PSGA President Me’ilani Nelson Impeached

By: Jennifer Ward and Arlenis Marmolejos 

On Sept. 18, a Senate meeting was held where Purchase Student Government Association (PSGA) President Me’ilani Nelson was impeached by a vote of seven to three.

Me'ilani Nelson presented her case to the Senate. (Photo by Arlenis Marmolejos)

Apart from PSGA executives and senators, 30 additional students attended the meeting. "I have never seen this many people here for the senate [meeting], but that just shows how strongly people feel about the matter," said Sophia Pallozzi, chair of senate. 

The Senate meeting, held in the Presidential Conference Room of the Student Services building, lasted an additional hour and a half beyond its scheduled one-hour duration.

There was also a Zoom meeting open for students, faculty, and staff to join on PantherLink. 

The resolution presented to the Senate was voted on by the 2023-2024 PSGA executive board claiming Nelson “violated the [PSGA’s] Constitution” stating that she is “not equipped to continue her position.”

The resolution, passed on May 5, was to be followed up and presented to Senate by the start of the new academic year.

The former executive board voted on many points, including Nelson’s fairness, communication, fulfillment of duties, decision-making process, and bias.

The former executive board, in a vote of four to five, stated that they did not feel Nelson was equipped to continue her position as president. 

This resolution was written and brought to the PSGA by Tais Torres, the former student activities coordinator for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

“I think Me'ilani has done a fair amount of things that have been positive, and I think at times her intentions have been in the right place,” Torres said. "I think she's a person who has the potential to have a lot of good ideas, but I think her biggest flaw as president, from my perspective, has been the fact that she doesn't try to relate to the rest of the student body."

Nelson held the position of PSGA President for the 2023-2024 academic year and was elected to hold the position for the current academic year. 

Nelson described her leadership style as demanding, but also supportive. Nelson noted that although she is not a “passive” president, many people may not appreciate her leadership style.

“I’ve done what I could to the best of my ability,” Nelson said. 

In an anonymous poll, former executive board members were asked whether Nelson in her duties as president, "actively treated students with fairness, equality, and respect," maintained "clear lines of communication," fulfilled the responsibilities of the position with a focus on the "best interests of the student body," and made ethical decisions. In each case, the majority voted no.

Sedajah Lance-Stewart, the coordinator of public affairs and relations, attested to Nelson’s dedication to the PSGA. “I can personally account for the hours and days even she spends glued to her computer making sure that the PSGA operates as smoothly as possible and giving up much of her time and mental space,” Lance-Stewart wrote in a statement to The Phoenix.

Lance-Stewart announced her resignation following the impeachment vote.

Jessica Bullock, PSGA advisor, wrote in a statement to The Phoenix, “Having served as [Nelson’s] advisor for the past two years, I have witnessed firsthand her unwavering commitment to advocating for students and enhancing campus life. Her leadership and experience will be greatly missed by the PSGA.”

"She is very invested, and I think that is a great quality to have, but I don't think she is necessarily invested in other people,” said Torres. “She is only invested in her own ideas and in ensuring that other people are meeting the expectations that she has set."

Tais Torres speaks to the senate via Zoom. (Photo by Arlenis Marmolejos)

Vice President Rachael Girsang noted that she believes Nelson cares about the student body, but “the way she carries herself comes across as someone who isn’t very welcoming."

“I am autistic, I do not have the emotional intelligence maybe that a lot of people require of me,” Nelson said. “I do not tend to speak in a kind tone when I know things need to be done on a timeline—I just want them to get done.

I’m not necessarily mean but I’m like, ‘you need to do this,’” she continued. “That is not the leadership style they want in a student government leader I guess.” 

The resolution states that Nelson created a proposal to make payroll adjustments to PSGA stipend employees and withheld information and resources from a Mandatory Students Activities Fee (MSAF) paying student. 

Another claim in the resolution states that Nelson allegedly blocked an executive board member, Torres, from the PSGA official Instagram account. Nelson denies this claim. 

The resolution also states that Nelson has held Human Resources (HR) meetings on multiple students, some of which have led to students being impeached from their positions. 

"We don't have people who are equipped to offer [human resources] so that really isn't anybody's fault, but the PSGA,” Torres said. 

Yuta Kawamura, the former student activities coordinator, was impeached from his position at the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year. 

