Mayzer Muhammad will remain in his position as USG undergraduate president for the remainder of the year after a vote of no confidence held by Undergraduate Student Government failed to garner the required two-thirds majority to remove Muhammad from office.
The vote, called by the student government during a special session Sunday evening in Woulfe Alumni Hall, came after a series of inflammatory tweets resurfaced online just before spring break.
The vote tally was 14 for Muhammad’s removal, 22 against and one abstention.
“We understand that this has been a deeply divisive issue, with strong feelings on both sides,” an official statement by the USG said. “As we come together as a Student Government, we will work tirelessly to ensure everyone on our campus feels safe, welcome, and represented.”
A vote for censure was also called during the same meeting. This acts as the USG’s official condemnation of not only Muhammad’s tweets from three years ago, but also of his “inadequate apology put forth just before Spring Break.”
This vote was overwhelmingly approved with 31 for, 5 against and one abstention.
The votes came in an executive session held directly after an open forum hosted by the council for undergraduate students to share their opinion and thoughts on the situation. Many spoke on behalf and against Muhammad in front of the USG general council.
“We would like to thank all undergraduate students who shared their pain and personal stories,” the statement said. “The Undergraduate Student Government and its members took all testimonial, both personal and through the online form, seriously.”
The USG is committed to working with Muhammad to make amends and ensure a smooth and constructive end to the school year.
“During multiple meetings, Mr. Muhammad has expressed remorse and seeks forgiveness from all those affected, particularly the Jewish community, in order to create a more inclusive campus for all students,” the statement said. “As your elected leaders, we are deeply sorry for the pain this situation has caused.”
Check this story later as it develops.
Noah Brown can be reached at brow7736@stthomas.edu
There is a worldwide resurgence in anti-semitism. In the US, the focal point is on our college campuses. The student government missed an opportunity to send a message against this hatred.