2008 Woodie Awards
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College Repubs pledge constitutional reforms
By Kendra Garstka on 4/19/07
In light of recent questions about the leadership of the College Republicans, the club's executive board met April 11 with Kimberly Herrera, a staff member from Student Activities, and Bernie Schultz, the club's adviser in the Office of Campus Life, and have gone on the record in attempts to clear up confusion about the club's leadership and dues collection.
The e-board allegedly violated its constitution by stopping dues collection before spring break and removing its membership chair, Caleb Smith, from office, The Eagle previously reported.
College Republicans President John Zevitas said the allegations that the club had violated its constitution were "absurd" and "politically motivated."
"The e-board's actions are regrettable and Student Activities' inaction is disappointing," Smith said. "Hopefully lessons were learned, reforms will be made and the membership will be put first next year."
The meeting with advisers put an end to any questions about AUCR dues and leadership, said Will Haun, the club's vice president and a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs.
"All issues were addressed in that meeting," Haun said. "It was accepted by everyone in the room that the actions taken by the e-board were constitutional ... and for the betterment of the club."
Smith, a junior in SPA, said he disagreed. He called the meeting "unproductive."
"I felt nothing was decided other than you guys need to change your constitution next year," he said, in reference to the College Republicans' constitution.
Smith said Student Activities recommended the club reform its constitution, which most at the meeting agreed with.
"There are a lot of things everyone wants changed and updated," said Seth Johnson, College Republicans secretary and a senior in SPA.
According to Johnson, the reforms will probably involve clearly defining what each executive's role entails.
In the meeting, Johnson said Student Activities' main issue was the process through which Smith was removed.
The e-board allegedly violated its constitution by stopping dues collection before spring break and removing its membership chair, Caleb Smith, from office, The Eagle previously reported.
College Republicans President John Zevitas said the allegations that the club had violated its constitution were "absurd" and "politically motivated."
"The e-board's actions are regrettable and Student Activities' inaction is disappointing," Smith said. "Hopefully lessons were learned, reforms will be made and the membership will be put first next year."
The meeting with advisers put an end to any questions about AUCR dues and leadership, said Will Haun, the club's vice president and a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs.
"All issues were addressed in that meeting," Haun said. "It was accepted by everyone in the room that the actions taken by the e-board were constitutional ... and for the betterment of the club."
Smith, a junior in SPA, said he disagreed. He called the meeting "unproductive."
"I felt nothing was decided other than you guys need to change your constitution next year," he said, in reference to the College Republicans' constitution.
Smith said Student Activities recommended the club reform its constitution, which most at the meeting agreed with.
"There are a lot of things everyone wants changed and updated," said Seth Johnson, College Republicans secretary and a senior in SPA.
According to Johnson, the reforms will probably involve clearly defining what each executive's role entails.
In the meeting, Johnson said Student Activities' main issue was the process through which Smith was removed.
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