At the Wednesday ASUC Senate meeting, the senate confirmed a Judicial Council nominee, and issues surrounding anti-Semitism and the Student Code of Conduct were discussed.
Following the March 10 visit of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan to UC Berkeley — where he was a featured speaker at the Afrikan Black Coalition Conference — SQUELCH! Party Chair Eric Raby spoke about the history and definition of anti-Semitism. Farrakhan’s visit caused student groups to voice concerns regarding anti-Semitic, homophobic and other controversial statements they say he has made in the past.
“(Discrimination) should be fought by every single person in this room as allies,” said Student Action Senator Aviv Gilboa.
More than 15 Jewish community members attended the meeting in support.
Later in the meeting, campus independent hearing officer Lee Maranto encouraged students to participate as hearing panel members in determining whether students are in violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Both undergraduate and graduate students are needed for the hearing panels.
The senate also confirmed freshman Stephanie Chamberlain for a position on the Judicial Council, which serves as the judicial branch of the ASUC. It has the power to hear and decide on any cases involving the interpretation of the ASUC constitution, charges and violations under the ASUC Constitution and bylaws and against any person, party or candidate involved in the ASUC, among other duties.
Chamberlain said she knew little about the constitution and bylaws and is coming in “green” to the position.
Because the position was filled in the middle of the semester, concerns were raised that future senators might have to appoint a new candidate in the middle of the semester when Chamberlain’s two-year term ends.
Senators discussed the possibility of Chamberlain voluntarily quitting after a year and a half or changing the length of her term.
Senators from CalSERVE and Student Action who are on the party’s executive slates for this year’s election were not in attendance for the majority of the meeting. Student Action executive slate senators were not present until 10 p.m. because the party’s executive slate members had campaign kickoffs, while CalSERVE senators left for portions of the meeting.
