In an email sent out to students today Communications Officer Beth Strahan informed students of two proposed changes to the Trinity Constitution.
Following a sustained campaign last year, the email informs students that a referendum will be held to amend the final line of Chapter 1.5 of the Trinity Constitution.
Polling for the referendum shall begin on Wednesday February 5 at 11am, and will close on Friday February 7 at 5pm. Additionally, a Husting shall be held on Tuesday, February 4, directly before the 4th Council.
The line relates to the actions of the Union and what is permitted within the remit of the constitution.
The current line reads that “the Union shall pursue these objectives independent of any political, racial, or religious ideology”, with the proposed amendment to the line changing it to as follows: “The Union shall pursue these objectives independent of any political party or religious organisation.”
This referendum in favour of an amendment was called during the third council of the 2024/25 session, following a two-third majority vote of Council.
Such an amendment was under staunch debate in last year’s Student’s Union, though it would eventually fail to result in change.
Additionally, the email notes a second possible amendment to the Trinity Constitution.
A new provision is to be inserted in Chapter 8.1 of the Constitution, which notes that “the Union may only adopt a position of no confidence in a government as a matter of long-term policy.”
This proposal would allow the Union to adopt a position of no-confidence in the Government, but would require a college-wise referendum to do so.
Currently, the Union is permitted to critique specific Government policy, however, general critiques of a government or political party is not allowed.
The email also clarifies that the Union would still remain prohibited from “affiliating with or endorsing any political parties or candidates.”
Last year, TCDSU faced issues relating to their political commentary over the course of the year, with the Oversight Commission ruling that the TCDSU voter registration campaign with the slogan “vote them out” was unconstitutional. The Electoral Commission also deemed the #YesNo endorsement for the March 8 referendums on family carers and the definition of the family unit last year was contrary to the constitution.