The USG Senate overrode President Jean-Baptiste’s veto of the USG Activities Board By-Laws Act 18-0 with one abstention last Tuesday. The bill was originally passed through the Senate 20-2 on Feb. 6th.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘
The purpose of the bill was to create more USG oversight over the Student Activities Board (SAB). In the opinion of the Senate, the SAB was running wild with no executive power. One example of this is concerning the allocation of $3,080 to a Knicks game with no mass advertisement to the student body. This sort of behavior leads many critics of the USG to question which parties were buying these tickets, and whether this was an act of severe incompetence or purposeful unethical conduct. These critics also believe that the By-Laws governing the SAB need to be changed.
Concerning the bill, the SAB argued in defense that they were unaware of the issues of uncontrollable executive power and suggested that all the decisions regarding the bill were made ‘in closed door’ meetings. They also requested more time before any major decisions should be made. ‘If you would be willing to sit down with me, [SAB Head Chair] Jackson Georges and [Vice President of Student Life] Trevor Hirst’ to iron out some of the particulars said Sophomore Class Representative Jeffery Akita regarding the Senate’s proposal for immediate action.
The Senate replied that the SAB should have brought their concerns to the Senate earlier instead of the broad complaints made regarding the legislation. The Senate also supported immediate action and originally suggested that Trevor Hirst, the Vice President of Student Life, should replace Chairmen Georges, which would give the power of the veto and the presiding officer over the board and body of the SAB.
The USG President, Romual Jean-Baptiste, requested a truce as he vetoed the bill. He also agreed with the idea of allowing more time for the SAB to investigate the issues before any drastic actions were made. A decision was finally formed where the Senators conceded, led by Senator Antonelli, and allowed George to stay as Chair but gave Hirst the power of the veto.