Editorial: Stop the petty infighting; get to work

The preamble to UCLA’s undergraduate student council constitution promotes an “understanding of group action” within the organization.

But after members filed a petition for a Student Judicial Board hearing against External Vice President Tina Park, we are wondering when we’ll ever see any of that “group action.”

Financial Supports Commissioner Shaun Doria and Facilities Commissioner PC Zai filed the petition alleging that Park broke Undergraduate Student Association Council bylaws by not seeking council approval when choosing representatives to travel ““ on USAC’s dime ““ to conferences.

While the petition seems to have technical merit, it is sadly lacking in any sort of practical merit. It has been common practice for years to go without council approval for these appointments. And it would be both complicated and time-consuming to seek approval for the 30-40 representatives.

Anyone familiar with USAC knows it often follows a pattern of petty feuding that gets played out through hearing after hearing. We hope the councilmembers can untangle themselves from their own red tape long enough to remember that they are charged with working together for the good of the students.