Disagreement, additional consideration, nice to see in normally affable ASUI
The Associated Students of the University of Idaho planned to fill four vacant seats in the senate last week. But due to disagreement between the executive and legislative branches of the student government, the decision has been postponed for further consideration of the applicants.
The decision to extend deliberations came after the senate and ASUI President Nate Fisher failed to agree on which candidates were best suited for the positions.
In an unusual show of executive power from the ASUI president, Fisher threatened to veto the senate’s decision if they didn’t further consider his recommendations.
The fact that this disagreement became public knowledge at the senate meeting last week is a rare show of controversy from ASUI, which in recent years has been particularly agreeable on seemingly every issue. Whether or not this is just an illusion is another topic entirely.
Part of being an elected representative and part of any governing body is the ability to disagree. On the other hand, elected representatives must know when the time comes to listen, understand and consider opposing viewpoints.
It is nice to see the different branches of government and the platform for open discourse being put to good use within our own student government — something other governing bodies seem to struggle with.
The purpose of ASUI is to represent the entire undergraduate student body. It would be ignorant to say all 8,000-plus, full-time, fee-paying undergraduate students agree unanimously on everything, so it’s unrealistic to think those who represent the student body do just that.
The students elected are expected to give each issue their full consideration, listen to feedback from students and advocate for student rights. If we can visibly see these representatives disagree, discuss and come to a compromise or conclusion we can better trust they are putting student issues first and giving them their full consideration — rather than simply agreeing to get out of the office quicker.
These are the people who make decisions about the allocation of student fee dollars, represent the students on important policy decisions within the university and are the unifying voice of the student body.
Student government is not a game or a practice for the real world, it is a group of students with the authority to make decisions that impact campus — a duty that should not be taken lightly.
Fisher exercised his executive power to force the senators to put further consideration into their decisions. He has said if they come to the same conclusion after a second look at the candidates, he will support them.
Let’s hope Fisher sticks with this precedent of holding the senate accountable for their decisions. It’s an aspect of the presidency so often overlooked that does nothing but benefit the student body and its representatives.
Kaitlyn Krasselt can be reached at [email protected]