Last semester, Undergraduate Student Government (USG) President Ian Rosenberger recommended the formation of a committee to investigate whether senators who attended College Republicans chair Brian Battaglia's controversial Halloween party should be impeached.

Three senators -- Andy Banducci, Vicky Cangelosi and Matt Ritsko -- attended the party. This was an admirable step, especially in this Congress's otherwise stagnant reaction to a highly offensive, highly publicized act involving some of its own. However, Senate then handled these proceedings under the guise of an executive session, meaning all discussion took place privately after waiting for the gallery of 70-plus students, all in attendence to condemn USG's inaction so far, to leave. Additionally, reporters from The Daily Collegian were removed.

However, USG might not have had the jurisdiction to close its discussion. Some senators used Robert's Rules of Order to defend its decision by quoting, "In any society, matters relating to discipline ... should be handled only in executive session" (RONR (10th ed.), p.92, l.32-34). Regardless of whether the discussion dealt with a member's suspension or impeachment, the problem here is that USG waited for people to leave before discussing what USG Vice President Takkeem Morgan rightly called an issue of community-wide concern. If USG is supposed to represent Penn State, then making proactive decisions on this situation should be resolved in a public forum. Student government should be based upon an open flow of ideas, argument and opinions.

In order for any instituation to have credibility, it must adhere to not only its constitution and bylaws, but also to the well being of those it represents. Any deviation, real or perceived, only causes constituents to become suspicious, skeptical and to question the motivations that compel any group to meet behind closed doors.

One way Senate can increase confidence in itself is to invite and encourage public scrutiny in any and all of its decisions. By limiting access to the press, manipulating the openness of its meetings and simply operating public issues privately is a cause for concern. What are the internal problems plaguing USG and what does the Senate propose to fix them? We are not saying USG is without plan, organization or motivation. However, it's difficult to trust them when such a highly controversial situation is closed off to students.

Whether they followed Robert's Rules is not the issue, but rather, whether USG members understand their commitment to an open government, especially with a history of Senate mistrust and student apathy.