Checking and balancing student government

Published: Monday, December 2, 1996

Monday, December 2, 1996

USAC:

Incident seems to show group's reluctance to explain its actionsBy Jeff Ellis

On Nov. 12, I filed a petition with the Judicial Board asking for a hearing to consider two things: 1. The use of student funds by USAC in its anti-Proposition 209 campaign and 2. The use of the name "Students First" on materials paid for by all students. On Nov. 19, the board scheduled a meeting for Nov. 25 to discuss the issues raised in my petition.

I gather that most students are not aware that the only way to hold their student government accountable is through the Judicial Board. That is why I have filed a petition to hold the people who represent me accountable for what they do and to make sure they do put students first. I think it is healthy for USAC to be asked to justify its actions and I am hoping my petition will allow it to do that.

When I showed up for the hearing at 9 p.m., the members of the Judicial Board were not there, nor was John Du, the person I was told would be representing USAC. Apparently, Du submitted a petition to the board that night saying that my case should not be heard and that it should be thrown out completely. I was informed of this after the board arrived late to my hearing due to having to consider this last-minute petition.

The Judicial Board ruled unanimously to deny Du's petition, but it gave the option to Du of postponing the hearing (understandably so, although I would imagine he was reluctant for the delay) if he felt he was not ready to argue his case at that time. Du requested the postponement (note there were six days between the date the hearing was scheduled and the actual hearing).

This turn of events made me disappointed and angry. Taking my concerns to the Judicial Board is my only way of holding my government accountable, and the president of that government wanted to throw out my concerns and never be forced to respond to them. My representatives did not want to hear what I had to say and they took specific steps to avoid answering my questions. My disappointment turned to anger after realizing that even though USAC prides itself on putting students first, its leader tried to shut down the only avenue for students to hold USAC accountable.

Just to give you an idea of where I am coming from, I would like to say that I am not representing any perspective other than that of a UCLA student. I am not involved in any partisan or political groups on campus, and this is not a "political move." I do not support Proposition 209, and in fact have actively and consistently opposed it. However, I do think that USAC's use of student funds opposing Proposition 209 is in violation of its own constitution. As I have said, my interests are those that every student should have and how USAC responds should also worry and concern every student.

So my hearing has been rescheduled for tonight, 6:30 p.m. in Ackerman 2408. As much as I dislike speaking in front of large groups, I invite you to attend. I believe the way your government responds should be of as much interest to you as the issues we discuss. Thus far, its response has left me disappointed and angry, but I invite you to come and make up your own mind.

Jeff Ellis is a fourth-year philosophy and political science student.