Wednesday, February 1, the Western Student Association (WSA) reeled when Vice President Hailey Mangrum was let go, following an investigation regarding her lack of presence both within the organization and representing them elsewhere.
Elected by their peers at WMU, Vice President Hailey Mangrum and President Erin Kaplan were inaugurated into WSA office March 30, 2011. In November of that year, Jim Stano, former WSA Senator and Chief Justice of the WSA’s Judicial Council, began hearing remarks around about Mangrum not fully and completely doing her job according to the Constitution. Stano began to do some investigating on the matter and subsequently filed a grievance with the WSA on grounds of “nonfeasance”, or not performing the duties of her office.
Mangrum was found guilty of the charge of nonfeasance without intent, according to Stano. She was not removed, however she was given a series of requirements or mandates to meet by given dates. According to an Administrative Order sent by the current Chief Justice, Lizze Fowler, Mangrum was ordered to hold weekly one-on-ones with Kaplan as well as monthly one-on-ones with each cabinet member. On January 31, the justices reviewed Mangrum’s actions and realized that she had not done what they had ordered. According to the Administrative order from Chief Justice Fowler, Mangrum only held only one of three required one-on-ones with President Kaplan and three of fourteen one-on-ones with the executive cabinet members. Given her lack of compliance, Mangrum was removed by the justices with a unanimous vote of the six active Justices..
“It should be understood that the Judicial Council always aspires to act in accordance to the integrity and benefit of the WSA and its governing documents. It should also be understood that failures to observe its orders will result in penal judicial action,” Fowler said.
Kaplan has until February 8 to elect a new Vice President. The position is open to all WMU students. Applications will be accepted this week and interviews will follow. Contact her for more information.
In a press release, Kaplan said, “It is unfortunate for the organization, however we will continue to finish out our platform initiatives, as well as many of the initiatives we began this year.”
Although WSA has suffered a loss, they are still looking forward to the future and have many activities planned including Western Wednesdays, open forums with WMU Administrators, resolution writing workshops and WSA Presidential Debates for the election in March.
Even if students are not interested in being Vice President, they can still be a part of WSA and attend meetings held every Wednesday in the Bernhard Center, Room 157 at 4:15 pm.
Editor: Gena Reist