An emergency Senate Meeting was held December 7, 2011 to address the rumors surrounding the suspension of SGA Vice President Rhonetta Brooks. Usual Senate meetings have very little participation and attendance from student organizations and the general student body but this one, word quickly spread across social media sites that SGA had plans to terminate Brooks’ services and everyone wanted to know if this was true and why? A new seating arrangement was put in place to separate SGA executives, Senate representatives, and general student body attendance was taken instead of the usual sign in sheet being passed around. A proclamation of intent was made that only Senate members were allowed to comment as it is their votes that matter if a decision was to be made during the meeting. SGA President Jamin Gallman read a statement explaining that impeachment is not the plan of action regarding Brooks’ lack of performance in regards to the duties of Vice President. The plan of action that was addressed to the Senate was that the executive board will have a meeting with Brooks’ to discuss necessary action. Rhonetta Brooks is currently put on suspension, which can last up to 30 days. The duties that were allegedly not performed by the Vice President were not discussed to respect privacy.

To be abundantly clear the impeachment rumors are FALSE, the suspension that can last up to 30 days was outlined in a written statement present by Gallman, issues with performance and facts are the source of the problem. All actions in regards to the suspension have been handled as the SGA Constitution states. Negative propaganda against SGA and the decision to suspend Brooks that has been dispersed through social media will be handled aggressively.
Keep in mind SGA is a symmetrical model of U.S Government, and the powers of SGA and Senate should be respected as such. Controversy and gossip should not be the reason why student organizations Senate representatives become active participants in these meetings but to exercise their power to vote for important issues concerning the student body, as well as their right to contest any decisions made by the SGA President. Familiarity with the SGA Constitution was discussed and should be on the forefront of the minds of Senate members as the Constitution Convention is coming soon.