Free speech, access to classes and money were the overriding themes discussed in sometimes fierce and sometimes tepid debates for Student Government Association (SGA) elections held last week.
Only a third of the candidates came out to “Debate day” April 5 in the cafeteria answering questions from the students written on index cards. Also absent was Keenan Arnold who won the SGA Presidency.
Members of the Students Against the War (SAW) including the two arrested in late February were in the cafeteria and heckled some of the candidates as they tried to address the controversy in their speeches.
“I’ve been a part of SGA for a year, … what we have done [this year] is cut our budget $11,060 and put $9,780.42 in the Events-by-Events and gave WZRD $1,700. I think that’s huge in terms of being a functioning body and be able to serve the students,” said Vice President elect and current Speaker of the Senate Kimberly Murphy. “But I wish we could still give more money to the student body,” she concluded.
“[SGA] needs to help the student body and help the student body,” said Jonathon Winkler candidate for president in response to questions regarding the students arrested at the CIA protest.
“I support the protesters, but if any one there committed battery, I don’t support that vice-versa if a staff committed battery they should be held accountable in the court of law, … if you did not witness it should not be taking sides, we should support the person who was wronged and that is what I’m going to continue to do,” responded current president Eron McCormick and candidate for Student Trustee.
“Free Speech is a fundamental part of what we are here to learn about, to defend and to use as we go forward in our lives,” said Paul Harris and senator elect, the other candidates shared this sentiment on the topic of free speech.
“Let’s make the campus a little more exciting,” said presidential candidate Frank DeMartino. DeMartino stated that he wanted a more of a community in the campus, and said to have, “a homecoming dance, and have a car show.”
“I’d like to see more teachers here, and more classes here,” DeMartino, comments on the accessibility and excellence of the University.
“Students going into the cashiers office and treated like crap, and it is about time this ends,” current Student Trustee Peter Michalczyk and candidate for President comment on the apparent lack of good access and community at this University.
The elections were held from April 6 to the 11 online.