Missouri Students Association Removed Interim Treasurer
The court ruled Harrison Lingle ineligible for the role because he does not pay the required undergraduate student fee.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Law
Live Poll
Should student government organizations strictly enforce membership bylaws for appointed leadership positions?
The Missouri Students Association (MSA) Court has removed Harrison Lingle from his position as interim treasurer. The court ruled that Lingle failed to meet eligibility requirements because he pays graduate rather than undergraduate student fees.
Why it matters
The ruling highlights strict adherence to association bylaws regarding membership fees as a prerequisite for student government leadership. Because the association manages a significant budget, the court determined that Lingle had to be removed due to his payment status and the expiration of his interim term.
The court ruling involved a $500,000 association budget and a strict 45-day duration limit for interim treasurer terms. Lingle's eligibility was challenged because he did not pay the mandatory undergraduate student activities fee required by bylaws.
The players
Harrison Lingle
He is a senior pursuing degrees in accounting and economics who served as the interim treasurer.
Noah Schnarre
He is the current President of the Missouri Students Association tasked with finding a successor.
Missouri Students Association Court
This is the judicial body that ruled on the eligibility requirements for the association's leadership.
The details
The court found Lingle acted as treasurer in May 2026 to authorize funding for the SEC Exchange, despite his term having already expired under the organization's bylaws. President Noah Schnarre is now seeking a permanent replacement while exploring potential bylaw revisions to clarify future treasurer eligibility requirements.
Timeline
May 2026: Harrison Lingle authorized funding for the SEC Exchange.
September 8, 2026: A Senate meeting occurred and the interim term reached its expiration.
September 14, 2026: The court officially released the ruling.
September 22, 2026: The next scheduled meeting for the MSA Senate.
Political Context
The removal follows a strict interpretation of the Missouri Students Association bylaws, which mandate specific fee payments for officeholders. Opposition to this enforcement centers on the need to potentially redefine these bylaws to prevent administrative vacancies in student government.
The vacancy in the treasurer position could temporarily delay the authorization of funds for student programs and association activities. Students should be aware that these bylaw disputes may shift the leadership structure of organizations managing over half a million dollars in funding.
The takeaway
This case underscores the importance of verifying eligibility requirements in student government before accepting interim appointments. It also serves as a reminder of how internal bylaws can dictate the flow of substantial organization funds.
What happens next
The Missouri Students Association is scheduled to convene for an MSA Senate meeting on September 22, 2026, where the search for a new treasurer will likely be addressed.
Further reading
For more on local governance and regulatory challenges, visit Law.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Maneater.
Live Poll
Should student government organizations strictly enforce membership bylaws for appointed leadership positions?
