Following months of heated criticisms of University of California President Mark Yudof, the President of the Associated Students of the University of California-Davis Joe Chatham vetoed a resolution that would have proclaimed a stance no confidence in Yudof. The resolution was passed by the ASUCD Senate two weeks ago.
 
The Senate passed the resolution on the steps of Mrak Hall, the site where 52 students were arrested while protesting budget cuts and a 32 percent tuition hike this past November.

Mo Torres, former ASUCD senator and author of the resolution, voiced his disappointment in the rejection of the resolution. Torres touted the symbolic location of the vote, on the steps of Mrak Hall rather than where ASUCD meetings are traditionally held.

"It is disappointing that this resolution has been vetoed," said Torres. “This resolution was passed in a beautiful environment. Had it been passed in this room, it wouldn't have been on AGTV and the news. It would not have had the same meaning if it was passed here."
 
Though the decision ignited protest, Chatham stood by his decision, explaining that a vote of no confidence is a useless symbol.

"Making a vote of no confidence is not productive," Chatham said. "It essentially calls for people to resign, and that's not what we are asking for. I've written an alternative resolution that highlights some specific demands, including a fee reduction schedule, greater transparency and greater cooperation with the students."

Chatham sees lobbying as a path with more potential, touching on a strategy that some students and parents have already begun.

"I think that students, staff and faculty need to partner with the regents to voice our opinions in Sacramento."


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