Associated Students Inc.’s Board of Directors discussed supporting Fresno State student body president Pedro Ramirez during Wednesday’s board meeting.

The student body president was 3 year old when his parents brought him to the United States from Mexico. He has attended three years of California public school and because of Assembly Bill 540 he has met the requirements to attend a California higher education institution while paying instate fees. An anonymous e-mail recently begun circulating about his undocumented status.

“He has done nothing but great public service to his fellow students,” said ASI President Terry Martin.

Stephanie Gonzalez, freshmen psychology major, said it was important for ASI to support Ramirez because documented and undocumented students have the same rights.

“It is sad to see students who have lived here their entire lives, but they cannot continue higher education,” Gonzalez said.

Sarkis Piloyan, vice president of academic affairs, said supporting would make the board partisan.

Brandon Sisk, secretary of state affairs, said supporting him is not about politics, it is about maintaining access to education for all students.

“It’s not a partisan issue because we’re not advocating for any political party, we’re talking about an issue,” said Manny Garcha, director of natural sciences and math.

Sergio Tapias, director of engineering and computer science, said he wants to see what Fresno State’s response is.

Garcha said even though Fresno State has not responded to this, Sac State should be leaders and not followers.

“We were elected by the student body.” Garcha said. “If there is an issue that is controversial then we are allowed to weigh in on that.”

The board voted to hold a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss the issue further.

Michelle Curtis can be reached at [email protected]