This letter is in response to the letter, “F.U.S.S.’ claims of senate stagnation are out of line.”
Rarely would I stop to respond to criticisms from an opposing party during an election season, but the most recent claims from Jordan Ballinger and Alex Howell are incredibly disrespectful and misguided.
While it is true that the current Student Senate administration has passed a few noteworthy resolutions this past year, it is important to shed light on the individuals behind those resolutions. Hannah Dunn, LGBT commissioner, has fulfilled her role with fantastic strides. Her ability to actively engage the community that she represents and bring their concerns to Student Senate is exactly the type of advocacy that F.U.S.S. envisions for all of senate. The second resolution mentioned was the one that requires students to register their names and addresses for campus safety. This was a plan that Vice President for Student Affairs Ryan Lombardi and interim Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones presented to Student Senate, asking for a resolution of approval for. To be clear, the initiative was not originated by Student Senate.
The final two accomplishments the authors noted are particularly problematic. I have been an advocate for student trustee voting rights and against increased tuition inside and outside of Student Senate. I have met with Ohio University President Roderick McDavis to discuss both issues multiple times, even when Student Senate would not address the issues. As vice commissioner of state and federal affairs and as chief lobbying officer, I have written the past two resolutions calling for student trustee voting rights. I am extremely proud to say that student organizing outside of senate has made tuition and STVR such large issues in the past two election cycles — not just my own organizing, of course, but hours upon hours of hard work by many students outside of senate.
As an individual, I have worked to empower students on Ohio University’s campus and intend to do so, regardless of the election outcome. For Jordan and Alex to express that myself and the rest of F.U.S.S. are only involved with “personal interest in mind” is inflammatory and unfounded. Before this campaign, we worked tirelessly to organize students, and we intend to continue to do so long after students have cast their ballots. I am proud of the dialogue that we have started on this campus, but I would appreciate it if members of VOICE would end their slander against our principles and instead focus on the issues that matter most to our fellow students.
Jacob Chaffin is a senior studying education, Student Senate’s chief lobbying officer and a candidate for senate vice president on the F.U.S.S. ticket.
