The ASUO Constitution Court on Tuesday denied a University sophomore’s request
to begin gathering signatures to initiate a recall of the ASUO Executive and the ASUO
Student Senate.
The court rejected computer science major Silas Snider’s petition because it “does not conform to the requirements of bringing a matter before the Court” as defined in court rules, according to the decision.
Snider filed the request because he was concerned by student government leaders’ actions on an Oct. 8-10 Sunriver retreat, at which ASUO officials drank alcohol and smoked marijuana, a violation of the Student Conduct Code.
The court opinion, written by Chief Justice Randy Derrick, stated that Snider’s paperwork fails to meet the requirement of Rule 10.1.1.5, which states that petitions must contain “a
concise statement of the case containing the facts material to the consideration of the questions presented.”
Snider didn’t specify the nature and specific instances of the “alleged incidents that occurred at the Sunriver retreat” or the specific rules and regulations the students violated as a result of their actions, according to the decision.
“In reviewing the facts material to the case, the Court is bound to review the petition based on its merits and without interference from
other sources or assumptions,” the decision states.
Snider, who said he was not informed of the decision until the Emerald contacted him Tuesday night, said the decision wasn’t what he expected.
“I was under the impression, at least from the elections coordinator, that it was merely like a rubber-stamp-type thing,” he said. “I’m rather confused right now.”
He said according to his interpretation of the ASUO Constitution, students don’t need any reason to try to recall an elected official.
Snider said he will re-file with
the court within the week, time
permitting.
“If that’s what I have to do, I’ll do it because I feel strongly about this matter,” he said.
The decision also stated the
“attitude displayed by the ASUO that they are generally above the rules and regulations that apply to the general populace” wasn’t grounds for a recall.
“While it is regrettable that a
student of the University and a member of the ASUO would feel this way about the attitude of their
elected officials, the attitude by an elected official in conducting their official duties, short of a violation
of the ASUO Constitution or the rules promulgated under it, does
not constitute a viable case for a recall of that student,” Derrick said in the decision.
Derrick told the Emerald he could not elaborate on the decision,
but said Snider could legally resubmit a petition.
ASUO Public Relations Director Nathan Strauss said the executive is open to feedback from students.
“Our doors are open as far as students coming and voicing their concerns,” he said. “(Snider) didn’t take advantage of that avenue.”

[email protected]