Update: SGA vice president impeached, rebuts accusations

VP Dennis Chaney faces removal from office, due to behavior

By Mark Payne

Managing Editor

Published: Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Updated: Monday, December 7, 2009

Photo by Mark Payne/Managine editor

Dennis Chaney speaks on his cell phone after hearing the special fall election of 2009. In this election, Chaney was voted in as Executive Vice President of the Student Government Association.

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On April 21, 2009, Keith Kaseke and Dennis Chaney sat side by side, fighting accusations that the pair had cheated in their spring 2009 election bid for Student Government Association President and Vice President.

On Nov. 30, 2009, Keith Kaseke, SGA president, and Dennis Chaney, SGA vice president, sat at separate tables as Chaney fought impeachment charges in a hearing in front of the SGA Judicial Council.

The charges were brought against Chaney at the SGA meeting on Nov. 23, where the SGA Senate voted 18-6 to impeach Chaney. The Articles of Impeachment, written by Kaseke, says Chaney was impeached for insubordination.

“In his conduct while Executive Vice President or a member of the SGA, Dennis Chaney has violated his constitutional obligations, (Article IV, Section A 3 a) [and] shall carry out any reasonable actions as directed by the president and thus has discredited NKU SGA’s name through one or more of the actions listed below,” according to The Articles of Impeachment obtained by The Northerner.

The key actions, according to the Articles, started in May 2009 and continued until November 2009. The actions range from being late to meetings to defamation of the President of SGA. The last act listed by the Articles sums up the document.

“Dennis Chaney has continuously undermined those in authority and has acted as an individual whilst under the guise of the SGA,” the Articles say.

Before the Nov. 30 impeachment hearing, the SGA Judicial Council met to discuss whether or not the impeachment hearing should be “null and void” because the impeachment didn’t follow proper procedure, according to Chaney.

“What the constitution states: ‘when there is a violation of procedure any act taken by the senate that violates the constitution is considered null and void,’” Chaney said.

The violation, Chaney said, occurred because he wasn’t notified with more than 24 hours notice of the impeachment. He also said that not all the Senators were notified of the impeachment hearing until right before the Nov. 23 meeting.

Although Chaney has been impeached, the Judicial Council hasn’t decided on whether or not to remove Chaney from office. The decision, according to SGA President Kaseke, will be announced Dec. 7 by the SGA Judicial Council.

“We need to move forward and put this behind us,” Kaseke says. “The Judicial Council is going to make a ruling tomorrow. We’re looking forward to that.”

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Steve

Wed Feb 24 2010 10:25

CENSORSHIP?!?!?!

Woah.... Whatever happened to Academic Freedom and the right to Free Speech????

I merely posted my opinion that the antics of the SGA amused me and that I enjoyed reading those types of stories.
My comments were in response to another poster who said that the Northerner shoud stop covering this story (which has also been deleted???). These comments were directly related to the Northerner's ongoing coverage of this story. So, because the comments focused primarily on the Northerner's coverage of the story rather than the story itself, the comments were censored?!?!

I did not say anything worthy of being censored. If people, or the newspaper, don't like what I had to say, they could certainly voice their opinion - just like I did in voicing my opinion.

Shame, shame, shame...

WOW

Wed Dec 9 2009 09:33

Seems to me that there was a lot of foul play going on here. If Chaney was doing something that the Senate disagreed with, it seems like talking to him about it and coming to a resolution would be their first actions. Seems like they skipped that part and just met behind his back to find a way to get him out. SGA is sneeky, political, he said she said, with the exception of the senate. All the politcal drama lies in the Eboard and people who disagree with eachother, but don't have enough balls to come forward and tell them theirselves.

NKU SGA E-boad = DISAPPOINTMENT

Ryan

Sun Dec 6 2009 19:11

you guys need to get some sort of lives. SGA senate??? LOL like it serves any purpose whatsoever.

Horace

Sat Dec 5 2009 12:35

"Dennis goes against not only Keith and the Dean of Student, but arrives late to the Board of Regents meeting and interrupts the members of the board which includes President Votruba. How immature and disrespectful can you be. Dennis, why are you trying to argue this?"
Dennis arrived late at the Faculty Senate meeting. The Board of Regents adjourned out of an Executive Session which is closed to the public, when Chaney came in. However, the chair of the Board did recognize Dennis and a student, George Johnson to speak. It was disrespectfulThe powers-that-be decided he misrepresented SGA by speaking when Regent Kaseke and Dean Waple specifically requested him not to address the Board. SGA Judicial Council, rightly, sanctioned Chaney by taking away his Faculty Senate duties.

Your name

Thu Dec 3 2009 17:15

Mr. Chaney's comments at Faculty Senate were not out of line, but appreciated. He did not argue with University counsel. Without students, there would be no university. Students should always tell the administration what they think.

Your name

Thu Dec 3 2009 16:36

How ironic that SGA almost unanimously impeaches Chaney for not following procedure or protocol (like he ever was good at this in the first place), and then in the same breath, completely ignores a grievance that turns around and accuses them of the same practices.

