests in Spring 2024 alone. With no sustainable supply system outside of this student initiative available to Haverford students, the resolution argues that the College is failing to uphold its stated commitments to accessibility and community wellbeing. It also notes that many students have been denied access to COVID tests despite the CDC’s recommendation to test after a known exposure. Additionally, the surgical masks available to students are of lower quality and less effective than tighter-fitting options like KN95s.
To address these gaps, the resolution proposes that, beginning in the Spring 2025 semester, Haverford provides every student, staff member, and faculty member with at least 20 high-quality masks and four rapid COVID-19 tests per semester. Additionally, the resolution submits that 500 masks be stocked in the Nest—Haverford’s student-run food pantry for FGLI students—to increase community access, highlighting the resolution’s commitment to alleviating the financial and logistical burden on vulnerable community members and ensuring equitable access to these protective resources. Furthermore, the resolution mandates monthly meetings, starting in Fall 2024, between DASH, BiCo COVID Co., and relevant administrators to monitor and improve the distribution of masks and rapid tests.
To address these gaps, the resolution proposes that, starting Spring 2025, Haverford provide every student, staff member, and faculty member with at least 20 high-quality masks and four rapid COVID-19 tests per semester. Additionally, 500 masks will be stocked in the Nest each semester for broader community access. The resolution also mandates monthly meetings, beginning in Fall 2024, between DASH, BiCo COVID Co., and relevant administrators to monitor and improve the distribution of masks and tests.
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