By Paul A. Anthony, Editor in Chief
President Jeremy Smith could be impeached, censured or otherwise rebuked, depending on what the Student Congress decides after discussing its leader’s decision to skip the final three business-related meetings.
At Wednesday’s meeting, most members rejected the idea of impeaching Smith on legal and personal grounds, but many voiced support of a resolution that both stood behind Smith and disapproved of what he has done and said.
“The students should know how we feel about our president,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, College of Business Administration, as Congress narrowly voted to suspend the rules and discuss what action-if any-should be taken in response.
Many in Congress lashed out at Smith, especially when referring to Smith’s claim that Congress was not working for the student body.
“While we may understand what he’s going through, we don’t agree with how he’s doing it,” said Sen. Erin Baldwin, junior class. “I don’t think the student body appreciates their president skipping the last three meetings.”
Smith told the Optimist Wednesday that he felt Congress no longer listened to him and that his presence at meetings was a drawback to the progress he wanted Congress to feel it was making.
At Wednesday night’s meeting, Smith delivered an apology.
“I was wrong for not coming and giving an explanation,” Smith said. He also apologized to younger members of Congress, but he did not apologize for skipping the meetings.
Smith criticized Congress for pushing through constitutional amendments on their last possible day so they could be voted on with executive officer elections last week.
“Are you kidding me?” he asked. “I’ve realized my voice no longer matters to most of you guys.”
Other members eschewed political arguments and sided with Smith, arguing for compassion.
“I do not endorse or agree with the actions of president Smith over the past few weeks,” said junior vice president Taylor Hemness. “However, I think Optimist coverage is probably enough. As far as a public address by Congress, I don’t think we should.”
Rep. Reese Campbell, Administration Building, echoed that sentiment:
“This is all his life; this is all he does,” Campbell said. “And you’ve crushed it. You know what? Maybe we haven’t done anything.”
Congress has several options, including impeachment, censure, a resolution of disapproval, compelling Smith to attend meetings or making no statement at all.
Wednesday’s SA meeting is scheduled to be only prayer for incoming officers; however, Congress has control of the docket and can bring up new business if its members so desire.
