By: Journalist Heba Saleh (TU)
The Fall Session of the 56th Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature officially commenced Wednesday as Opening Joint Session began.
Many delegates within the House of Representatives crammed together on the pews as others stood after finding no place to sit in anticipation of the Senate, Supreme Court and Executive Branch.
This was met with criticism from Marley Hutchins (OU).
“When delegates have to sit in the pews, it really makes them feel disconnected from everything that is going on,” Hutchins said.
Lt. Gov. Faith Gregory called session to order at around 5:30 p.m. Afterward, the Senate was welcomed and seated.
Following the entrance of the Supreme Court justices, three members of the House and Senate each were sent to inform the governor that the House and Senate were ready to receive him.
In the meantime, delegates spoke to one another. Those who previously attended session reacquainted themselves with one another while some delegation chairs introduced their zero-stars to higher-star delegates.
The body was called back to order before the entrance of Gov. Adam Clifton, OIL’s 55th governor and former Speaker of the House.
Press members bustled throughout the room taking photos of him, at-large university members on the dais and members of the House and Senate as the governor was welcomed by the members of the body.
Gov. Clifton gave a speech, as is the norm of the governor, in which he welcomed members of the body to the 1st session of the 56th Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature.
Although the editor-in-chief of The Oklahoman was supposed to speak to the body as well, he could not make it to Opening Joint Session. However, Gov. Clifton said the editor-in-chief may come to Closing Joint Session and speak to the body then.
Following Gov. Clifton’s speech, ALU members were recognized to speak. They each gave encouraging words to delegates. Many of them expressed their excitement at the number of individuals participating in OIL.
After ALU members each spoke, Chief Justice Caden Hayes administered the oath of office for all members of OIL.
Lt. Gov. Faith Gregory adjourned Opening Joint Session shortly thereafter.