March 31, 2025
The Student Government Association (SGA) at the Community College of Philadelphia has undergone a relegating shift following the impeachment and removal of former President Frank Scales on March 23, 2025.
In a move that appears to be a direct response to his person, the college has introduced and enforced a new term limit, preventing presidents from serving more than one academic year. A stipulation that says the Dean and Advisor of SGA can remove students from SGA if they cause “harm” has also been added to the SGA Constitution.
Following his removal, Scales attempted to run for SGA President again in next year’s election cycle but was swiftly denied. The Office of Student Engagement cited the new term limit restricting presidents to one academic year. This rule was not previously part of Article X of the SGA Constitution but was introduced at the General Assembly in Winnett 2nd floor on February 24. Previous SGA presidents, including Scales’ predecessor Khaneef Martin, have served two consecutive terms without issue.
Faculty Advisor Jeffrey Markovitz expedited this push to enforce this term limit was led by asking Administrative Advisor Jenavia Weaver and Dean of Students Brad Kovaleski , effectively cementing the rule as a new precedent.
Scales was officially removed of office after the provost and college president affirmed the SGA’s impeachment decision. In an email to Scales, Dean of Students Brad Kovaleski confirmed his removal, writing: “As a result, you are no longer serving as SGA President.” The decision marked the end of a controversial tenure that saw significant tension between a faction led by the now-presidential-candidate Treasurer Maria Baez and recently supported by 2nd Vice President Jaritsa Hernandez-Orsini that is continuously sympathetic to Markovitz’s notion of indifference to broad student involvement.
Paulina Reyes
Jenavia and Brad have clearly limited student power. We saw it happen with student journalists at The Vanguard. Jenavia only cares about paying Black and brown students enough to afford rent so she can virtue signal – not really change. That’s why SGA has historically never done much.
When past SGA Presidents did nothing and even served while attending other universities, it wasn’t a problem for them to run for reelection. But only after Frank Scales, a president who caused upheaval within SGA and with the administration, has second terms been banned. This is a direct attack on Frank. As a result, or on purpose, student choice and power has been limited.
Jenavia is diametrically opposed to student power because her job is to do the SGAs’ job. She is about ensuring her favorite students get paid enough to afford rent and food while keeping her position as Director of Student Engagement. To be one of her favorites, you have to shut up, play by her rules, and take the trophy and stipend you’re given – not challenge the status quo.
The ability of SGA Presidents to serve multiple terms in office was usurped from future leaders because Frank showed that change was possible. Now, students no longer have a choice as to who their representative is. If Frank was as bad and unpopular as some allege, why wouldn’t they allow a free and fair election where students could vote him out of office?
The Independent 
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