UF’s Student Senate chambers were heated Tuesday night when senators debated replacement seats.
After passing two resolutions and approving a Council of Advisors position, senators went into three rounds of pro/con debate between senators Alex Everitt, District D, and Jonathan Frish, Murphree, and defended their nominations as senators.
“I’ve seen things change; I’ve seen the univeristy change, and I see this as an opportunity in senate to be able to give back to not only District D, but also the community of the University of Florida,” Everitt said.
Senators against Everitt’s nomination argued his nomination favored Impact Party.
“It demonstrates a clear party bias,” said Sen. Praveen Varanasi (Access, District D), referring to Everitt running with Impact in the Fall elections. “It’s important as a Senate that we come to terms with the fact that we represent the students.”
Sen. Kylie Werk (Impact, District A) said the debate around his nomination was because of party politics.
“I feel like saying he’s not deserving of this seat because it’s party politics is stupid,” Werk said.
Jonathan Frish’s spot as a replacement senator for Murphree Hall was also debated.
Both replacement senators were approved at the end of the meeting.
Passed:
Resolution supporting the grand opening of the Reitz Union expansion by unanimous consent
Passed:
Resolution supporting the establishment of the Gator Emergency Medical Response Unit by unanimous consent
Kelsey Abbey approved for Council of Advisors
Contact Melissa Gomez at mgomez@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @MelissaGomez004.