As of April 1, the Bakersfield College Student Government Association will be operating without its Vice President Brian Rathfelder, Legislative Liaison Katrina Oldershaw, General Counsel Sean Hill, and senators Gilbert Hernandez and Theresa Hall.
According to sources, grievances were filed against SGA officers and the outcome of these accusations has resulted in resignations of five of its officials.
Dean of students and SGA adviser Joyce Coleman had no comment on as to what events caused the loss in the SGA officials.
“I am not at liberty to respond to [the] questions as [they] relates to specific students. This would be a violation of federal, state, district and college laws, guidelines and procedures,” said Coleman.
Concerning his resignation, Hill said, “I’ve wanted to resign since the beginning of the semester. That job just consumes your life, leaving very little [time] for the outside world. Now I have all the time in the world to spend with my daughter. I love it. You can’t put a price on quality time.”
Oldershaw said concerning her resignation, “I don’t really want to talk about the situation . I’ve already lost my job and I don’t want anything else to happen.”
During the April 1 SGA meeting, Secretary Toccara Byrd read the resignation letters of Rathfelder, Oldershaw, Hall and Hernandez.
“To Whom It May Concern, I hereby resign from my position as legislative liaison. I have sincerely enjoyed this past year and will always be glad that I got to spend time with such an amazing group of people,” read Oldershaw’s letter.
“However, I feel that with the previous circumstances my work environment has become too stressful for me to handle. I will try to devote my time at Bakersfield College toward my studies and graduation.”
Rathfelder’s letter held a similar theme as it was read.
“To the members of the senate, it has come to unfortunate circumstances in my life where I need to tender my resignation as your student body vice president,” read the letter.
Rathfelder’s went on to add that, “I am extremely confident in the remaining and incoming leadership that there will be an adequate turnover in SGA administration.”
Rathfelder’s letter went on to assure that he would be available for advice outside of SGA.
Xenos Lopez, who was a senator, will resume on the council as the new vice president until the end of the spring semester, and Derrick Kenner will assume the responsibilities of general counsel.
At the meeting, Activities Liaison Tawntannisha Thompson applauded the replacements for the vacated positions.
“It is a great way for him to learn the ropes and get in there, foot first,” she said, referring to Kenner. “Xenos Lopez is a good senator. He is proven, he is our new trustee for the Kern County Community College District, so I think it will be a good opportunity for him also.”
Hernandez, who elected in early March as the vice president for next school year, will not fill that position for the upcoming academic school year. According to Thompson, a new vice president will be appointed.
Lopez will resume the responsibilities of vice president for the remainder of the spring semester, and Kenner will hold the office of general counsel from now until next school year.
According to Coleman, all projects where the resigned members were involved will not be affected by the turnover.
“The Renegade Pantry will continue to provide services to students. Last week’s distribution worked without problems,” said Coleman. “MAPS has three SGA leaders who co-lead the group.”
Concerning SGA’s ability to function with five experienced officials gone, Coleman said, “Yes, the SGA will continue to provide services to students.”