Emilia Bletsas, a junior studying biomedical engineering, resigned from her position as USG Speaker of the Senate. She says this is due to her current plans to study outside the country in 2024.
“I’m studying abroad in London this spring and I want to allow time for a new speaker to transition into their role before next semester,” Bletsas said.
USG Vice President Michelle Lu confirmed Bletsas’ resignation in an email to all USG Senators on Monday.
“As of October 23, 2023, former Speaker Emilia Bletsas announced her resignation from her senatorial duties. Effective in 3 days, there will be an open Senate seat and Speaker of the Senate seat,” Lu wrote. “Beginning October 26 and for the duration of her vacancy, Vice President Lu shall assume the Speaker’s responsibilities.”
The USG meeting Tuesday, Oct. 24, was moved to take place exclusively via Zoom. A link was provided to the public to join through USG’s Instagram account, though it led to an error message for an invalid ID. Annenberg journalists were able to access the meeting after being provided a different link by USG members.
At the meeting, students raised concerns about their safety on campus amidst the Israel-Hamas war, as tensions between students in-person and on social media over support for Israel and Gaza rises. Students held a demonstration for Palestinians and peace in Gaza last week, while other student groups held a vigil for Israel and victims of the Hamas terrorist attack the week prior.