A Student Government trial court found Sen. Heath Hattaway guilty Friday of violating the SG code of ethics after he allegedly dropped below full-time status, making him ineligible for the Senate.
According to an SG court official, Hattaway, Arts and Sciences college senator and 2005 SG president candidate, dropped to part-time status in the spring and didn’t remove himself from the Senate.
Hattaway plans to appeal the ruling Tuesday. The SG University Court is required to hear Hattaway’s appeal. University Court Chief Justice said the case will likely be heard next week to give both sides time to organize their cases.
The trial began because of an SG rule that states a member must be a full-time student.
At the Aug. 30 meeting, members of the Senate discussed concerns that there is no mechanism to remove members who fall below full-time status.
SG Solicitor Josh Melder told the SG court Friday if Hattaway fell below full-time, he should have voluntarily left the Senate.
In not doing so, Melder said he violated the SG code of ethics.
Hattaway said the complaint should be dismissed because the alleged violation occurred over 90 days ago, surpassing the date a trial can be held.
Melder said Hattaway continues to violate the ethics code, because he should have voluntarily left the Senate when the violation occurred.
Trial Court Judge Mark Hill denied Hattaway’s motion.
Hattaway then asked the judge for a continuance to prepare the defense, but Hill denied it saying the matter was already delayed after the trial was moved from 7 p.m. Thrursday to 4 p.m Friday.
Melder showed the judge a letter from the University registrar stating Hattaway fell from full-time status.
Because of the Free Education Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law, Melder can not access Hattaway’s educational records.
Melder called Hattaway to the stand to testify.
Hattaway did not testify but plans to speak at his appeal.
When asked if Hattaway had any witnesses, he said he did, but because of the fast paced movement of the trial his witness was not able to attend the trial.
“He said he had a witness, but in my opinion, he had enough time to get a deposition,” Melder said.
Hill, following closing arguments, found Hattaway guilty.
Hattaway said he was not going to comment until after the appeal.
Melder said he was pleased with the outcome of the trial.
“The wheels of justice are in motion and they’re not going to stop while I’m here,” Melder.
—–Contact Elizabeth Miller at [email protected]