TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Traditional student block seating is suspended for Alabama's first home game this Saturday, University of Alabama SGA president Jimmy Taylor informed students Wednesday afternoon.

"I feel it is my duty as SGA president to foster togetherness and represent all students," Taylor said in an email. "With this in mind, I feel it is appropriate to suspend Student Organization Seating for this Saturday's football game against Colorado State. As a university, we have seen significant growth in recent years; however, as we continue to grow bigger, we must also grow better."

Block seating, also known as student organization seating, in Bryant Denny Stadium has been a point of contention on UA's campus for years, as traditionally white fraternities were nearly exclusively granted the coveted end zone seats for several years.

"As you know, our campus has been the subject of attention for alleged discrimination within the Greek system," Taylor said. "I want to address the situation and do my best to foster a sense of inclusiveness and diversity in all areas of campus. I want to commend the leaders who stood up for what they knew was right, and those who continue to extend the conversation. This type of selfless leadership is essential in moving the campus forward."

The Crimson White reported last year that all but six of 34 student organizations receiving block seating were Greek fraternities. All other groups were co-educational organizations, other than Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

In last year's application process, organizations submitted a desired number of seats according to their membership numbers. Each organization is then given an additional number for seats, which have traditionally been used for dates from sororities.

However, block seating is only reserved up until 45 minutes before kick-off, after which the seats are fair game if unoccupied.

This year's SGA has yet to release a list or seating chart of organizations receiving block seating.

"This Saturday is an opportunity for all students to come together with a common goal," Taylor said. "We can begin by cheering on the Alabama football team together as one University."