For the first time in two years, there has been a motion to censure an ASMSU Student Assembly leader.

A representative made the motion to censure Quinn Wright, chairperson of the undergraduate student government’s Student Assembly, at the Thursday meeting because he failed to submit paperwork in a timely fashion to grant the North American Indian Student Organization $4,000 for its powwow event.

“It’s a wake-up call,” said Matt Weingarden, Student Assembly vice-chairperson for internal affairs. “It just means, ‘Hey, Quinn, we are watching you.’

“The assembly wasn’t trying to kick him out of office.”

Two years ago, Student Assembly Chairperson Mike Webber was censured for allegations of sexual harassment.

But the motion to censure Wright- a formal announcement from the assembly stating it did not agree with Wright’s actions - failed because a majority of the 12 representatives did not vote for the measure.

The organization received its money last week, and the powwow will still take place on Feb. 9 and 10. But, under the bill approved by Student Assembly, the money was scheduled to be given before winter break to ensure the event would take place.

College of Communication Arts and Science Rep. John Kreger, who made the censure motion, said he was concerned about why the organization did not receive its money on time.

“This is being accountable to our constituents,” Kreger said.

Wright did not sign the paperwork allowing a check to be written to the organization, and later that paperwork turned up missing.

Wright originally said he was unable to sign the form because he had to attend a meeting, and it was missing later. After apologizing about the situation, Wright amended his original statement, saying he did sign the form and it was lost after he placed it in an organization member’s mailbox.

“I felt I was getting the runaround - we weren’t getting answers,” Kreger said. “You don’t just lose paperwork that is worth $4,000 of student-taxpayer dollars.”

Wright said he felt he was being personally attacked by some assembly members.

“I find this to be very rude and immature,” Wright said. “I don’t sign anything I don’t look through thoroughly, and I didn’t have time to do it.

“No one from NAISO said there was a problem with the bill - I don’t have anything against NAISO.”

But organization member Bryan Newland said he was offended by Wright’s comments, and said the organization should not be held accountable for not receiving the donation on time.

“We fulfilled our responsibility, and you did not fulfill yours,” Newland said during the ASMSU meeting. “We have to fight tooth and nail for what we want and what we get.”

Melanie Olmsted, ASMSU director of racial, ethnic and progressive student affairs said organization members are happy they got their money, but the organization deserves more respect from Wright because he is a paid staff member.

“When I think people are not doing their jobs, that’s a definite problem,” Olmsted said.

“If I didn’t do my job correctly, I would be held accountable.”

Other ASMSU members thought a motion to censure was inappropriate because the organization received its money and an apology. Other members said lost paperwork is a common problem that should be addressed instead of censuring student leaders.

“I don’t think there’s enough evidence here to show intent,” said Charles Beachnau, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources representative.