A resolution in favor of allowing the ASUO to consult with the Office of Student Advocacy on policy was approved during the ASUO Senate meeting last night. Yet according to provisions in the Green Tape Notebook, the resolution was not legally passed because the meeting did not meet the four-fifths quorum required for voting on resolutions.
The resolution was unanimously approved by the senators in attendance with two abstaining, but because there were only 15 senators, they didn’t meet the necessary number required to be in attendance. According to the ASUO constitution, this means the decision is constitutionally null. The meeting would’ve needed only one additional senator of the 19 currently holding seats to meet the four-fifths quorum.
ASUO has been trying to deal with the Office of Student Advocacy issue for two years.
The Office of Student Advocacy used to be able to give advice to the ASUO, offering historical context and legal understanding so the ASUO could make more informed policy decisions. In 2009, this was removed from their contract, and the ASUO could no longer seek their help.
ASUO President Ben Eckstein wrote a resolution to bring this service back to student government.
“This is a nonpartisan issue of student rights,” Eckstein said. “We have the right to contract resources and services that give us the ability to function.”
Eckstein said that the resolution would mean the ASUO could take the next step in reinstating the relationship with the office, allowing for more serious negotiations with the Office of Student Affairs.
“We can continue advocacy with full backing of senate on behalf of students,” he said. “This will strengthen our voice in this issue.”
Eckstein said that if this issue isn’t addressed on campus, he is willing and ready to take it to OUS or even the state legislature if necessary. This is also outlined in the last section of the resolution.
“This is a no-brainer,” ASUO Sen. Ben Bowman said. “This is something students deserve.”