By Elisabeth Braswell ’27

The following was written for FYS 101-20: Language is Limitless

“I motion to open discussion regarding the language of Washington College Student Government Association.” I state this with great confidence here in my paper, yet at a real Washington College Student Government senate meeting, I worry about saying the right thing in the right way and at the right time. Order is everything. From following the schedule of our daily lives to seamlessly conversing with friends, professors, or coaches, order is essential to our typical flow of ‘business’. Business refers to the affairs pertaining to us at a given time, such as our concerns, activities, or questions. The best way to tackle business is through procedure, providing efficient and familiar means for addressing tasks. Certain settings require alternate procedures and typically outline appropriate, optimal language. WCSGA’s use of Parliamentary Procedure, defined as a set of accepted rules for governing assemblies and controlling deliberations, institutes a formal consensus for linguistic operation. WCSGA specifically utilizes Robert’s Rules of Order, a parliamentary guideline for language regarding the process of meetings. Parliamentary Procedure also embraces American democratic values and contains rules that aim to emphasize the importance of each individual. Parliamentary Procedure and Robert’s Rule of Order are employed by WCSGA but are equally as reliable in meetings for businesses, lawyers, campus organizations, and more. Parliamentary Procedure is a language utilized in student government at Washington College to provide order and efficiency as meetings progress and to assert formality in an atmosphere where young adults learn to balance professionalism and enjoyment.

Parliamentary Procedure is a guide for dialogue within professional settings or environments that require a thorough process for efficiency. The use of Parliamentary Procedure is long-standing and originated in foundational American government. To focus specifically on Robert’s Rules of Order, first published in 1876, Professor Don Doyle asserts that the rules originated from the need to reconcile ideas of democracy and efficiency in a nation of social deference, which yields to the superior or “major” group (1980). “Robert” himself, or Henry Martin Robert, was an engineering officer in the army who had been asked to preside over a public meeting without knowing how to do so (Robert’s Rules Association, 2023). To curb future embarrassment, Robert became determined to study parliamentary law, the rules that govern legislatures and their conduct, and wrote Robert’s Rules of Order to bring structure to the chaos of parliamentary procedure (Robert’s Rules Association, 2023). The Democratic and Republican parties held power in Congress yet they often butted heads in public politics. Moreover, with such different voter demographics and principles for ideal function of government, it was quite convenient to establish rules in American government that would maintain a professional setting in line with traditional authority that was not vulnerable to the consequences of argument and emotion (Doyle, 1980). Furthermore, a distinct process for meetings involving parliamentary law helped unify a country hailing from differing regions and upbringings with differing opinions. Doyle states that “Robert’s Rules of Order did not simply respond to an obvious demand; it anticipated, as early as the 1870s, the need of a nationally integrated society” (Doyle, 1980). With Special Orders and Rules arising in the House, work could be more evenly distributed between specialized members of both parties, and an agenda could be established to address all business. Essentially, the origination of Robert’s Rules of Order stopped a divided American government from becoming further troubled by its divisions by providing a system of order, reconciliation, and commonality in language.

As American government reshaped itself, parliamentary law evolved. Specifically referring to Robert’s Rules of Order, alterations manifested as revisions to the 1876 edition (Robert’s Rules Association, 2023). Most recently, the twelfth edition of Robert’s Rules of Order was published. Those who revised it were prepared by Robert and developed his work to keep up to date with evolving Parliamentary Procedure (Robert’s Rules Association, 2023). Robert’s Rules have also exemplified evolution by adapting for use in certain social crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, where an electronic sample was compiled by the Robert’s Rules Association for business conducted in electronic meetings (Robert’s Rules Association, 2023). Another specific form of evolution to parliamentary law is the device of the motion. Saul Levmore of the Virginia Law Review claims motions allow information to be presented for questioning and create a system of ranked importance for debate (Levmore, 1989). They now act as the primary means for communication in organizations that utilize Robert’s Rules of Order, with raised a hand and a statement that begins with “I motion to…” The motion aligns with American principles such as minority voice, which dictates that anyone can speak despite party affiliation, and freedom of speech; anyone recognized for their motion can speak uninterrupted with full attention, rather than facing the risk of being spoken over by continuous argument, which provides uniformity in the order of business and the decision making process (Levmore, 1989). Parliamentary Procedure has evolved into different forms of rules for order —The Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, the Democratic Rules of Order, Martha’s Rules, and Atwood’s Rules — which cover common scenarios, smaller meetings, and simpler language (Democratic Rules) to avoid the overcomplications that come with formality. Hence, Parliamentary Procedure has evolved with Robert’s Rules in alignment with the passage of time and critical events in American history. 

