ASM Chair Al Zein holds seat after student court drops final appeal

Haia Al Zein retains the chairmanship of the Associated Students of Madison (ASM) following the dismissal of a final legal challenge to her election. The student judiciary rejected a second brief filed by Rep. Michael Harry, effectively ending the procedural dispute that has lingered since the spring vote.

Harry, a candidate in the April 24 election for the 33rd session chair, lost the race and subsequently challenged the results. He initially filed a petitioner’s brief on April 30, arguing that the election outcome was invalid. On September 14, he amended that filing to add details and requested that alleged rule-breakers be disqualified from future chair elections. His second brief, submitted on September 22, focused on how the judiciary handled his initial complaint, claiming the Chief Justice misapplied rules during the proceedings.

The core of the legal standoff centered on a procedural vote at the September 16 student council meeting. ASM representatives voted against adopting a special order that would have allowed Harry’s first brief to be discussed. Adoption of this order required a two-thirds majority. While a simple majority of representatives voted in favor, the group failed to meet the higher threshold. Harry argued that requiring such a supermajority to take up the brief had no precedent. Had the motion passed, representatives could have re-elected the 33rd session chair by a simple majority.

According to the dismissal notice, a majority of student justices recused themselves from deciding the second brief. Chief Justice Chloe Sieman included herself among those who recused, a move Harry had requested. Because of these recusals, the student judiciary did not assign a full panel to hear the case. The body issued its order on September 29, formally dropping the final challenge.

Al Zein welcomed the decision in a statement provided to The Daily Cardinal. She said the ruling gives her hope for the remainder of the 33rd session and serves as an opportunity for the group to work collaboratively and move forward in greater unity. Sieman, Harry, and the student judiciary declined to provide further comment on the brief.

The dismissal marks the end of the legal proceedings related to the spring election. The 33rd session will continue with Al Zein as chair, having cleared the last formal objection from a candidate.