Living situation may present conflict of interest for ASUA

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Ty Trujillo ASUA senator

Associated Students Supreme Court Justice Brian Purcell, one of five members of the student judicial panel, shares a home with Sen. Ty Trujillo and his brother T.J., the two plaintiff's in a suit that seeks to end ASUA funding for many student clubs, programs and organizations.

"Brian will step down because it is a conflict of interest," she said. "If they were to go so far as to make a ruling, Brian has already agreed to step aside."

Taylor said she had initial concerns about a possible conflict.

"I perceived it to be odd, and the first thing I said was that Brian shouldn't be on this case," she said. "

Purcell did not return repeated phone calls yesterday.

Former ASUA President T.J. Trujillo and his brother Ty filed a complaint with the organization's supreme court last month that challenged ASUA's funding policies.

The Trujillo complaint, which follows a federal court decision barring the University of Wisconsin-Madison from using student fee money to fund programs some students may find objectionable, argues ASUA violates UA students' constitutional rights by giving money to "political and ideological" groups.

ASUA's Supreme Court last week decided not to offer an opinion on the matter, citing its wariness about bringing the U.S. constitution into the matter. Purcell did not remove himself from that decision.

Still, the Trujillos said they haven't discussed the case with Purcell, claiming he spends little time at home.

"I haven't talked to him (Purcell) about it really," Ty Trujillo said. "I never really see him. He's always at his girlfriend's house."

T.J. Trujillo said he has not discussed the case with Purcell at home.

"My brother and I have no say in it whatsoever," T.J. Trujillo said. "That whole situation is up to him. He has the ability to recuse himself."