Several students have expressed concerns about a lack of vegetarian and vegan options at the Marketplace. Erin Callahan, a sophomore dance science major, recently took to Instagram to express concerns of her own, sharing a photo of an empty, square plate from the MP.
“I was told there would be vegan options,” read the photo’s caption. “This was my lunch. Why am I forced to pay for a meal plan?”
Callahan’s post prompted an unusual response from the official SGA Instagram account.
“Greens and fruits are from Mother Earth,” read the SGA comment on Callahan’s post. “God created these things for us to survive on, as the energy in which they are grown from the roots of the soil provide crucial nutrients in order to live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.”
The comment made using the SGA account was later deleted.
Cassandra Sanchez, SGA’s executive social media coordinator, is the only person with access to the Instagram account. She said that SGA doesn’t know who made the comment.
“As of a week ago, I am currently the only one who has access to the SGA Instagram account,” said Sanchez. “We changed the password and took all of the precautions we need to make at this time. At the time of the comments, an unknown person had gained access. We are still unsure as to who that person was.”
Callahan was disappointed by the comment.
“My initial reaction was thinking that we live on a Christian campus, but the students aren’t very Christian,” said Callahan.
According to Callahan, AU has not offered any solutions to her problem.
“The university has not done much other than saying they want me to be aware of all the options when, in reality, there are very few,” she said.
Despite the SGA hacker’s reaction to her post and AU’s dismissal of her concerns, Callahan was encouraged by the students who came to her defense, including SGA President Becca Peach.
“Honestly, students have been very supportive,” Callahan said. “Some have sent things to SGA and the university on my behalf.”
Peach reached out to Callahan offering support.
“I don’t think you should have to settle for dry salad every time you go to the MP,” she told Callahan. “I can’t say I will be able to change the meal plans, but I would like to start by having a conversation about what we can do for you, specifically.”