ASSU council drops senator-elect Ivy Chen’s case

The ASSU Constitutional Council, a physique of 5 undergraduate and graduate college students, dismissed the case Elections Commissioner v. Chen on Monday night. Ivy Chen ’26, who was elected to the twenty fifth Undergraduate Senate (UGS), will be capable to maintain her place as an ASSU senator within the 2023-2024 educational yr.

The lawsuit pertained to Chen’s violations of marketing campaign expenditure legal guidelines situated within the Joint Bylaws of the ASSU. Particularly, Chen was accused of turning her marketing campaign expense kind late and exceeding the $100 restrict for undergraduate senate races.

On April 18, ASSU Election Commissioner Whit Froehlich J.D. ’24, submitted a petition to the Council. Within the petition, Froehlich alleged that Chen dedicated two violations of marketing campaign expenditure legal guidelines. On April 25, the Council unanimously voted to listen to the case on Might 1. 

Earlier than Monday’s listening to, Froehlich, Chen and Chen’s consultant Eli Tannenwald J.D. ’25 agreed on a joint decision which might enable Chen to “stay within the Undergraduate Senate together with her full vote” however deem her ineligible for any reimbursement for her marketing campaign bills, which exceeded the restrict by $22.75.

“We really feel that that is applicable as a result of the violation represents a comparatively minor infraction and is unlikely to have considerably impacted the vote complete,” wrote the 2 events of their decision. 

At Monday’s listening to, Councillor Avi Gupta ’23 was acknowledged to supply a movement to undertake the decision. The decision was unanimously authorised by the ASSU Constitutional Council and the case was dismissed.

Froehlich wrote in a press release to The Every day that he was glad that each one events have been capable of attain an “mutually agreeable decision,” and that he intends to suggest enhancements to the legislative our bodies. “I proceed to sit up for enhancing the Joint Bylaws’ remedy of elections rules,” Froehlich wrote.

Chen mentioned that this case has taken an emotional toll on her. “I’m simply relieved that it’s throughout,” Chen mentioned. 

“I’m very grateful for my authorized counsel who provided to assist me free of charge. This case has made me extra enthusiastic about public service and giving a voice to those that don’t have one,” Chen mentioned. “I’m able to serve and get to work as a Senator.”