SGA Judicial Branch blame advisers for lack of cases handled this year
Whitney Maddox
Issue date: 3/8/08 Section: University News
Despite Student Government Association President Duncan Kirkwood's appointments of students to serve on the SGA Judicial Branch, the justices have yet to hear one case.
Six associate justices and a chief justice were approved by two-thirds vote of the student senate, but according to Kirkwood, they are facing some major challenges with the university's administration.
"I'm happy with my appointments," Kirkwood said. "But it is their advisers, Mr. Drake in particular, that is shutting the judicial branch down and not allowing them to hear any cases. The justices are trying to win an uphill battle, which is very difficult."
The advisers that Kirkwood refers to are Associate Professor of Humanities Derryn Moten, PhD, and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Ricky Drake, both of who were appointed by the president of the university upon the recommendation of the Vice President for Student Affairs Charles Smith, EdD.
Chief Justice Alyssa Hayes believes that the advisers' decision not to assign the judiciary any cases is taking away from the authority that is stated in the constitution.
"If you're going to have a Judicial Branch you need to utilize it," Hayes said. "Mr. Drake will not allow us to hear any criminal cases because he doesn't want us to see the students' files. We are not concerned about files, all we care about and want to hear is both sides of the issue so we can make a ruling of recommended discipline."
Article VI, Section 4A3 of the constitution states that the Student Judicial Court shall have jurisdiction over "certain conflicts between students, student groups or organizations with exception or organizations that fall under the jurisdiction of the Pan-Hellenic Council."
Associate Justice Chris Parham agrees with Hays and believes students are being "placed in a box" once again by Drake's arbitrary decision.
"Other schools' judicial branches hear cases, everyday dealing with drugs, sexual assault, and guns but for some reason we are not allowed to," Parham said. "I could understand if he had said, I would rather you guys not hear hard criminal cases, but it is fine to hear academic dishonesty cases or other misdemeanors such as fighting or illegal weapons, but he has treated us as if we are children."
Six associate justices and a chief justice were approved by two-thirds vote of the student senate, but according to Kirkwood, they are facing some major challenges with the university's administration.
"I'm happy with my appointments," Kirkwood said. "But it is their advisers, Mr. Drake in particular, that is shutting the judicial branch down and not allowing them to hear any cases. The justices are trying to win an uphill battle, which is very difficult."
The advisers that Kirkwood refers to are Associate Professor of Humanities Derryn Moten, PhD, and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Ricky Drake, both of who were appointed by the president of the university upon the recommendation of the Vice President for Student Affairs Charles Smith, EdD.
Chief Justice Alyssa Hayes believes that the advisers' decision not to assign the judiciary any cases is taking away from the authority that is stated in the constitution.
"If you're going to have a Judicial Branch you need to utilize it," Hayes said. "Mr. Drake will not allow us to hear any criminal cases because he doesn't want us to see the students' files. We are not concerned about files, all we care about and want to hear is both sides of the issue so we can make a ruling of recommended discipline."
Article VI, Section 4A3 of the constitution states that the Student Judicial Court shall have jurisdiction over "certain conflicts between students, student groups or organizations with exception or organizations that fall under the jurisdiction of the Pan-Hellenic Council."
Associate Justice Chris Parham agrees with Hays and believes students are being "placed in a box" once again by Drake's arbitrary decision.
"Other schools' judicial branches hear cases, everyday dealing with drugs, sexual assault, and guns but for some reason we are not allowed to," Parham said. "I could understand if he had said, I would rather you guys not hear hard criminal cases, but it is fine to hear academic dishonesty cases or other misdemeanors such as fighting or illegal weapons, but he has treated us as if we are children."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Javon Brooks
posted 5/23/08 @ 1:47 PM CST
Greetings Fellow hornets in-arms....It is quite unfortunate that our great and august institution remains anti-student governance focused! As a past SGA executive branch member ('98-'99 VP) I am very connected with the frustrations of being ignored and totally misunderstood! However, you must hold your ground and demand the honor, respect, and authority that the governing document (SGA Constitution) mandates! To quit on it. (Continued…)
Post a Comment