In a press statement yesterday, incoming Student Assembly President Rukmini Sichitiu '95, asked Assembly members to "broaden their commitment to cooperation and unity" so as to continue what she called their most productive period in many years.
Sichitiu will take over as Assembly president Winter term following the resignation Sunday of current President Danielle Moore '95, who cited disrespect towards women and bickering among Assembly members as reasons for her resignation.
This divisiveness was made even more apparent Sunday when eight of 12 Committee members signed a letter asking Assembly Secretary John Honovich '97 to step down, saying they could no longer work with him.
Honovich has said he will not leave the Assembly and both he and other members of the Executive Committee have guardedly declared their willingness to compromise.
"I'm not steadfastly opposing them. I'm willing to compromise with people," Honovich said. "I think we can make it work. I'm willing to make it work."
Grace Chionuma '96, who signed the letter asking Honovich to resign, said she too thinks the Executive Committee can get along.
"We said we cannot work with John as he has existed," Chionuma said. "I think that if John is willing to compromise, I think we can make it work."
In Sichitiu's statement -- her first as incoming president -- she praised Moore and the Assembly for their accomplishments and addressed the divisiveness within the Assembly Executive Committee.
She said the recent problems within the Executive Committee have helped Committee members to find a "common ground," which she hopes will continue to broaden.
She said the disrespect shown toward Moore for being a woman is symptomatic of College-wide problems with gender, and such disrespect has no place in the Assembly.
"Without respect and dignity, there is no hope for us as a body and while we have differing opinions on how best to serve the students of this school, personal disrespect is both counterproductive and completely unacceptable," Sichitiu wrote.
"I believe Danielle's departure provides a poignant reminder of the conflict we, as a body, are constantly forced to face and an opportunity for change," she wrote.
Yesterday, Executive Committee member Alex Morgan '95 said she has not personally felt the type of disrespect Moore said she experienced. "As one of the eight female [Assembly] executives, not once have I felt oppressed or abused."
Sichitiu said her leadership will not mean any radical shift in policy.
"I feel it is important to note that Danielle and I are in complete agreement as to the direction of the Student Assembly, and as president, I plan not only to complete the agenda we have set forth, but also to continue expanding upon it," Sichitiu wrote.
"The Fall and Summer terms have been the most productive we've ever had," Sichitiu said in an interview last night, citing accomplishments like the Assembly's "Women, Leadership and Activism" symposium, the Course Guide, Dining Guide, Student Advantage Card and the arrangement of Thanksgiving buses to Boston and New York.
But Sichitiu said the Assembly's power extends beyond the motions it passes.
"The power of SA does not lie in Tuesday evenings. The power of the leader of the SA is not passing legislature but the power of access," Sichitiu said, referring to frequent meetings between the Assembly president and College administrators like Dean of the College Lee Pelton, which she said often leads to real change.
Dean of Student Life Holly Sateia, who is also adviser to the Assembly, said she thinks Sichitiu will do a very good job as president.
"I think that in terms of the transition, it's going to be a really smooth one," Sateia said.
Sateia said she thinks the Assembly can get beyond these troubles and represent student interests.
"I'm sorry that it's turned out this way," she said. "But is the SA capable of change and capable to take on that responsibility: I think yes, they are."
Some Assembly members have expressed concern with the prospect of Sichitiu taking on the Assembly presidency.
"We're going to be able to do stuff, but it's obvious our credibility is shot," Assembly member Kishan Putta '96 said. "Working with her is going to be the biggest obstacle."
