USUSA grievances become public this year
For the first time, complaints and violations of Utah State University Student Association elections rules are available to the public.
This allows anyone to access records on who has filed what grievance, what the complaint is and what decisions are made by USUSA hearing councils.
According to USUSA President Lucas Stevens, it’s a necessary and important resource for those running campaigns.
The ability for campaigns to file formal complaints against other candidates is meant to make sure USUSA candidates follow election bylaws and to penalize them if they do not.
The purpose helps to ensure a level of accountability among candidates because there is not any other system or organization that polices candidates and ensures that they are following bylaws.
Stevens also recognizes this system can be used as a competitive tool rather than a safeguard to ensure bylaws are followed.
“I think most bylaw violations are committed unknowingly. I think candidates shouldn’t file grievances over trivial, petty things. Grievances tend to sour elections. Many USUSA candidates know each other and could correct most grievances with a call or text,” Stevens said.
He also explained using grievances as a campaign strategy doesn’t usually work in the candidate’s favor.
“I don’t think grievances should be filed with the intent of distracting another candidate from their campaign. This tactic is generally looked down upon and ineffective. Historically, winning candidates have focused on their campaigns and spread positive messaging,” Stevens said.
According to Max Roberts, the USUSA public relations director, there have been 18 grievances filed in the 2022 USUSA election cycle so far.
Among these complaints have been accusations such as handing out bagels and spending too much money per person, spending too much on a promotional Instagram video and displaying an ad campaign a few days too early.
After complaints are made, they are vetted by a USUSA committee.
Those considered valid are passed to the USUSA Hearing Board composed of 12 members chosen by the Logan and statewide USUSA Executive Councils.
The Student Advocate vice president calls three of the board members for screenings, and five to seven for full hearings. The cases are heard and all evidence is presented. After deliberating, the hearing board releases their decision.
Braden Ashcraft, a member of the USUSA Hearing Board who has served as chair, expressed the importance of the job.
“The hearing board really tries to take every filed grievance as seriously as we can,” Ashcraft said. “It’s an honor to serve on it and get a chance to be a part of such an incredible process with the USUSA.”
Under USUSA election bylaws, councils can induce penalty points on candidates if they decide that there were actual violations of election bylaws.
A minor violation would likely receive one to two points while an egregious act would earn six or seven. If a candidate receives seven points, they are disqualified from the election. As a part of the USUSA complaint hearings, the claimant is permitted to state a recommended penalty.
Not every campaign receives an equal number of complaints.
Within 48 hours, four complaints were filed against Clara Alder, the candidate who would go on to be elected as USUSA president. Alder said she thought the strength of her campaign may have something to do with the high amount of attention it received.
“We ran a really strong campaign and campaigns like that often attract the attention of other campaigns,” Alder said.
She appreciates those who handle the complaints.
“I appreciate all those involved, including the volunteer panel members who heard the grievances and rendered decisions,” Alder said.
-Brock.Marchant@usu.edu
Featured photo by: Brock Marchant