“I can’t stand the fact that she’s still the president of PSGA. She should be fired,” Kawamura wrote in a statement to The Phoenix before the impeachment. “Someone who respects the e-board and communicates properly and professionally should take her position. She never showed any interest in me or in some of the other e-board members, and I truly hope she reconsiders her actions after she’s fired.” 

Kawamura was impeached following Nelson’s alleged complaints about his job performance. As an international student, Kawamura missed the required e-board training and felt “singled out” by Nelson. Nelson was outspoken in support of the impeachment of Kawamura.

“She’s a perfectionist and expects all the other e-board members to already know what to do, even though most of us had never worked in an e-board position before,” Kawamura stated. 

Nelson stated that positions in the PSGA would be beneficial for students, especially positions that offered a stipend. 

“I’m not going to reward someone for not doing a job when there are hundreds of people who could really use that 100 dollars for groceries every month,” Nelson said. “That’s going to make people mad. I don’t regret it.”

Torres noted that there is a lack of “process and policy” for holding those in power accountable in the PSGA.

"I'm not the only one who feels this way,” Torres said.

Bernie Manzolillo, who was the major events coordinator of the 2023-2024 academic year, was impeached over the summer, claiming Nelson was heavily involved.

Manzolillo stated that he believes the resolution is crucial for our democracy and that everyone has the right to be informed about what happens in the PSGA while present at the Senate meeting.

Bernie Manzolillo speaking to the Senate. (Photo by Arlenis Marmolejos)

“The ends don’t justify the means,” Manzolillo said at the trial. Addressing Nelson directly, Manzolillo said, “You’ve done things undemocratically, unethically, and most importantly as a student and a peer, you have disrespected many of us, and you have caused hurt to a lot of us."

Manzolillo also stated in hearing that regardless of what may be going on personally, it’s “never an excuse to be disrespectful to other people.” 

“The PSGA has been so active on social media, I would love to see that online presence be used to spread awareness on actual resources, and what they have done,” Manzolillo wrote in a statement to The Phoenix.

Manzolillo expressed that he believes minimal progress has been made in addressing student concerns, especially given Purchase’s current “difficult transitional period.” This includes recent developments like the updated freedom of speech policy and campus protests.

“Although I admired her passion at first, I’ve felt a lack of care and attention to pressing student issues,” Manzolillo wrote. “I believe President Nelson lacks the compassion, care, interest, and love for our student body and community.”

Me'ilani Nelson reacting to a student's statement. (Photo by Arlenis Marmolejos)

Not all, former or current, PSGA employees feel this way about Nelson’s presidency. 

"Aside from PSGA, Me’ilani is a friend of mine and I hope that people know how much pressure this job has brought her," Pallozzi wrote in a statement to The Phoenix.

Pallozzi continued, “I hope others know that it’s not easy to fill this position but the PSGA will do its best to serve the college and its students.”

Torres said, "It can become difficult and tricky to navigate relationships when people are working so closely together and drama arises and people are acting unprofessionally.”  

Torres notes that there aren’t any bylaws that prohibit those in power to act this way. 

Girsang will be taking on the role of president in an interim position until an emergency election can be held. 

“I am kinda nervous about my workload but I know that the rest of the e-board will be there to support me,” Girsang said. 

After the senate meeting, Pallozzi acknowledged feeling “a lot of emotions” but confirmed she is preparing to run for president.

Girsang explains the main issue is the absence of a judicial board, which should determine guilt or innocence. “We are missing that step so we’re kinda in a weird position.” 

Before the trial, there was debate about whether the PSGA, including the clubs and services, would be shut down following an impeachment. Nelson claimed that if the president were to be impeached, this would lead to a shutdown until an election could be held and a replacement would be permanently instated. 

Robyn Graygor, a service head and rocket compost master, said, “She’s micromanaging her own impeachment.” 

“We can’t not impeach her just because no one else wants the job, despite everything she’s done,” former Coordinator of Public Affairs, Nellie Duggan-Haas, wrote in a statement to The Phoenix. “That would set a precedent that anyone can be shitty at their job so long as no one else wants to do it. We need to set higher standards for the role of president.” 

Nellie Duggan-Haas addressing presidential concerns to the Senate. (Photo by Arlenis Marmolejos)

Duggan-Haas noted that according to PSGA bylaws, the vice president was always meant to step into the role of interim president. “There is absolutely zero reason this should have ever even been a conversation,” she wrote. 