Exposed

Thu Dec 3 2009 15:46

Also ridiculous....President Kaseke called a private/secret meeting for himself, the deans, and his other v.p.'s (executive board), to arrange and plan for the impeachment. This regular meeting was during the scheduled meeting time for the executive board, when they're supposed to be doing other things.... Chaney was told not to come because the meeting was "cancelled". That's backhanded...this is who's running out student government! Ha, what a joke.

Mary

Thu Dec 3 2009 14:38

May I ask why my comment about everyone not being childish and my lack of faith in SGA got taken down but "Chaney is annoying. And always looks like he needs to take a shower," remains up?

Your name

Thu Dec 3 2009 14:25

Those of you who are concerned about Mr. Chaney's conduct at the Faculty Senate meeting should be aware that those at the meeting appreciated his comments, which were on target and appropriate.

Seneca

Wed Dec 2 2009 15:49

With respect to, "PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE GREIVANCE THAT WAS SUBMITTED TO THE JUDICIAL COUNSEL. ALSO, BE AWARE THAT THE RULING THAT NONE OF THOSE GREIVANCES WERE APPLICABLE TO THIS MATTER WILL BE WRITTEN BY THE CURRENT CHIEF JUSTICE. "

Article IX, Sec. 2 per SGA Constitution: All Legislation must adhere to the following prescribed procedures
A. Shall be distributed in writing to each Senator at least 24 hours prior to the first reading at a regularly scheduled Senate meeting."

The Articles of Impeachment was a petition, not a resolution, which is classified as "Legislation." However, in the debate over the Intellectual Property Policy, the issue of notification as a common curtesy and the fact that fewer than five Senators out of 26, knew of the Impeachment Petition is concerning. I understand if there was a descrepency in the meeting agenda which posted a resolution by Yousif Salame and the error occurred after submitting the emailed agenda.

The entire SGA this year has been plaqued by miscommunication and in-fighting, as a result of the Spring Election controversy.

I resent the trolling bomb throwers who charge Dennis Chaney with personal attacks and his "disrespectful" brash, aggressive tactics on this board.

Your name

Wed Dec 2 2009 14:43

I agree. Jake debates with dignity. However, most of his facts are false, exaggerated, or asserted based upon hearsay. Unfortunately for him, Dennis was OKed beforehand to pass out condoms, and the people yelling were the staff, one of whom covered up her namebadge as she reprimanded him, and attempted to confiscate his property. However, he did in fact register and was given a table by the student organizer.

I also like the 'cheated in the election'. Wrong again, Lehnert doesn't know about what he is speaking. The election packets labeled "THE" official polling station, but J-council ruled they were given an unfair advantage by setting up their OWN polling station, which was not in the election packet before the election. That is why they had a reelection and not a disqualification.

He has already been sanctioned for arriving late (because he falsely asserted that it started at 3:30, just as Student Senate does), and in his point-by-point rebuttal he presented as a defense he showed how all those points were not grounds for impeachment. Further, he played a recording showing the falsehood of one of those claims (or to put a little less charitably, lies). Should Lenhert have the proper facts I'm sure a different conclusion should arise in his mind. He has excellent rhetoric skills, however.

As demonstrated by individuals on this page making defamatory and illicit comments about the quality of his character, Dennis has more than a few peers who disagree with his positions on many issues. As demonstrated by my hand-raising question there seems to be a correlation between his supporters not knowing and others knowing about his impeachment prior to the meeting (Which Robert's Rules of Orders suggests he should be notified and furnished the charges - he was not). With inadequate time to prepare a defense to the prosecution's knowledge, as well as a team pre-assembled to VP Chaney's removal, Kaseke could have just said the word at the 23rd Nov meeting and Dennis might as well have stood up and walked out of the room, as the rest was just formality.

Mary

Wed Dec 2 2009 14:04

For the person who spoke of having him bag your groceries. How mature. Have you ever worked a day in your life?
Again, taking showers? How mature. If you are going to argue your point at least do it with some dignity and intelligence like former SGA Senator Lehnert. Let's not be children.

"Thank goodness SGA realized this and now someone with some actual brains can be in the position that they deserve."

Sadly, I do not have faith in SGA to appoint anyone of any intelligence who is unbiased, logical, and works for the students.

Erin

Wed Dec 2 2009 13:38

Dennis Chaney has never looked out for the interest of others. He has always been someone who draws attention to himself and his politics are only for show. He is the Marilyn Manson of liberalism. He doesn't actually care. He just does things for shock value.

Thank goodness SGA realized this and now someone with some actual brains can be in the position that they deserve.

