SGA constitution rejected
After much debate over the content and publicity for the Student Government Association’s newly reformed constitution, students rejected the constitution in a vote of 79 to 81. The elections were completed on Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. The results remain unofficial until the judicial branch approves them.
After much debate over the content and publicity for the Student Government Association’s newly reformed constitution, students rejected the constitution in a vote of 79 to 81. The elections were completed on Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. The results remain unofficial until the judicial branch approves them.
CeeJay Louis, political science and English major, supported the grievances filed against the constitution by students Joe Anderson and Anthony Spain on Feb. 2. Louis said although proponents of the constitution might be having a hard time accepting the results, the student body has made their decision.
Louis said although he did not agree with the measures proposed in the new constitution to achieve an efficient system of transparency and communication, the SGA should work to attain those goals through other means.
“If you don’t have an alternative, then you really can’t be talking,” Louis said.
Anderson was surprised to hear the results.
“I guess the students spoke,” Anderson said. In reference to the injunction he filed against the constitution, Anderson said, “I guess one cranky old man really can make a difference.”
Joshua Ronk, senate chairman and member of the constitutional reform committee said he is skeptical about the results. Ronk said he wants the judicial branch to look into some discrepancies he noticed. He declined to clarify until he decides whether to file a formal grievance. Ronk said the results were disappointing.
“I thought we had more support than we actually did,” Ronk said.
Kanwar Anand, chairperson of the joint elections committee, said the constitutional reform process and elections would have been more effective if there had been a greater consensus among SGA members. According to Anand, the constitutional- reform committee should have had more extensive publicity as well as student involvement. Anand said the SGA will work to promote student involvement in the spring elections.
The results are pending approval from the judicial branch, which will verify that the results are valid.
