Despite hopes for a united front, UF student senators proved a rift still exists between the majority and minority parties at the first summer session meeting Tuesday night, where several senators walked out to force early adjournment.
The meeting, which was held to vote on 48 appointees to Student Government agencies and SG Cabinet, began amicably.
"It doesn't matter what color shirt you wore back in the campaign; we're trying to get work done," said Sen. Jonathan Ossip, the new Orange and Blue party leader.
But the debate quickly turned to the issue of potential cabinet appointees chosen by the executive branch and the differing sentiments on how the selection process was handled.
"The executive appointments, at least from the senate side of it, unfortunately was done in what at best could be called under the table and at worst could be called just blatantly wrong," Ossip said.
The senator and several supporters argued that resumes and information about potential candidates were e-mailed 15 minutes before Tuesday's meeting and that they needed more time to make informed choices.
Ossip, seconded by Sen. Alden Gillespy, moved to postpone the voting until May 19.
The senate majority, however, said the executive branch's Replacement and Agenda Committee spent four days finding and reviewing qualified candidates.
"To put all the work of the executive committee to shame is ludicrous," Sen. Audrey Schnell said.
Ossip's motion to postpone the vote failed, and about seven senators, including Gillespy and Sen. Neil Gundavda, walked out of the room. There weren't enough remaining senators to allow for a vote.
According to an Orange and Blue Party press release, the nominations will be heard at Tuesday's meeting after a one-week hold.