Past SGA Senator Jake Lehnert

Wed Dec 2 2009 13:36

Aside from all the he said this, they did that, back and forth of pointing fingers everyone needs to be mature and just look at the facts and trends of all of this. As many remember, Dennis Chaney was completely out of line at a student orientation last year because he had no business being at the event. He justified his doings on his 1st Amendment rights, but what many don't look at is the fact that there were policies put in place that he did not follow. All organizations and groups were required to register to attend the event and he did not do so. Also, he did not realize that these "new students" were actually still "kids" to the university. They were under the responsibility of the New Student Orientation staff, but many were still under the legal supervision of their parents because they were not 18 yet. It is the duty and responsibility of the New Student Orientation staff to make sure the new students are kept safe and have an enjoyable experience at NKU. Throwing condoms around and yelling, which Dennis did, was not a way to ensure this.

Jump to the future...Dennis and Keith both are being accused of cheating in the election. A decision has already been made so I will not ramble on about this one. Just look at the trend beginning with Dennis...He was out of line at a student orientation (very important to the image of NKU), and now he is accused for cheating in an election.

Now in the present...Dennis goes against not only Keith and the Dean of Student, but arrives late to the Board of Regents meeting and interrupts the members of the board which includes President Votruba. How immature and disrespectful can you be. Dennis, why are you trying to argue this? Put it in this perspective, you are in one of your SGA meetings giving your report and someone comes in and just interrupts people and starts pushing arguments out to the group. What would you think? How would you feel?

So, does everyone now see the trend here? I have nothing personal against Dennis and he has never done anything personal against me. He may be a nice guy, but I am not here to debate that, so shame on the person that put he looks like he needs to take a shower. I am only trying to make people realize that Dennis has been a constant roller coaster ride and that should be enough to remove him from his office. It would happen in other organizations and it would happen in a job, so how can Dennis argue this? Policy this and policy that, well you broke policies all the way up til now. I think karma has come back to haunt you...

Your name

Wed Dec 2 2009 13:21

In case you haven't noticed, the administration and university lawyers actually have degrees and credentials. They deserve to be shown respect. You don't make demands in politics to get your way, you earn them. Those individuals in power are the ones with the money. Keep them happy and the students will be happy.

Most students do not care about SGA. SGA just makes recommendations to the Board of Regents, they do not make campus policies, control tuition or anything else they would like students to believe. SGA serves as a tool for the administration that is in charge of running the business of university to keep their clients (students) happy and understand what needs to be changed. Chaney does not speak for everyone, he only speaks for a small minority of students who want to argue and cause drama. He seems like a good candidate for a future campus preacher to me. Go smoke some more pot and bag my groceries, Chaney.

Protestor

Wed Dec 2 2009 13:01

Fact of the matter is that through my observation to SGA, I haven't seen anyone stand for student rights as Chaney did.

Before officially becoming an SGA senator or executive board member, one swears;
"I do hereby pledge to protect and serve the student body of Northern Kentucky University, as a senator of the Student Government Association, in accordance to its constitution and bylaws."

From the Intellectual Property Policy, through investigating the wind turbines research results, to "TRANSPARENCY" which Kaseke/Chaney ticket ran under, Chaney seemed to always stand for the students' needs, when Kaseke and the "majority" of the e-board and the senate stood for what the administration of NKU wants.

During the debate in regards to the Intellectual Property Policy, one senator of SGA said, and I quote:
"It would be disrespectful to debate the administration and the lawyers of the university; these people know what they're doing."
That statement received a round of applauds.

In which world does that senator live? And why does he think that the job of SGA is to support the administration and "keep a good relationship with them"?... according to what he said

SGA stands for Student Government Association, so wake up SGA senate, your job is to stand for student rights, not the administration's desires!

Breaking policy and procedure is the concern of the e-board, and that's why the impeached Chaney.
They impeached him without following any impeachment procedure! How sadly ironic!

Your name

Wed Dec 2 2009 12:43

Chaney is annoying. And always looks like he needs to take a shower.

Harriet

Wed Dec 2 2009 12:39

As of this morning, the judicial counsel has ruled in favor of the impeachment 4 - 1.

In the most recent SGA meeting Sen. Georgescu asked for a raise of hands for all those senators who knew about the impeachment before the meeting. Pres. Kaseke interrupted this act and denounced it in a voice of displeasure.
The discussion of the Articles of Impeachment before the senate vote took place in a closed session. Going against the very platform of transparency that the KASEKE/Chaney ticket ran on.

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE GREIVANCE THAT WAS SUBMITTED TO THE JUDICIAL COUNSEL. ALSO, BE AWARE THAT THE RULING THAT NONE OF THOSE GREIVANCES WERE APPLICABLE TO THIS MATTER WILL BE WRITTEN BY THE CURRENT CHIEF JUSTICE.

This was underhanded and, at that, unethical.

Demosthenes

Wed Dec 2 2009 12:08

The truest test of liberty and freedom in a republic is the obligation to tolerate those with whom we disagree, not arbitrarily dismiss, shun, or silence. At a University, we are taught to respect other ways, not trample on their natural right to disagree, debate and convince through education and reason. We must not resort to knee-jerk reactionary tactics.

Lastly, the First Amendment does not protect polite and popular speech, but impolite and unpopular speech. We may disagree as long as we respect the purity of each others' motives, but stand firm on matters of principle.

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