IUSA Supreme Court dismisses conflict of interest petition

The Student Body Supreme Court dismissed a case Sunday involving a petition filed by the iUnity ticket.

The ticket filed a petition March 2 alleging that a conflict of interest existed between election commissioner and senior Tyler Coward and Kirkwood Ticket presidential candidate and sophomore Justin Kingsolver. Both Coward and Kingsolver are members of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

iUnity alleged this potential conflict of interest violated Section 101 of the Election Code.

In its initial brief, iUnity did not detail specific examples of decisions that were affected by Coward’s alleged conflict of interest. iUnity was given a five-day window to submit a more detailed brief after its initial submission.

When it’s members failed to do so, the case was dismissed on the grounds that iUnity did not specifically provide a claim for which it could provide relief.

Election coordinator and senior Andrew Dahlen responded by submitting a brief Saturday.

The brief defended Coward’s appointment on the basis of timing and Coward’s personal trustworthiness and dedication. It stated that all Commission decisions were unanimous and made regarding both tickets.

Furthermore, the brief noted that iUnity chose to submit a brief to the Supreme Court instead of Congress, which would also have been appropriate, and at least one member of iUnity’s ticket is also in the same greek house as a member of the Election Commission.

— Claire Wiseman