Students attended the Government of the Student Body in support of Paul Duncan, whose future on the GSB Finance Committee was under fire on the senate floor.

A bill, proposed by Matt Ostanik, IFC, to remove Paul Duncan from the GSB Finance Committee, failed Wednesday night after the senators debated in closed executive session.

The proposed removal stemmed from Duncan’s investment of his personal time in a referendum to gauge student interest in Veishea. Because he has a personal stake in the future of Veishea, proponents of the bill said, he cannot objectively vote on Veishea-related funding.

Several members of the gallery spoke in opposition of the bill during open forum.

Steve Skutnik, senior in physics, said Duncan’s conflict of interest is no different than any other GSB member belonging to a student organization because GSB funds many organizations.

“Paul Duncan has demonstrated that he has participated to diminish the funding of Veishea,” he said. “He can participate in any group on campus — he is pursuing [Veishea] as a student.”

Once the GSB Senate ruled to go into executive session, the students in the gallery were asked to leave the meeting and wait outside the Campanile Room until they had concluded their discussion on the bill.

Anthony Luken, sophomore in philosophy, said he did not understand why Duncan’s position on GSB was under fire. “It makes no sense,” he said. “He’s given the privilege to be able to exercise his constitutional rights. You’re allowed to give your opinions.”

Other students who were asked to leave said executive session was unnecessary. “If you don’t want your constituents to know about [things], then don’t do [things] like this,” said Jonathon Weaver, junior in history.

Although some members of the gallery were disappointed that the debate was closed, others said they were satisfied with the outcome. “I believe GSB listened to their constituents and did the right thing,” said Andy Walling, sophomore in pre-business.