The prior paragraphs venture into the value that Parliamentary Procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order have in American government, yet the rules themselves embody many uniquely American principles. Granted, not only the American government utilizes Robert’s Rules or emphasizes the importance of parliamentary law. For example, American political scientist Jesse Macy considers Canada, which derives most of its foundational parliamentary law from the English House of Commons, to have had a more satisfactory cabinet system than the United States and more efficient conduct (1892). Nevertheless, Canada is not an entirely democratic government and does not cater to principles of “one person, one vote,” emphasizing the procedure of business over individual freedoms and expression in parliament (Macy, 1892). The distinct lack of American values in other nations’ governments does not assume that one nation’s process is superior to another’s; however, dialogue in American government appears to allow more personal freedoms and assigns value to an individual’s voice (Doyle, 1980). The principles of “one person, one vote,” minority voice, majority vote, and the ability to evolve and correct old decisions were exclusive to American government during the time of foundation for Robert’s Rules and organized Parliamentary Procedure. While such values may have changed as other countries have become more liberal, Robert’s Rules helped found American government on its fundamental philosophies.

At Washington College, the WCSGA utilizes the language of Parliamentary Procedure, specifically Robert’s Rules of Order, to conduct business and organize meetings. The Washington College website provides a review of WCSGA history, including its founding on March 16, 1919 via a petition to faculty and its official establishment on May 27, 1919 (History of the Student Government Association, 2023).  In the Spring of 2000, WCSGA adopted a new Constitution and new bylaws. It still operates under the same bylaws and many of the same positions (History of the Student Government Association, 2023). Many schools utilize Robert’s Rules for Parliamentary Procedure and have their own guides or shorthand to assist students struggling to memorize the dialogue. Washington College has its own script for Robert’s Rules of Order provided by Speaker of the Senate Emma Parker-Watt, which outlines the specific dialogue and order of use for senate meetings in WCSGA (2023). The script defines terms for newcomers, including “Old Business,” “New Business,” “senatorial open forum,” and more. It lists the order in which meetings flow, including the meeting being called to order, the specific twenty-minute allotment for committee meeting time, the opening of business, debate, senatorial and non-senatorial open forum, and adjournment, and the corresponding dialogue to utilize for motions or support. Such phrases include “I motion to,” “I yield my time to,” “aye,” “nay,” and “second” (Parker-Watt, 2023). On top of this, the script distinguishes chairs of the WC committees that have been instituted through vote and approval of yearly constitutions. By observing a meeting held by WCSGA, I can confirm that the meeting does indeed flow as the script indicates, ensuring that students can comfortably utilize the “cheat sheet” to participate confidently in senate discourse (Observation of WCSGA, 2023). Members can raise their hands to motion once committee has been “broken.” Whilst the use of formal Parliamentary Procedure is required, formality diminishes when moving into open forum. There is a difference between senatorial open forum, during which members can remain seated and motion to discuss related topics or decisions with support from other senators, utilize enthusiasm and humor for persuasion to support their budget requests, and yield time to others, and non-senatorial open forum, which does not require acknowledgement for Robert’s Rules of Order, and where members can ask questions regarding personal topics, promote sports games or campus events, and receive applause. 

When considering why WCSGA decided to utilize Robert’s Rules for Parliamentary Procedure, its history can offer a potential explanation. Given how old the college is, it would make sense that the first development of parliamentary language for order would become the one used for business at the college. Considering that the founders of WCSGA were professional men in the twentieth century, it would make sense that the original body would first use Robert’s Rules (History of the Student Government Association, 2023). Tradition and uniformity uphold the use of Parliamentary Procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order at WCSGA, on top of its multiple applications and efficiency.

Parliamentary Procedure has multiple valuable uses and effects on WCSGA. Not only can it be used on campus or professionally by multiple organizations, but it aligns with the qualities of a liberal arts education, providing students with the ability to express themselves while engaging in critical and creative thinking, as well as communication. Parliamentary Procedure provides an efficient decision-making process; the aye/nay system ensures that all sides can speak on a matter, allows anyone to propose a topic in open forum, and establishes a predictable process for meetings, which offers returning members reliable order. The anticipated business for WCSGA is emailed to members the day before their meetings to underscore the idea of having realistic expectations for meetings. With that, the results of Parliamentary Procedure use at WC exemplifies continuity in American values including “minority voice, majority vote,” “one person, one vote,” and freedom of expression (Doyle, 1980). Providing students with a platform on campus is important for a respected organization that holds power in decision making, because not all students have equivalent voices on campus. It allows students to have a say in where their tuition is allotted and how their campus is run; at WCSGA, the playing field is level for everyone. Another result is that business is specifically recognized prior to meetings, giving members of WCSGA a relative timeline to anticipate it, and the consensus is that all business can be addressed in one meeting (Parker-Watt, 2023). Parliamentary Procedure has a positive result when used in WCSGA and professional campus environments because it runs business smoothy, supports American and liberal arts values, and respects student input.

