The Undergraduate Students Association Council considered two
historic issues on June 29 ““ the authority of the Judicial
Board and funding eligibility for all student groups. But the
council’s actions raise new questions about the integrity and
consistency of its bylaws.
With an ad hoc summer quorum, the council voted seven to two,
overturning a Judicial Board ruling which had barred two of the
newly elected general representatives from working until an
investigation of alleged vandalism was complete.
While the council had the right idea to swiftly reinstate the
general representatives, the vote highlights two serious
constitutional problems facing student government: If the council
can easily overrule the Judicial Board, how can the Judicial Board
effectively adjudicate matters relating to conduct of student
government?
Moreover, during the meeting President Allende Palma/Saracho
declared seven votes as sufficient to overturn the Judicial
Board.
USAC must clarify its voting rules and change its constitution
to give the Judicial Board authority to issue binding rulings.
Overturning a ruling from the Judicial Board should be more
difficult than obtaining a super-majority council vote.
Similarly, USAC must resolve the issue of student group finding.
Though the council has made progress by opening funding to all
groups ““ religious and political included ““ it must
make sure the funding regulations are consistent and
reasonable.
The current deadline to apply for funding is July 8, but not all
eligible groups will be able to apply for funding on such short
notice. New groups seeking funding may be created in October,
further complicating the allocation process.
USAC should set aside funds in anticipation of funding requests
that may be made later in the year. If there are no new requests,
USAC can redistribute the extra funds at a later date.