By Madison Slocum-Juarez, March 24, 2026
Associated Students Inc. voted to remove an officer from its cabinet at the Board of Directors meeting March 19.
ASI President Amiyah Ellsworth proposed removing Officer of Public Relations Jade Centeno at a prior meeting March 12, claiming she had not fulfilled her duties as a cabinet member. Based on the bylaws, a majority vote was required to remove the cabinet officer.
Other cabinet members, felt it was appropriate to remove Centeno. Senator Pro Tempore Madison Navarro expressed concerns about Centeno missing responsibilities, inconsistent attendance, failure to complete the newsletter, and lack of communication in changing her schedule.
“The officer of public relations plays a critical role in connecting the student government to the student body,” said Senator of Business Sydney Cong. “Without consistent engagement, that responsibility isn’t being fully met.”
There were oppositions to removing Centeno from the cabinet from senators in College of Letters and Science, Collins, Greek, Science, Multicultural Club and Student Interest Council who voted “nay.”
“I believe this is a dangerous precedent,” said Science Senator Lily Kang. “If we remove student senators every time they fall short, we are not creating a culture of growth but one of fear. Mistakes should be corrected, not immediately turned into removal.”
ASI manages Cal Poly Pomona campus facilities and organizes events for students. Cabinet members have a duty to fulfill and maintain accountability, according to Ellsworth.
“We all come into these roles with different responsibilities and challenges,” Ellsworth said. “But when you choose to serve in this capacity, it means showing up for students and being accountable to the commitments you made.”
Since the motion passed, Centeno was removed from office immediately.
Additionally, the board unanimously voted on the expansion of the Poly Pantry into a vacant room in the Bronco Student Center, formerly known as Bronco Mail and Copy. The Poly Pantry helps students facing food insecurity by providing free food and hygiene items. .
“We just expanded the Poly Pantry,” Ellsworth said. “This is something worth celebrating.”
The Computer Science Society club was also approved to use $10,000 from the NPNA fund for the Bronco Hacks Hackathon, and the Multicultural Council will use $8,000 for the “30 Days of Social Justice” events.
The next ASI Board of Directors meeting will be held March 26 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the England Evans room in the BSC.
Feature image courtesy of Bren Belmonte
