![Newspaper clipping from February 25, 1970 in the Daily Barometer showing an article written by Bob Allen, past Barometer Editor. This article was written to spotlight both the student body’s lack of participation with student government at the time in conjunction with their class representatives response. [It’s important to note ASOSU was not structured identically to today’s standards, likely having a president on behalf of each class work together as one entity as opposed to one president representing all classes.]](https://dailybaro.orangemedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-12-1.00.42-PM-e1741811160853.png)
Dear colleagues,
We write to express our deep disappointment at the administration’s latest actions, including but not limited to the suspension of all legislative, judicial, and independent executive bodies of the elected student government in the directive released by the Vice Provost of Student Affairs [Friday, Feb. 28]. This decision is nothing less than an attack on student representation, democratic governance, and the very principles this university claims to uphold.
When we ran for office, we did so with the dedication to fight for transparency, students’ and student workers’ rights, and real accountability. The administration’s recent actions are a direct violation of that promise—not just to us, but to every student who believed in the power of their voice and their vote. Shutting down elected representatives in the student government is not just a bureaucratic maneuver; it is a blatant disregard for democracy on this campus.
We are hereby setting a clear expectation that we refuse to allow student voices to be silenced. Student government exists to serve and represent the students, not to be dismantled at the convenience of those in power. If the administration believes it can strip students of their rights without opposition, it is gravely mistaken.
The administration, without warning, recently terminated the employment of a judicial councilor who sent an email expressing the view that the Vice Provost’s directive may have exceeded its legal authority. They also terminated two elected members of the Senate Student Government Committee, who attempted to assemble in the Student Experience Center Plaza with the intent to discuss current events with students. Threatening and/or eliminating students’ marginal livelihoods to silence self-governance and freedom of expression sets a chilling precedent unseen in the 124-year history of the ASOSU.
We request the immediate restoration of independent legislative and judicial operations, reinstatement of employment for those retaliated against, and a commitment to upholding democratic student representation. Anything less is a betrayal of the student body and a shameful stain on this university’s leadership.
We will not stand by while student voices are pushed aside. The administration must correct its course. We would like to move forward productively, but this requires administration working with all students in an environment of mutual respect. We support building an ASOSU that is as inclusive and welcoming as possible for students, but this must be done in a way which does not itself cause harm to students and the institutions they represent.
In Solidarity,
Kayla Ramirez, ASOSU President-elect
Masha Mogylevsky, ASOSU Vice President-elect
Co-signed By:
Dylan Perfect, SFC Chair-elect
Riley Homer, SFC Member-elect
Kieran Hostetler-McLaughlin, Senator, SFC Member-elect
Adison Rowe, Senate President pro tempore
Adison Rowe, Senate President pro tempore
Marisa Ikehara, Senator
Emerson Pearson, Senator
David Calzada-Martinez, Senator-elect
Efimya (Mya) Kuzmin, Senator-elect
Lesly Maldonado, Senator-elect
Lucas Perryman-Deskins, Senator-elect
Jess Sicilia, Senator-elect
Dawson Yang, Senator-elect
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