Former ASCC Cabinet member Steven Sinkewicz spoke for the first time since he resigned as commissioner of vocational outreach, on Oct. 9. He set the record straight as to why he took exception to an article that was printed in the Sept. 27 issue of the Talon Marks.

During Homecoming candidate introductions on Sept. 21 members of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance were trying to promote their club, as well as show support for FMLA member Marlen Rios-Hernandez.

But when the club tried to promote themselves they were denied permission by Dean Ackland, coordinator of student activities.

FMLA President and biochemistry major, Gredma Casasola said the reason members of the FMLA were at the Homecoming introductions was, “because it was important for FMLA to be known and other members were trying to show support for Rios-Hernandez.”

The controversy was with what Rios-Hernandez was going to wear for her candidate photo. She was going to place a piece of tape with an equal sign across her mouth. After the introductions she planned to go on stage and stand there.

Although Sinkewicz was not present during the time in which members were trying to promote the club at the Homecoming candidates introductions, he said that he supports the club for, “trying to promote equality itself as well as the whole issue of the separation of church and state.”

The issue with that was caused by Josephine Ward, who was running as an independent for Homecoming.

In the Sept. 27 article Ward stated, “I thank the Lord God, and if I win, I will be highly honored by the Holy Spirit because His perfect will was done.”

Sinkewicz commented he didn’t like what she meant by it. He didn’t elaborate.

Casasola said that despite Ward’s statement, she doesn’t have a problem with someone who believes in God.

Sinkewicz continued, by saying, “The structure of society is not in the right place because as the FMLA was trying to promote rights there was a meaning hidden-that being gender equality.”

For Casasola, there was more to it than just promoting FMLA. “It was the fact that Homecoming is looked upon as a beauty contest,” she stated.

“Besides, Ackland was referring to the Homecoming candidates as ‘girls’.”

However, Ackland said that Homecoming is not about a beauty contest, “But it’s about getting students involved with the school’s events and activities.

“If a club like the FMLA or any other club feels they want to promote themselves then that club can hold an event, and the whole point of Homecoming is to promote student involvement, not to promote oneself or club,” Ackland added.

FMLA member and women’s studies major, Audrey Silvestres, said that for her, she too supported the effort by the club, “Because there is a meaning of promoting not only the club but gender roles in society.”

Rios-Hernandez commented that if she had the opportunity to run for Homecoming again she would.

“As long as I have the support of FMLA.”

As for any regrets the club had done, Casasola said, “If FMLA had the opportunity to do it again, we (would).”

As for Sinkewicz resigning as commissioner of vocational outreach on Oct. 9, he said, “I have decided to resign as commissioner of vocational outreach, because being in the position has taken me away from my studies in all of my classes.”

He declined to comment any further.

Both ASCC President Joe Cobarrubio and Vice President Alex Armendariz declined to comment but at Monday’s ASCC Cabinet meeting, Cobarrubio did accept Sinkewicz’s resignation as commissioner of vocational outreach but refused to go into further detail.

Tyler Xuetzal, assistant to commissioner of vocational outreach, will take the place of Sinkewicz as commissioner of vocational outreach.

Xuetzal could not be reached for comment.