IUSA Congress rejects bill to appoint new Supreme Court associate justice

In session Tuesday, IU Student Association Congress voted not to pass a bill appointing a new IUSA Supreme Court associate justice.

The congress heard arguments from the Supreme Court and the Membership, Rules and Internal Affairs committee regarding the potential appointment of junior Hannah Kinkead to the position of associate justice. The resolution was defeated on a vote of 17 to 16.

The court had previously recommended that Kinkead not be appointed based on a potential conflict of interest. Kinkead served as director of legislative relations within the iUnity administration.

The court recommended another candidate be appointed instead of Kinkead.

Senior and President Michael Coleman said he recommended Kinkead’s appointment after learning that the most recent appointee, junior Mikaela Shaw, would be studying abroad during this academic year.

The Membership, Rules and Internal Affairs committee voted in favor of the appointment after a closed discussion section involving the court, Kinkead, and executive representatives.

Committee Chair Sarah Wells said the committee’s job was to determine whether there was just cause for Kinkead’s appointment.

“We did not find any appearance of bias or real bias,” Wells said.

In response, IU Supreme Court Chief Justice Tara Malone said the court stands behind it’s decision not to approve Kinkead’s appointment.

“There is a perception of bias,” Maloney said.

— Claire Wiseman