 To further acknowledge the order and efficiency provided by the use of Parliamentary Procedure in WCSGA, allegiance to Robert’s Rules of Order and a specifically outlaid schedule results in efficient senate meetings. Meeting agendas outline specific business to be addressed, when it will be addressed, who it will address it, and upcoming events or decisions. The “aye”/“nay” voting systems is also effective because shouting one’s agreement or disagreement can gauge majority vote for a decision quickly, relatively anonymously, and without dedication to complete unanimity. Robert’s Rules are extremely thorough, providing guidance for nearly all situations, types of motions, or questions in meetings, and keep up with the times through the evolution of new editions (History of the Student Government Association, 2023). If a mistake is made during a meeting or people find themselves in doubt, members and officers can refer to the bylaws and WCSGA Constitution to ensure the accuracy of and confidence in senate resolutions. The efficiency and order expressed through the distinguished system of Parliamentary Procedure in WCSGA helps guide young students and members who are unfamiliar with the professional world gain experience with their newfound skills. Order is essential for impressionable people in newfound environments because it stops confusion from developing into disinterest or anxiety. Order and efficiency correlate with confidence, a necessity for formal procedures and smooth conduct of business on Washington College’s campus, in WCSGA and in any well-ordered campus groups. 

While WCSGA and Parliamentary Procedure are formal, there are many informal components to that grant enjoyment and maintain structure while still allowing senate to be a composed environment. WCSGA expresses its formality by following an orderly set of rules. This is valuable; it provides guidance in meetings and confidence to young students or incoming members, in addition to conducting business in a succinct manner. However, the body is not entirely formal. WCSGA proudly mixes work and play in a fun-loving manner that tones down its seriousness. Members were encouraged to wear pajamas to “Pajama Senate,” a meeting with light business and cozy sleepwear to lighten up the floor and offer a break from proper Parliamentary Procedure (Observation of WCSGA, 2023). Committee meetings are far smaller and more intimate; my committee, Organizations, combined with the budget committee to address five minutes of business and finished off with fifteen minutes of hangman (Observation of WCSGA, 2023). These activities help members let off steam and keep the environment enjoyable and interesting, which helps WCSGA keep and attract members. On top of this, having more relaxed meetings allows senators to mingle and gain confidence in their presenting, communicating, and friendship-building abilities, the things that extracurriculars are truly all about. Even when a member makes a mistake in their use of government language, as was exemplified in the senate meeting on October 10th when a member “move[d] to adjourn” instead of “motion[ing] to adjourn,” these mistakes are often corrected without judgement, maintain an even flow of the meeting (Observation of WCSGA, 2023). With a little bit of fun and some room for error, it is often easier to get serious and stay engaged whenever duty calls. Although appearing very rigid, WCSGA is a formal body that utilizes fun and encouragement to keep members involved and conducting business efficiently.

Parliamentary Procedure in itself is a language. Its usage spans broadly, connects senators or members of an organization, and can evolve or shift based on the formality of a specific setting. WCSGA’s use of Parliamentary Procedure supports the productivity of senate gatherings, balancing the fun atmosphere of eager young members and the need to handle important matters, yet it could consider improvements. To help meetings run even smoother, WCSGA could better to correct mistakes in the use of Parliamentary Procedure and failure to adhere to the script by inducting members after they have observed a few meetings to become familiar with meeting routine or studied the script or Constitution. While this additional requirement may deter some members, it would make the use of language more habitual and enhance proficiency. Greater oversight of attendance could also improve WCSGA meetings by keeping members active, which will offer more practice to improve their use of language and encourage them to get involved in other campus events that they may learn about or discuss at senate. The refined system of Parliamentary Procedure demonstrates its usefulness as a language in WCSGA and makes members more confident and competent, which is useful for college students as they embark upon their journey into the professional world. The environment of WCSGA and increasing exposure to Parliamentary Procedure assure me that I can confidently assert, “I second this!”

References

Doyle, D. H. (1980). Rules of Order: Henry Martyn Robert and the Popularization of American 

Parliamentary Law. American Quarterly, 32(1), 3–18. https://doi.org/10.2307/2712493

History of the Student Government Association (2023) Washington College. Retrieved November 

2, 2023 from 

https://www.washcoll.edu/campus-community/student-involvement/sga/history.php

Levmore, S. (1989). Parliamentary Law, Majority Decisionmaking, and the Voting Paradox. 

Virginia Law Review, 75(5), 971–1044. https://doi.org/10.2307/1073097

Macy, J. (1892). Parliamentary Procedure. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and 

Social Science, 3, 50–73. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1008597

Our History (2023). Robert’s Rules Association. Retrieved November 2, 2023 from   

Our History

WCSGA Meeting (2023). Observation of Washington College Student Government Association Meeting by Elisabeth Braswell. Retrieved October 10, 2023. 

PARKER-WATT, E. (2023). Script for Robert’s Rules of Order for the Washington College 

Student Government Association, 1-3.