May 2023 Statement May 17, 2023

Members of the Washington and Lee Student Body,

The Executive Committee of the Student Body regards student self-governance as our foundational value and is dedicated to representing and serving all students fairly and equitably. We believe self-governance enriches our experience as members of the Washington and Lee student body and draws us closer together as a community of trust.
We are governed by the Student Body Constitution, which dictates the removal of any member of the Executive Committee who engages in flagrant misconduct in the execution of their duties.

On May 16, 2023, in accordance with the Student Body Constitution (see below Article II, Section F) the Executive Committee of the Student Body voted by two-thirds majority to remove from office the sitting Vice President of the Student Body, Jackson Doane ‘26U, for multiple instances of misconduct, including breaching confidentiality, during the Winter and Spring Terms of 2023. President of the Student Body Martha Ernest ‘24U and Sophomore Class Representative Meaghan Endres ‘26U recused themselves from the proceedings.

Article II, Section F

  1. The Executive Committee shall remove any member found to have grossly neglected their office or engaged in flagrant misconduct in the execution of their duties upon a two-thirds vote of the Committee.
  2. The EC shall remove any member who is found to have engaged in flagrant misconduct during their time in office.
  3. The Student Body may require the resignation of any unsatisfactory member of the Executive Committee following a two-thirds vote by a quorum of the Student Body as provided for in Article V.D or Article VI.D.

On May 17, 2023, as outlined by the Student Body Constitution (see below Article II, Section C, Part iv, Clause 2), the Executive Committee nominated and confirmed by a two-thirds vote Senior Class Representative Diwesh Kumar ‘24U to serve as Vice President of the Student Body.

Article II, Section C, Part iv, Clause 2

Should the office of Vice President of the Student Body be vacated, members of the Executive Committee shall nominate a Vice President from among the members of the Executive Committee who shall take office upon confirmation by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee.

The Student Election Commission will hold a vote to fill the vacancy for a Senior Class Representative. Details will follow in a separate communication.

Sincerely,
The Executive Committee of the Student Body