On Oct. 4, 2023, ASUW held their weekly meeting in the Union Senate Chambers. The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. and the agenda was amended to untable SB #2896, the ASUW Committee Transparency Act.
ASUW welcomed Marty Martinez from the Veteran Services Center to speak to the chamber about the history of and their role in the Center.
SB #2896 once again hit the floor and was debated; however, due to multiple clarifications via amendments on the bill, the legislation was widely supported and passed.
Under New Business, the senator vacancy issue was addressed and a new candidate, J. W. Rzeszut, was brought before the senate to answer questions.
Rzeszut expressed that, if confirmed, he would strive to change the taser policy on campus in the interest of increasing student security and also claimed that transparency was a personal goal of his and a major priority in his work. When questioned further about his goals, he answered, “I’m very passionate about fostering equal community on campus.”
Rzeszut is an R.A. in Downey Hall and is involved with a variety of special interest groups on campus. As a representative for Young Americans For Liberty, he hopes to reduce the animosity shown between political parties on campus.
After Rzeszut answered all the questions asked of him, he was sent out of the room and the senate discussed their opinions on his candidacy.
An issue concerning a lost email of another possible candidate arose and became an apparent issue to a few of the senators. Though the loss of the email was reported to be no fault of anyone, the matter caused much tension between senators. Rzeszut’s proximity to the executive branch also became a concern.
The environment facilitated by the arguments rose to a hostile state, and led to one candidate abruptly leaving the room in the middle of the debate. However, it was decided that Rzeszut was suitable for the position and would be an advantageous member for the senate. He was welcomed back into the room with applause, was confirmed and sworn into office.
The chamber then discussed the Judicial Committee Vacancy and welcomed Emily Wangen to consideration of the position. Wangen, a first year law student, is “Committed to ensuring everyone who comes before the Council is entitled to the fair and equal justice afforded to them by the ASUW Constitution and By-Laws,” as stated in her application.
Wangen won the chamber over and was also met with applause and confirmation upon her return to the room after the senators’ discussion.
The senate discussed their nominations for the student at large of the month and gave the honor to Cole Schliebe, the First Year Senate Advisor. Nominations for senator of the month were also discussed and Senator Michael-John was selected.
However, the positive atmosphere drastically changed when a sudden motion to remove the parliamentarian from office was made. An executive session was called for, and all guests including the press were excused.
The executive session lasted for approximately an hour, with discussions started around 9:37 p.m. and ending at around 10:52 p.m.
Upon being welcomed back, it was announced that the motion calling for impeachment was withdrawn but nonetheless tensions were still high.
During the open forum style processing, the original maker of the impeachment motion stood and addressed the parliamentarian, apologizing for any hard feelings. Multiple senators voiced their disappointment in the words said during the executive session and Senator Grimm reported that she hoped to see an improvement of morale in future meetings. The meeting was adjourned just after 11:00.
The next ASUW meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