“I feel that Me’ilani has been using the concept of a shutdown as a fearmongering tactic,” Duggan-Haas continued. “They may not even be doing it consciously, but they should recognize that it is effectively a threat; 'if you vote to impeach me, a bunch of people will lose a month of pay.'” 

Bullock denied this claim and said the conversation of a shutdown was only brought up as a precaution. 

“I don’t know why Jessica Bullock doesn’t catch more slack with the mess that’s going on in the PSGA,” said Students of Caribbean Ancestry (SOCA) President, Tristan Keane-Negri.

“As I continue in my role as PSGA Advisor, I remain dedicated to supporting all students and the student government,” Bullock wrote. “I wish Me'ilani the best in her remaining senior year and extend my gratitude for her contributions over the past two years.”

With Girsang stepping into the role, there will be no shutdown. 

The PSGA executives and senators present at the meeting. (Photo by Arlenis Marmolejos)

Nelson also noted how much work she has put into the PSGA, including the current construction of a reproductive garden and free menstrual product initiative. 

“I also don’t think they acknowledge how much I have done for the student government and how much they lean on me. I don’t think they value just how much I’ve done for them,” Nelson said.

“I've been there for many of her decisions as president and I've been able to ask the ‘why’ that I wish many others would ask to understand that the student government's best interests are always at the forefront of her mind, in all of the choices in her role as long as I've known her in it,” Lance-Stewart wrote. “I hope that others can understand that it's hard to be a good leader and even harder to be liked by everyone at the same time."

Nelson also noted that she is aware her communication needs improvement, and that is something she is working on regardless. 

“I definitely have seen some efforts and improvements in her professionalism and in the way she speaks to us,” said Girsang. 

During the trial, Nelson became emotional and opened up about personal experiences she has had during her presidency, which have impacted many of her decisions. 

“I feel for [her] and everything that [she] went through, but every student in here also has a story and has been going through a hard time,” Manzolillo said. 

Torres expressed her desire for a president who emphasizes greater collaboration.

"I would love to see a person as president who really wants to listen to what other people have to say whether it's e-board or students at large,” Torres said. “I think it would be great to have someone in that position whose focus is other people's needs and not their own and is truly passionate about representing the rest of the student body.” 

Topaz Gal-Zur, president of Hillel, emphasized at the meeting the need for a president who ensures everyone feels valued and secure on campus, stating, "People here want to be treated fairly—we all deserve that and we need a president that can do that.”

Topaz Gal-Zur speaking on behalf of Hillel to the Senate. (Photo by Arlenis Marmolejos)

Girsang supports the students behind the resolution, but she hopes this is not an excuse to bully, and that this impeachment is to ensure all employees feel comfortable. 

“I don’t think we should ignore what the students are saying, it wasn’t just the e-board that came to this,” Girsang said. “They didn’t just come up with this for no reason…I don’t want to downplay anyone’s feelings or work situations.”

“If you support the impeachment, you must have your reasons,” Nelson said. “I am sorry for whatever I have done to you that you feel that is in the best interest of all students. It must have been a lot. If you do not, I appreciate your vote of confidence.”

Following the results, Nelson acknowledged, “I’ll still be around… I’m a little excited. I’m gonna have more time to do some other stuff.” Nelson shortly left the room before the meeting was adjourned.  

Me'ilani Nelson exited the room while the meeting took place. (Photo by Arlenis Marmolejos)

Liberal Arts and Sciences Senator, Sammie Terpening, along with others, thanked Nelson for her time and dedication to the PSGA.

“Being a part of the PSGA is hard, but we need more people,” said Terpening. “The only reason that it is as hard as it is is because there are not enough people getting involved and therefore, misinformation spreads, people get negative opinions on the PSGA.”

Tristan Keane-Negri speaking to the PSGA executive board members. (Photo by Arlenis Marmolejos)

After the results were announced, Keane-Negri addressed the e-board saying, “Her job is to be the face and is not to do every single thing that you guys are all responsible for doing.” He added, “Now that she is not here, I would really hope that [the e-board] steps up and does more than fill her role for the time being.”

An emergency election will be held this week to elect a president for the 2024-2025 academic year. Applications are open on PantherLink and will close on Wednesday, Sept. 25.