The bylaws of the undergraduate student government were amended to include a conflict-of-interest clause in the council’s meeting on Tuesday.
All elected and appointed Undergraduate Students Association Council members are now required to disclose any potential conflict of interest, especially those that could benefit them financially.
The change was due in part to the recent controversy involving Rustom Z. Birdie, the recently resigned Financial Supports commissioner.
Birdie signed a contract with Internet start-up Jobbook.com to promote the company in exchange for 1,000 shares. Judicial Board said Birdie’s actions clearly were a conflict of interest and found him guilty of wrongdoing.
“The challenge with this year was that there was no specific bylaw to cite,” said USAC President Jasmine Hill, in regard to the actions taken against Birdie. “This won’t prevent (further misconduct), but the bylaws set the golden standard.”
The amendment was initially intended to be added to the constitution, but the council felt it fell more in line with the bylaws, which specifically govern the conduct and dictate the responsibilities of USAC officials.
“Now we’re clear that this type of behavior is prohibited and unacceptable on the council,” said Suza Khy, the Academic Affairs commissioner.
The council also added other amendments. Beginning next year, the Facilities commissioner will be responsible for sustainability on campus, and USAC will appoint an official representative to the LGBT community.