Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) Education Officer Catherine Arnold has resigned.
In an email seen by Trinity News, they requested the minimum four weeks’ notice be waived and they can instead leave in one week on April 2.
Arnold said it has been a “privilege” to serve as a sabbatical officer.
They said: “Despite a fraught year with consistent issues of a toxic workplace environment and workplace bullying with particular cases pertaining to dignity and respect as well as employment law, I have endeavoured to support all students to the fullest extent of my ability and have achieved all of my mandates where possible.”
They said they are “concerned about the capacity of all other officers to ensure that student welfare is put to the forefront until the end of their term” following their resignation.
“My resignation has so far been delayed due to concerns for my own welfare regarding how it would be received by my employer.
“I request the college supports me during this interim period,” they said.
Arnold said they will send a full handover in the form of a written document to incoming Education Officer Eoghan Gilroy “as soon as is feasible”.
According to the TCDSU constitution, following the resignation of a sabbatical officer, a by-election must take place.
According to the constitution, the Electoral Commission (EC) must open nominations for a by-elections for one to two weeks, and the election must take within two weeks of nominations closing.
Final year law and politics and Arts Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS) Convenor student Gilroy was elected education officer with 65% of votes after running against Deputy STEM Convenor Sé Ó hÉidhin.
Arnold ran unopposed for the position of education officer and won with 81.99% of first preference votes.
A former sociology and philosophy student, they are currently serving as Deputy Arts, Humanities and Social Science (AHSS) Convenor. They have previously served as Joint Honours Convenor of TCDSU.
Arnold has been contacted for comment.
