Student Senate impeaches senator; senator says she asked to be removed

Student Senate added another name to the list of senators impeached this semester during its meeting Monday. 

Vice President Abigail Klammer moved to impeach Senator at Large Brandy Friedrichsen, 20, of Boelus, for abusing the attendance bylaw for Student Senate. Friedrichsen reportedly had unexcused absences in January, on Feb 15 and Feb. 22. The absences resulted in a court order from the Student Senate Constitutional Court that required Friedrichsen to follow all the attendance bylaw for the remainder of the semester. 

On March 29, Friedrichsen missed the general assembly, breaking the attendance policy and the court order. The petition for impeachment was served to Friedrichsen, who did not respond within the allotted two day period.  

The Constitutional Court recommended to impeach Friedrichsen from Student Senate. 

In a unanimous vote, Senators Isioma Akwanamnye, Meron Ameha, Chioma Asielue, Colton Brienza, Olivia Bryant, Jennifer Campos, Laura Clay, Kelsey Crock, McKenna Juhlin, Elham Zeinuddin, Siddhant Shelke, and Toni Lopez voted in favor of impeachment.  

However, Friedrichsen had asked to be removed long before the impeachment.

“I moved away and I asked them to remove me,” Friedrichsen said. “They didn’t do that so they just impeached me for attendance.”

Along with the impeachment, the Wildlife Club and Farm Bureau requested $30,000 to host Chance Williams and the William Brothers. The concert, which would be held Sept. 18 after the home rodeo, would be on the rodeo grounds and free for all students. The public would also be able to attend. Funds would be used to pay the band, book a hotel room, and rent a stage.  

AFB recommended an allocation of the full amount; however the discussion was tabled until next week to give senators a chance to think things over and talk to students.  

“AFB thought this would be a good thing for students, especially after the rough year with the pandemic,” Vice President of Finance Feven Hailemariam said. “Opening up the year with a concert would be a really good idea.” 

In other news:   

> $57 was allocated to the Art Guild for the color balloon smash that is happening Tuesday in the backyard. 

> Alpha Kappa Kappa was allocated $1,296 for its budget packet. 

>War Eagles was allocated $2,098 for its budget packet. 

> Student Alumni Counsel was allocated $500. 

> Eagles for Life was allocated $500. 

> CAB was allocated $7,600 to host four free movie nights next semester and $1,200 for three free bowling nights next semester. 

> Social Work Club was allocated $130 for a senior pinning ceremony. 

> Sixty six students attended free bowling night. 

> There are $26,250 in unallocated funds and $30,000 in unallocated trip funds.