Sitting president Ryan Hayes is questioning the results of ASSU’s March 18 presidential elections. Hayes was challenged in the election by a group of executive candidates known as “ASSU is US.” Colum Grove-White, a member of the challenging bloc, beat Hayes for the position of president. For his part, Hayes is taking issue with the conduct of the election meeting.
“From my perspective, this was the worst meeting I have ever been to in my three years here and consisted of the lowest form of politics—repeated personal attacks and slander.”
Hayes explained that there was not enough time in the meeting to complete the elections. “It went far over time and people had to leave.” An emergency meeting has been scheduled for this Thursday to discuss the election.
However, those belonging to the “ASSU is US” group say the election was valid, and that holding an emergency meeting is unnecessary.
Grove-White argued that “in ASSU’s past, when a meeting went over the allotted time, members would stay, or move to a new room and finish off the business if necessary.” Grove-White also flatly rejected any ideas of running another executive race.
“Not a presidential election, it would be completely undemocratic. Council elected me, and Hayes and his supporters have planned to stack Council, nullify the elections, and elect him at this new meeting.” It is unclear if and when a decision will be reached.
Grove-White thinks his options are limited. “There is nothing I can do at this next meeting,” he said. “I feel bad for Arts and Science Students that they may have to endure another year of Ryan Hayes and his antics. I feel bad for those Council members who supported me.”
