Undergraduate Student Congress members will file a resolution for an Impeachment Inquiry against Student Government Association President Kunal Naik over his public intoxication arrest.
This announcement was made during a regularly scheduled congress meeting, during which Naik was present to address congress's concerns and apologize.
Ryan Echols, the author of the bill, said it is congress' responsibility to hold the executive office accountable.
The Impeachment Inquiry is just that, an inquiry, but it is the first step of the impeachment process, Echols said.
Congress will vote on the resolution at the next meeting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 3 in Devon Hall, room 120, and if it passes the next step will take the evidence to Congressional Administration committee. The committee will decide if the allegations are grounds for impeachment.
“Whether he should be impeached or not is completely up to [Congressional Administration],” Echols said.
Echols also said congress members filed the inquiry because Naik's actions misrepresented SGA.
“It’s a desire of numerous people [in congress],” Echols said.
Concerning the vote, vice-chair Connor Bourland implored congress members to poll as many constituents as possible in order to accurately represent student interest.
Bourland said it would be a disservice to constituents to not listen to their opinions on this matter.
“It’s our duty to represent our constituents,” Bourland said.
About the inquiry, Naik said “I’m glad student congress is doing their job for the student [body] and that they’re doing what they think is best.”
Naik’s initial address to congress mirrored his apology letter to the students, but the Q&A that took place after was very different.
“[A lot of people have asked me] why haven’t you resigned?” Bourland asked.
“Based on feedback from faculty and staff I don’t want to do that when we are just getting starte,d and I especially do not want to do that to Alex (Byron)” Naik said. “I still feel like I’m the best for this job.”
When asked about the feedback he’s received from the administration Naik said he received a lot of sympathy and nothing negative towards his situation.
Congress members had concern whether the arrest would over shadow his success as president. Naik answered that his administration was going to work it’s hardest to make sure that does not happen.
“Apologies are great, but actions are what count” Naik said.
Academic Affairs chairperson Daniel Pae asked “Is the embarrassment of an impeachment trial worth not just resigning now?”
Naik answered that he wouldn’t feel right about resigning now.
Another representative asked if Naik feels he failed to represent the SGA and Naik said, “I didn’t represent myself very well. I made a mistake.”
“What are you sorry for?” a congress member asked.
Naik answered that he was sorry he disappointed his fellow students and that he cast doubt on SGA.
Before the vote at the next meeting, congress members encourage students to reach out to their representatives and tell them their opinions. If you are unsure of who your representative is, you can look them up here.
