In a late-night decision on Monday, the first day of campaigning for Student Union elections, the Student Elections Commission assessed point penalties to both slates registered in the election.
In the early hours of Monday morning, the Renew BU slate painted its name on sidewalks across campus in violation of a city ordinance, while BUnited announced its candidacy and began recruiting volunteers on Facebook last week, before the first campaign day, in violation of SEC policy.
Union senator and College of Arts and Sciences senior Anant Shukla said he saw the commotion as officials tried to clean up the paint.
“And so I’m just walking and I see [Renew BU] I guess with the sign and I’m just like, oh sh-t,” he said. “I’m walking past Marsh Plaza and I see the building and grounds crew with these high-powered sprays. They are pissed off.”
Renew BU’s slate, consisting of CAS junior Arthur Emma for president, CAS junior Daniel Ellis for vice president and School of Management junior Benjamin Noble for treasurer, said they had checked Lifebook policies and believed a “water-based paint” would be in compliance with the rules.
“We had no idea,” Union Off-campus Affairs Director Emma said. “We’re going to be much more careful not to breach those boundaries.”
The SEC voted 6-0 to approve a 500-point violation to Renew BU because they violated a city ordinance. Slates are out of the race if they receive more than 1,000 points. The decision is independent of any further review but the SEC will take into consideration any further consequences with Judicial Affairs in the coming days, SEC vice-chairwoman and SMG senior Rachel Katz said.
Police were called to the scene to investigate what they believed to be an act of vandalism, but were more understanding when they understood the reason behind the painted words, Emma said.
“We talked with police officers, Dean of Students . . . now they actually understand our situation, we talked it over,” Emma said. “Initially they didn’t know what Renew BU was. They’re like, “Renew BU, we thought it was some kind of cult.'”
He said detectives looked through the website and were then more understanding.
But according to Boston University Police Department officials, the suspect behind the act faces charges, such as a possible fine for a misdemeanor, regardless of the intention behind it. He said the incident is still under investigation.
“At the end of the day, it matters not what the message is,” said BUPD Sergeant Daniel Healy. “It matters who the property belongs to and whether or not they gave permission.”
Emma said he is not sure what kinds of consequences the slate might face from Judicial Affairs, but is optimistic.
“We’re going to stay in contact with Dean’s Office and we’re just hoping they’re going to be understanding,” he said. “It seems like everyone’s been very understanding.”
The other slate, BUnited, consisting of SMG president and junior Taylor Riley for president, CAS sophomore James Boggie for vice president, CAS junior Jenna Kreyche for secretary and SMG sophomore and Union SMG representative Joseph Nangle for treasurer, said they are unhappy with the point penalty and are in the appeals process.
“To be honest I’m a little surprised that we were given so many points deduction for this especially when the chairman of the SEC himself admitted to there being a gray area,” Riley said.
Riley also said she is glad Renew BU is still in the race.
“I don’t think anyone was trying to hurt anyone,” Taylor Riley said.
In another twist, a slate unregistered with the SEC is planning to challenge for positions in a write-in campaign, according to their “Greek Slate for Student Union 2010” Facebook group which lists College of Communication sophomore Julian Jensen for president, CAS freshman Stephen Tanico for vice president, COM sophomore Alex Vaccarino for secretary and CAS sophomore Marisa Feehan for treasurer.
Although Katz said the slate can attend but not participate in this week’s election events because they did not register with the SEC, both registered slates welcomed the competition.
“I heard rumors kind of all day on and off then I saw their official Facebook,” Riley said.
“My initial reaction is welcoming more competition.”
But Riley said she hopes they plan to represent more than just students in Greek life on campus.
“They have to take care of the other almost 94 percent of the population that is not Greek,” he said.
But Emma said he questions why the write-in slate did not register in time.
“They’ve been flip flopping back and forth,” Emma said. “There’s been rumors going on. Which I think shows a lack of seriousness to the whole election.”
The Greek slate could not be reached for comment at press time.
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