ASMSU is MSU’s undergraduate student government.

Michael Leahy, Student Assembly chairperson, said although he wasn’t sure it would be worthwhile to elect someone to the position with about two meetings remaining this session, the decision ultimately will be up to the assembly.

“It’s up to assembly what we choose do, but I’m not sure it’s worth electing someone to do those duties for such a short period of time,” Leahy said.

If the position remains open, Leahy said the duties could be split among other officers and possibly representatives who volunteer to help.

A letter asking Scarlett to step down from his position was given to him prior to Thursday’s meeting, and was signed by about 40 ASMSU staff and representatives.

However, Scarlett said during the meeting that his decision to resign had been made before he received the letter.

“I’m going to leave the same way I came — with a smile on my face,” Scarlett said as he addressed the assembly.

Scarlett told representatives that initially, he wasn’t going to resign because of his commitment to organize the quarter-million-dollar iVote concert rescheduled for next fall, but said there were factors preventing him from doing his job to the best of his ability.

Leahy spoke with Scarlett last week about his position and said Scarlett told him he didn’t think he had time to focus on ASMSU.

“Since his position is paid for by student tax dollars, he didn’t think it was fair to continue to get paid if he couldn’t give 100 percent,” Leahy said.

Leahy said he would train the incoming vice chairperson for external affairs.

Michael Webber, representative for the College of Social Science, said although Scarlett’s announcement was expected, he was not prepared to hear it.

“His heart and soul was in ASMSU, and it made me sad that he had to leave, but I think it was in his best interest and for ASMSU,” Webber said.

Christopher Wickman, Residence Halls Association’s representative, also said Scarlett’s resignation was not a surprise, and would allow Scarlett to focus on being a student.

“I felt that the incidents this year were proving to be bad publicity and that someone with such serious allegations shouldn’t be allowed to stay in a position of power and serve as role model to all students,” Wickman said.

Scarlett worked on a number of projects for ASMSU this year, including the revamping of ASMSU-sponsored tailgates.

“He has worked very hard this year and I think, obviously, this whole thing is just a very unfortunate situation,” Leahy said.