There are nearly 30,000 undergraduates on the UA campus, but according to Cade Bernsen, they're not all created equal. In recent weeks, the president of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona has proved that, above all else, he's a master of looking out for No. 1.

When students elected Bernsen to office last spring, it wasn't on the basis of fact. As a recent transfer student and ASUA outsider, he had no experience, no credentials and no reputation to speak of on the UA campus.

It was faith alone that delivered Bernsen to office. Bernsen swore, and students believed, that he would be a tireless advocate on their behalf - that he would, as he said, protest on the steps of the state capitol every day if that was what it took for the legislature to pay heed to students' interests.

Now, in what is perhaps the most crucial time for student advocates in years, the head of ASUA has brought the organization to its knees.

In firing five officers - most critical among them the UA's three Arizona Students' Association lobbyists - and recusing himself from his responsibilities as ASUA president during the selection of a new university president and the formulation of a student tuition proposal, Bernsen is guilty of gross malfeasance.

Even worse is Bernsen's justification: He plainly admits that the dismissals are the result of a vendetta against the officers, whom he childishly accuses of secretly plotting to bring about his impeachment via allegations of sexual harassment.

Bernsen has reasoned that, according to his lawyer, he was within his legal rights to fire the officers for what amounts to gossip. Even if this is true, students should expect a better explanation for such actions than "because I can."

However, Bernsen's executive temper tantrum isn't just infantile - it's dangerous. In eliminating the voice of the students he promised to represent, Bernsen has left them vulnerable at the worst possible time. That breach of trust cannot be treated too seriously.

The pending sexual harassment case aside, Bernsen has demonstrated that his presidency represents a low-water mark in ASUA history. Now all that remains to be seen is whether Bernsen will continue to drag the entire student body down with him.

The man students elected on the basis of character alone has one final opportunity to prove their trust wasn't totally misplaced by for once doing what is best for students, and making his leave of absence permanent.

OPINIONS BOARD

Opinions are determined by the Wildcat opinions board and written by one of its members. They are Lori Foley, Caitlin Hall, Michael Huston, Ryan Johnson, Aaron Mackey and Tim Runestad.