The Bowdoin Student Government (BSG) is in the throes of a lengthy process to revamp its entire constitution. BSG's present focus is on improving the structure of the student government body itself.
The current constitution is in its fourth year. Thus far, there have been five attempts made to make changes to it. At least two have been passed, according to Vice President of BSG Affairs Dustin Brooks '08.
Brooks noted that the original document was "poorly written." His committee sees two major problems with the constitution at present?a lack of accountability and unfair representation.
The main issue with accountability lies with the vice presidents. Under the current structure, if there is a VP who fails to do his or her job well, there is no contingency plan.
Social houses are one of the biggest points of debate. Several members of BSG feel that social houses are overrepresented on the body. Of the 26 members, six come from social houses, which make up a relatively small proportion of the student body.
The committee on BSG Affairs is looking to "flush out what different responsibilities are," according to Brooks. Under the current document, the role of the president has very few outlined responsibilities. The positions of the treasurer and the VPs are also unclear, according to members of BSG.
BSG President DeRay Mckesson '07 believes that by clarifying the constitution and refining roles, the current system could work very well.
"I want us to perfect this," he said.
Before the present constitution was put into place four years ago, BSG was made up of three bodies?the SAFC, a Student Congress, and the officer team, E-9.
The system was "very disconnected," said Brooks, and the current constitution is "an amalgamation of those three groups."
"It is widely agreed upon that something to some degree needs to change," Brooks said.
Although this may be the case, progress has been slow. Four weeks ago, BSG Affairs presented the full body with its ideas for a new structure, which sparked a month-long debate with very little progress.
BSG Affairs decided this Tuesday to take a new approach, holding a discussion on the four main issues?committees, representation, leadership, and elections. BSG Affairs will take the ideas presented at the meeting and form a new document, which should be presented within the next few weeks.
In order for any constitutional amendment to be made, it must be approved by the BSG by a four-fifths vote.
It must then be passed by two-thirds of the student body.
An amendment should be ready to be voted on by the beginning of next semester.