In an effort to create an opening for the appointment of Ezra Poore on the 34th Student Senate, Brian Decampos motioned for his constituency to be changed from resident to commuter. The motion failed. Poore was one of the three resident candidates not elected to the Student Senate in the March elections. Poore left without making any comments to the Senate.
Senator Caroline Young raised immediate concerns about the constituency changes.
“I just feel [this change] is a little premature at this point,” said Young. She encouraged the Senate to delay the change in Decampos’ seat until the beginning of next semester.
Speaking from the gallery, Michael McAllister, a junior philosophy major, questioned the validity of the voting process. “Are these elected positions that you can flip-flop?” he asked. “It seems odd to me, from an outside perspective, that somebody would run for a resident position when they are planning to move off-campus next year.” McAllister is the circulation manager for The Free Press.
Andrew Bossie, Senate chair, referred questions of protocol to the parliamentarian, Senator Adam Mirmelli. “We have the right,” said Mirmelli, “to move people’s constituency.” According to Mirmelli, constituencies can be changed, but if the student does not move appropriate to the change-for example if a resident student does not actually become a commuter when the senator says he or she will – the senator forfeits his or her seat.
Student Body President, Joshua Chaisson, also speaking from the gallery, raised concerns about how the move could affect the Student Senate Image. “It shows that we don’t really represent what students care about,” said Chaisson.
Following the remarks, Decampos recommended the senate to vote against his motion.