Diversity is quickly becoming one of the largest topics of the new year, and even Iowa State Student Government wants a part in it.

In the first of many meetings for the spring 2017 semester, Julian Neely was was confirmed as a member of the executive cabinet after a 22-0-0 vote.

“Julian was previously on diversity committee,” Sen. Koki Tomoeda said. “He was representing Black Student Alliance.”

Neely was the top choice for the cabinet position, as his previous roles in leadership have and will continue to put him ahead of the pack. He hopes to make diversity a larger role within Student Government by incorporating religion into the agenda for the remainder of the semester and for the rest of his academic career at Iowa State. 

Because Neely is such a young addition to the Student Government roster, his sophomore status will allow him to make a larger impact in the long run. Had a senior won the cabinet position, not as much impactful work could have been completed.

One plan the diversity committee has for the near future is to host a “town hall meeting” for those who represent the diversity committee here on campus, Tomoeda said.

Neely hopes for many community members to be included in these meetings such as Present Leath, the senior vice president of senior affairs, Martino Harmon, the interim dean of students, Keith Robinder and the equal opportunities director, Margo Foreman.

“Focusing on increasing the faculty and staff diversity is a top priority,” Neely said. “Having more faculty and staff that are Hispanic or Latino, African or Native American, identify in the LGBT community or of different religions allows people to get a better perspective. Those communities belong here on campus.”

Tomoeda also said that Neely plans on remaining a part of the diversity committee for the entirety of his time at the university.

The second Student Government meeting will take place at 7 p.m. next Wednesday in the Campanile Room of the Memorial Union.