Rudy Ornelas, chief justice of the supreme court of ASUCD, is being impeached. The impeachment comes following a motion by Senator Matt Provencher last Thursday night at a senate meeting.
In a closed-door meeting held last night, the Internal Affairs Commission (IAC) indicted Ornelas, meaning the case will go to the senators to be heard in a closed session. If the senate passes a two-thirds majority vote on the matter, Ornelas will be permanently removed from his position.
The impeachment comes after Ornelas and the court made a ruling on a lawsuit against ASUCD President Adam Thongsavat. In a unanimous decision, the court found Thongsavat guilty of illegal hiring practices and in contempt of court for failing to appear at his trial.
“It is interesting that I am being singled out considering it was a unanimous court verdict and I do not get to make unitary decisions,” Ornelas said in a statement.
Provencher, who voted for Ornelas’ confirmation, said it would not be appropriate for him to comment on the matter.
– Hannah Strumwasser
