Why XU-URO should be part of the decision making process

I should first address the cloudy judgment based on the secularization of government. The separation of church and state is an established political norm. I have foreseen that this concept will be the foremost argument applied as reason of disallowing the XU-URO into the decision-making process of the government. I would like to argue that the XU-URO is not a church. It does not espouse any particular religion; it is actually a combination of all kinds of faiths. XU-URO is an umbrella student organization whose focus is the spiritual formation and growth of its members and the student body through its activities.

Flowing from this, my second argument is the very mission and purpose of the Central Student Government as stated in the constitution.

ARTICLE III. DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES & MISSION

Section 2. The XU - CSG shall envision a government that is socially – aware and involved, rooted in a clear grasp of reality and vigilantly responding to the general interest of its constituents in a dynamic, effective and united effort; a governance that is founded on the principles of authentic Christian humanism, thereby it shall be a pro-student, pro-people, pro-country, Christ centered and gives due recognition to the rights of those of other religious denomination. It upholds genuine student participation and democratic representation in a dialogical, consultative and non-violent manner.

Our student government happens to be in Xavier University, a Jesuit Catholic university. Rooting from its identity as a non-secular school, a Jesuit school, it is self-evident that one of our prime objectives is to develop and enhance a sense of deep and profound spirituality in the student body, regardless of Christian, Muslim, or Lumad. Admitting an umbrella student organization in the decision making process of the student government suffices the need to meet this mission.

Lastly, it is our duty to constantly adapt our ways and means based on the demands of the times or else we die out. Now that Xavier University is continually expanding its reach through out the different cultures and faith in Mindanao and the country, it is only fitting that we, as the student government of Xavier University channel this effort into the grassroots, the students through this governance improvement.

It is not only our duty to include XU-URO, it is also our obligation to think of better systems and mechanisms in ensuring that voices of different faiths are heard loud and clear. We should nurture diversity. (hint: creation of a tri-partite body)