Sullivan confirmed for Student Association Court

The Student Association Senate confirmed junior Ryan Sullivan as the Student Court’s newest judge Tuesday night in the Marvin Center.

Last week, SA President Lamar Thorpe, a senior, nominated Sullivan to the court. Within days, Sullivan passed the Rules Committee with a 5-0 vote.

“I think Sullivan is a great addition to the court,” said Chris Rotella (CCAS-U), chair of the Rules Committee and Student Court Search Committee. “Since he has two years (before graduation), he will be able to have an impact.”

Thorpe and Rotella cited Sullivan’s work in the SA and politics as major factors for his confirmation. Sullivan has served on the Joint Elections Committee, held the former position of SA attorney general and participated as a poll watcher during SA elections. Sullivan has also worked for lobbying firms, the Republican National Committee and a research institute, Thorpe said.

“I believe that I can bring a lot to the court,” Sullivan said after being confirmed. “I will bring a new look and a fresh face.”

With the addition of Sullivan, the court will have three members – enough for the bench to hold quorum and begin hearing cases. The court typically hears cases between the SA Senate and executive and settles disputes between student organizations.

Despite Sullivan’s confirmation, two out of the five seats on the court are still vacant with another opening expected this December.

Rotella said the two vacancies will be filled by the end of October. As per the SA constitution, at least one seat must be given to a graduate student.

“As of now, not a single graduate student has applied,” Rotella said. “However, we will vote immediately if we get a graduate student.”

The Student Court Search Committee has received eight undergraduate applications and Rotella said that he is waiting for at least one more undergraduate to apply before the committee moves to recommend another student for Thorpe’s consideration.

Thorpe established the selection committee in an effort to speed the confirmation process.