Monday, December 2, 1996
USAC:
Incident seems to show group’s reluctance to explain its
actionsBy Jeff Ellis
On Nov. 12, I filed a petition with the Judicial Board asking
for a hearing to consider two things: 1. The use of student funds
by USAC in its anti-Proposition 209 campaign and 2. The use of the
name "Students First" on materials paid for by all students. On
Nov. 19, the board scheduled a meeting for Nov. 25 to discuss the
issues raised in my petition.
I gather that most students are not aware that the only way to
hold their student government accountable is through the Judicial
Board. That is why I have filed a petition  to hold the
people who represent me accountable for what they do and to make
sure they do put students first. I think it is healthy for USAC to
be asked to justify its actions and I am hoping my petition will
allow it to do that.
When I showed up for the hearing at 9 p.m., the members of the
Judicial Board were not there, nor was John Du, the person I was
told would be representing USAC. Apparently, Du submitted a
petition to the board that night saying that my case should not be
heard and that it should be thrown out completely. I was informed
of this after the board arrived late to my hearing due to having to
consider this last-minute petition.
The Judicial Board ruled unanimously to deny Du’s petition, but
it gave the option to Du of postponing the hearing (understandably
so, although I would imagine he was reluctant for the delay) if he
felt he was not ready to argue his case at that time. Du requested
the postponement (note there were six days between the date the
hearing was scheduled and the actual hearing).
This turn of events made me disappointed and angry. Taking my
concerns to the Judicial Board is my only way of holding my
government accountable, and the president of that government wanted
to throw out my concerns and never be forced to respond to them. My
representatives did not want to hear what I had to say and they
took specific steps to avoid answering my questions. My
disappointment turned to anger after realizing that even though
USAC prides itself on putting students first, its leader tried to
shut down the only avenue for students to hold USAC
accountable.
Just to give you an idea of where I am coming from, I would like
to say that I am not representing any perspective other than that
of a UCLA student. I am not involved in any partisan or political
groups on campus, and this is not a "political move." I do not
support Proposition 209, and in fact have actively and consistently
opposed it. However, I do think that USAC’s use of student funds
opposing Proposition 209 is in violation of its own constitution.
As I have said, my interests are those that every student should
have and how USAC responds should also worry and concern every
student.
So my hearing has been rescheduled for tonight, 6:30 p.m. in
Ackerman 2408. As much as I dislike speaking in front of large
groups, I invite you to attend. I believe the way your government
responds should be of as much interest to you as the issues we
discuss. Thus far, its response has left me disappointed and angry,
but I invite you to come and make up your own mind.
Jeff Ellis is a fourth-year philosophy and political science
student.