By: Melissa Caceres/News Director 
The Florida Student Association is fighting two bills, HB 931 and SB 1508, that would eliminate the ability for the state-wide organization to appoint their student leader who serves on the Board of Governors.
Currently, the 11 student body presidents of Florida elect a representative on the Board of Governors.
The proposed bills would give the power to Gov. Rick Scott.
“This proposed gubernatorial appointment would favor the largest schools with the most legislative influence, thus creating a politicized system that detriments and excludes students at universities such as Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida, etc,” said Michael Long, FSA chairman, in a letter to members of the Florida Senate.
He adds that the bills favor students from Florida State University and University of Florida since they have the largest legislative influence. Currently, the student presidents from FSU and UF support the bills.
Patrick O’Keefe, FIU’s Student Government Council at Modesto Maidique Campus president, serves as FSA external vice chair and believes that having student body presidents elect their own chairperson gives more universities the opportunity for representation.
“[Long] was unanimously selected by the 9 other SGA Presidents from the SUS and I. He has been a strong advocate for students,” said O’Keefe. “If this becomes law, it is highly unlikely that someone like Mike will ever be chosen for the BOG seat ever again.”
The bill passed the House Education Committee and is currently on the agenda for the Senate Higher Education Committee tomorrow, Jan. 9.
O’Keefe, along with eight other student body presidents, are traveling to Tallahassee tomorrow to state their opposition.
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