As a result of the inability tohandle past and impending issues, the Southern University Student GovernmentAssociation adopted a new constitution on Feb. 22.
“We were presented with a lot ofdifferent situations this past year and of course when we were presented withthese problems we looked to the constitution and it left us with nothing,” saidCarmen Rossum, student government vice president and president of the studentsenate. “There were just too manyloopholes.”
According to Jason Hughes, seniorclass senator, the constitution has not been amended in seven years. The SGAhas been a pool of controversy since the beginning of its 2005-06 reign.
“It seemed like one branch inparticular possessed far more power than others,” said Hughes. “It appearedthat SGA was turning into a tyranny and we wanted to see more of a balance ofpower in SGA.”
Budget issues, the departure of keypersonnel such as former Men’s Federation President Simmie Johnson Jr. andformer SGA Chief of Staff Kellee Craig have been contributing factors inrevising the constitution.
The failure to maintain hiscumulative grade point average resulted in Johnson’s removal. The firing ofCraig by SGA President Arthur Monroe also held grounds for justification toamend the constitution.
Last fall, the student senate begana series of constitutional conventions to discuss sections they felt needed tobe changed. Students that did not hold positions with SGA were also given theopportunity to voice concerns on issues they believed should be addressed bythe constitution.
The constitution underwent athorough revision and several sections were changed, while some were added oreliminated.
The sections on membership, generalorganization, the executive, legislative and judicial branches; elections andqualifications; and general notes were changed. Also, new sections on financeand impeachment were added.
“I think the changes were great andthey were needed,” Rossum said. “I’m proud that we got together and we didit. I’m proud more than anything.”
The new constitution was approvedby Raymond Downs, vice-chancellor for student affairs, after receiving thenecessary recommendations of Russell Frazier, SGA advisor and Lynn Dickerson,assistant to the vice chancellor for student affairs.
“I think that they (the senate)made very good changes,” said Downs. “I think it will lead to a much moreefficient and effective operation in the future.”
Downs sent the revised constitutionto SUBR Chancellor Edward Jackson for final approval. The Chancellor has notreached a decision but plans to have one as early as Wednesday.
“I will definitely be looking intoit and having some discussions with Dr. Downs and Arthur Monroe,” Jackson said.”I will certainly act on it quickly.”
Rossum says she is extremelyexcited that the process has gone smoothly thus far.
“I’m glad it was approved and thatthey (student affairs) respected our changes,” Rossum said. “It shows that wewere on the same page.”
Students wishing to learn more orobtain a copy of the constitution should visit the SGA office located on thesecond floor of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.
