The second Associated Students of Washington State University Vancouver Senate meeting concluded with a failed vote to remove current Pro-Tempore Taryn Loun from office. The meeting, which began on Aug. 31 at 1:08 p.m., started with a call to order by ASWSUV Chief Justice, Colton Milam.
Senator Colten Sullivent, motioned to move the debate regarding the removal of Senator Loun to an Executive Session, which would allow for only ASWSUV President Ian Muck, Vice President Travis Toth, Assistant Director of Student Involvement Nikki Hinshaw and Helen Gregory, the administrative manager of Student Affairs and Enrollment to remain in closed doors. The Executive Session, which falls under the Revised Code of Washington State Title 42, Chapter 30, Section 110 (f) states that an Executive Session may be called to receive and evaluate complaints or charges brought against a public officer or employee. However, upon the request of such officer or employee, a public hearing or a meeting open to the public shall be conducted upon such complaint or charge.
The ASWSUV Senate voted to move the discussion to an Executive Session unanimously and all community members, ASWSUV Executive staff and students were required to leave the closed-door session.
“There are sensitive topics that we need to discuss,” Senator Sullivent said during the debate period prior to the executive session. “I understand that we have to weigh our obligation to the public’s ability to know what’s going on in the Senate against our obligation to protect people’s rights. But, I believe in this instance it is the right move.”
“While I do agree with senator Sullivent that in this particular instance maintaining the integrity of our students seems to be more important than maintaining any kind of transparency issue,” Senator Emily Elder said, “I just want to reiterate to the student body that we are very seriously considering this issue.”
The vote to remove Loun from office took place at 2 p.m. after the closed executive session. The vote failed to reach the required unanimous concensus. The senators votes are as follows:
Senator Duong: Aye
Senator Elder: Aye
Senator Farrow: Aye
Senator Frohlich: Nay (Senator Frohlich’s direct quote was “Hell no” however the Senate declared unparliamentary language and was made to be in order with a Point of Order and changed to “no”)
Senator Garcia-Igueldo: Aye
Senator Grande: Aye
Senator Leeper: Aye
Senator Llorente: Nay
Senator Olson: Nay
Senator Sullivent: Aye
The next public senate meeting will take place on September 7th in FSC 104 at 1 p.m.
The VanCougar’s Alex Duffield also contributed to reporting.