By Jose M. Iniguez
Students First! ran for positions in the Undergraduate Students Association Council this year promising to “set a new precedent” for student government. Unfortunately, only three weeks into their term, SF! set its own precedent of moving USAC away from the student body.
One of the USAC president’s most important jobs is appointing students to sit on various campus committees that advocate for positive change on campus, for issues ranging from book prices to the Ashe Center.
During this year’s appointment process, President Homaira Hosseini has remained adamant in neglecting the merit of nonpartisan appointment applicants, the USAC bylaws specifying the appointment process, concerns raised by non-SF! councilmembers and, ultimately, the best interests of undergraduates here at UCLA.
She was a week late in forwarding her appointees. She didn’t bother to give the council the applications of people she was forwarding, violating several bylaws.
When people spoke up and shared their concerns at the council meeting, she didn’t bother letting their views be heard ““ either independent or Bruins United councilmembers ““ and refused to recognize the numerous inconsistencies manifested within the appointment process.
Lastly ““ and most importantly for you, the student ““ she forwarded many applicants who expressed no new ideas for their committees, failed to complete the entire application, and happened to be friends with other Students First! councilmembers.
These actions represent a callous and unjust utilization of power provided to a faction that controls both the USAC presidency and voting majority of the council table.
I challenge you, the student, to keep your student government accountable during the next year. Right now, it looks like you might need to hold this council majority’s hand so it doesn’t try to run away and break some more rules.
Iniguez graduated from UCLA in 2008.