After Chief Justice Gabriel Tavarez read the Judiciary’s ruling that the Senate was unconstitutional, senators, with the exception of only a very few, seethed with frustration.

“There were only about 10 people that were happy with this decision,” said senator Jason Pelzek. “Every other person who was elected was pretty much ticked off. Everyone who has put in three to five hours a week.”

“You would figure that the SGA would be on top of its game,” Hernan Picalomino said on the Judiciary dismissing the Senate, “but I’m sorry to say that they’ve disappointed me and made me feel like less of a student.”

Many student senators also expressed concern and frustration that students’ needs were not being served by the Judiciary; in fact, some went so far as to say that they were never even a consideration in the decision.

“The students need were pissed on,” said Speaker of the Senate Jim Eltringham, “but that’s a moot point anyway, because that was never an issue in all of this.”

Senator Craig Reiser added, “I think Gabe Tavarez or the Judiciary Committee is hurting the students and anything that could have gotten work done. It’s not just unjust, and it’s not just unfair, but as Tavarez said, ‘It makes its own consequence.'”

Some senators, including Chair of the University Policy Committee Micahel Whitehouse vowed to keep working in the best interests of students despite the ruling. Whitehouse explained that he believed the Judiciary’s ruling was unconstitutional for violating a clause in the SGA Constitution, which states that the body exists for the welfare of the students. He added that his committee will continue to meet to address student needs.

“This might be an opportunity for students to bring forth issues outside a formal setting,” said Whitehouse. “They won’t have to deal with the bureaucracy of the weekly meetings. The bottom line is that if a student has a good idea, the administration will listen.”

Michael Taugher, now the former Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, echoed this sentiment.

“Even though the Judiciary has thrown us out and there’s no committee, there’s still a dozen students interested in working on the budget,” he said. “Seth brought out the fact that he was going to hire me as his personal assistant of finance, but I don’t see myself working for Seth, instead of working for specific RSOs to make sure their money isn’t sacrificed for petty squabbles.”

One of the key issues not only last night but also throughout the Judiciary hearings was the election of 34 commuter seats, 32 of which came from the Greek community. Greek and non-Greek senators identified their presence as one of the main contention points in the election.

“I was extremely upset with the way that the fraternities were treated. I was upset that they were looked at as a group. I found very little to convince myself that they somehow were detrimental to our organization,” said Central at large senator Peter Zwahlen. “They actively participated and probably had the highest rate of attendance at all of the meetings. I thought they were received negatively.”

“From the beginning of the Judiciary hearings, it seemed that it was one sided. You’re supposed to be unbiased, but it seemed like there’s no way we could win,” said Picalomino. “You’re supposed to be unbiased, but it seemed like there’s no way we could win.”

People also expressed concern over Speaker Eltringham, who perhaps received the worst of last night’s proceedings. Eltringham was charged with lying, violating the Code of Student Conduct and ultimately asked to step down as Speaker.

Even before last night’s meeting, Citizen Asif Sayani said, “It bothers me that this man up here [Eltringham] is going to take all the shit for this and he’s not going to fight back. Jim, I think you need to stand up for yourself.”

“They dragged his [Eltringham] name through the mud. They dragged our name through the mud, and now the SGA means nothing to this campus,” said Jon Moore. “It’s a joke.”

The SGA leadership expressed optimism about the new elections and the prospect of progress being made in the Spring semester.

“I think it’s unfortunate that it has dragged on this long, said SGA President Jeff Howe, “Next semester, the elections will be constitutional and the Senate will hopefully pass a lot of legislation to benefit students. I’m looking forward to it.”

Student Trustee, Seth Avakian said that he did not feel victorious as a result of the decision, but vindicated because the Judiciary made the right choice.

“There’s a lot of work ahead of us. Last year proved we can do it,” said Avakian. “We’ll be working our asses off all January to get ready.”

Again though, this optimism was not shared by many. Dejection and anger pervaded the Senate body.

“In general, I believe this decision set the SGA back, not just the SGA, but all campus,” said Jeff Bazydlo, former Chair of the Finance Committee. “We’re now the laughing stock of this campus. I won’t be part of this again.”

Eltringham and Bazydlo also explained that there was legal recourse that they could take before the SGA moved forward.

“We’re looking at what we can do in a court of law about this,” said Eltringham. “I’ve thought about quitting various times through this, but then I get kind of scared about how many people will get screwed if I do.”

Melissa Hammel, Jessica May, Ryan Benharris and Kristin Shrewsbury contributed to this article.