ASUI passed a resolution last week in favor of changing voting requirements needed to approve upcoming changes to the student code of conduct.
The current voting requirement mandates that at least 35 percent of the student body vote on the changes to the code. In addition, out of the 35 percent of students who do vote, a two-thirds majority is needed to approve the changes.
The new resolution would require two-thirds of the ASUI senate to approve the changes, rather than two-thirds of the student body.
The resolution will now be sent to the State Board of Education for approval.
ASUI is making the logical decision to support changing these unrealistic voting requirements. Just 21.2 percent of the student body voted in the ASUI senate and presidential elections last spring and it is likely the turnout for a student code of conduct vote would fall well short of the mandatory 35 percent.
Even though changing the voting requirements seems appropriate at this point in the process, it is unfortunate we cannot get a little over one third of our students to vote on something that will impact them until they graduate from UI.
It is disappointing ASUI has to act in this manner to pass a code that will affect the large majority of students.
Even though this resolution might look like a power grab by the ASUI senate, it is the best solution apart from a student body vote. ASUI senators not only represent the UI student body, but are also well-versed with the student code of conduct and can assess its flaws and shortcomings.
However, simply because the decision to approve the code will be ASUI’s responsibility does not mean that students should disengage altogether. Students can always express comments and concerns to ASUI officials and the Dean of Student’s Office.
Now the fate of the new voting recommendations sits in the hands of the State Board of Education.
Hopefully for all of us, the SBOE will grant ASUI the approval it needs.
–RT