Harris,
Ameral elected to Academic Senate
By Daniel Linck Savino
Online Forty-Niner
Staff Writer
The Associated Students Senate again returned Wednesday to the controversial
nomination of Sterling Harris to the Academic Senate. An effort to rescind the
election led by Senator-at-Large Sandra Olmedo has been developing for the past
five weeks. But before any serious debate could begin, the entire issue was cut
short and Harris’ election stood firm.
Olmedo wanted to stop Harris’ ascension to the Academic Senate because
she did not think he was capable of doing the job. At the time of the election
only two candidates applied to fill three vacancies.
Before debate could begin, Sen. Elisa Herrera objected, saying the rescission
was out of order. She cited Roberts’ Rules of Order, the book of parliamentary
procedure that governs most official meetings. Herrera argued because the other
candidate, Tasharie Ameral, was present, the election could not be overturned.
The Rules of Order state a motion to rescind cannot be made if a person elected
to office “was present or has been officially notified of the action.”
Okahana interpreted this as meaning that because Harris was not present when
the election happened, it was acceptable to rescind the election. In doing so,
he ended Herrera’s objection.Herrera, however, immediately appealed his
decision.
Sen. Shefali Mistry, College of the Arts, voiced her support of Herrera.
“
I didn’t feel [Harris] was fit to be on the Academic Senate,” she
said. “But we are supposed to be running according to Robert’s Rules
of Order.”
AS Bylaws state the Rules of Order are the “authority for all operations
of the Associated Students.”
Okahana observed early in the semester that the election of two senators to the
Board of Control had been rescinded even though both were present. Herrera rebutted,
and said the Senate wasn’t fully aware of the Rules of Order.
“
But now that we are,” she said, “I think we should follow
them.”
The Senate upheld Herrera’s point by an 11-8 vote.
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