New VSA constitution considered

John Palmer Senior Editor

The Vassar Student Association (VSA) Council resolved on Sunday Feb. 26 to begin a process to review a new revised Constitution for the governing body of the students. VSA Council will discuss the proposed Constitution during the next three VSA meetings on March 5, March 26, and April 2.
The proposed Constitution contains few substantive changes and focuses primarily on cleaning up the organization of the entire document and the language of certain clauses.

Sam Charner ’08, one of the chief architects of the proposed Constitution, characterized the current Constitution as “not user friendly.”

VSA Vice President and Chair of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) Kelsey Woods ’06 said that the current constitution, which was adopted in 1988 and has not undergone significant revision since 1993, contained contradictions and unclear language. “Trying to read it and use it on a day-to-day basis was frustrating,” said Woods.

To remedy the deficiencies of the current Constitution, Woods took an active role in building up the CRC this year, enlisting Charner late last semester to help with revisions. Charner first looked at the current constitution in November and drafted a new constitution over winter break. Since then, the CRC has held weekly meetings to discuss additional changes and edits to the working document.
“I tried to take the content and intent of the current constitution and make it in easier to understand terms,” said Charner. “A lot of [revision] was language and making it understandable.”

The proposed constitution alters the succession of power in the residence halls, so that if the president leaves, the vice president would assume power, a change from the secretary. Article II lays out a purpose for the VSA, which is to “serve, represent, and promote the interest and welfare of the students of Vassar College. It shall encourage student representation and involvement in College decision-making and shall strive to enhance the quality of life and education for the students of Vassar College.” Article XI includes a new non-discrimination clause that specifically addresses gender identity and expression.

In addition to Woods and Charner, the CRC consists of Raymond President Abel McDonnell ’07, Jewett President Ian Patrick ’07, Town Students President Sophie Pickens ’06, Class of 2008 President James Kelly ’08, and Judicial Board Chairman Jacob Shiffrin ’07.
Students are invited to attend VSA meetings to review the proposed Constitution with VSA Council. “It’s still very much a work in progress,” said Woods.

If approved by VSA Council at their April 2 meeting, the proposed Constitution will be on the spring elections ballot for referendum on April 17 and 18. If passed by the student body, the proposed constitution will go to the faculty, who would vote April 19. If passed by the faculty, the constitution will need approval from College President Fran Fergusson. If approved by the president, the new constitution will go into effect at Spring Convocation, May 3.