Senate confirms two student Supreme Court positions and discuss budget cuts

Photo courtesy famu.sga.edu

The senate confirmed two judicial branch positions at this Monday’s senate meeting. Appointed Chief Justice Marvin Levelle was confirmed into his position and Ricky Rodriguez filled the position of Associate Chief Justice.

The student Supreme Court has jurisdiction over any issues regarding constitution, appeals made by students, complaints made by students or students groups and election appeals.

Rodriguez and Levelle both successfully completed a ten-minute question and answer period administered by Election and Appointments Committee Chairwoman Robinson.

“I had the esteemed pleasure serving as the appointed Chief Justice for the Judicial branch. I’ve been in the branch for [two years]. I joined Jan. 2019. I’ve seen my fair share of cases, complaints and I just want to continue serving the position as best I can before graduating April 23,” said Chief Justice Levelle.

Levelle was confirmed with 26 votes in his favor and one abstained.

The duties of Associate Chief Justice include presiding over all court proceedings in absence of the Chief Justice and to review all complaints and reviews with Chief Justice.

“Some qualities I believe a good justice has is to be impartial, to not introduce bias into any decision making and to judge based only on the facts,” said Associate Chief Justice Rodriguez.

Associate Chief Justice Rodriguez was confirmed with 20 votes in his favor.

The senate also heard updates from branch heads and committee chairs and discussed how the budget cuts will affect Activity and Services Committee ability to grant budget requests.

During the branch head report, Student Senate President Shanel Brown announced the decrease in this year’s budget.

“The budget so far, we’re looking at $2.5 million with the six percent administrative cost cut out. But as you can see there is a decrease in what we were given last year; Which is why we’re going to have to be a lot tighter with the budget this year,”said Senate President Brown.

Activity and Service Liaison Kayla Braggs and the Activity and Service Committee Board met last Tues. and Thurs. for budget request hearings from any agencies hoping to receive funding.

“Because the budget is so tight, we’re going to have to make a lot of cuts. We want to make sure we have as much information as we can for ASBC to make the most sound and fiscally responsible decisions for next years budget,” said Liaison Braggs.

The Activities and Services Committee plan to continue deliberations this week.