To the Editor,
As we enter the final campaign week for student senate elections I feel obligated to reach out and express my opinion about the importance of thinking critically during these next few days, and address the myth that students on this campus “just don’t care.”
To say that most students don’t care would be simply unfair and false. I know many of you do, and would in fact argue that whether you embrace it or not, you ALL do. Sure, we don’t have 20,000 students at every debate, rally, march or meeting, but to say that apathy dictates these decisions would be a lie.
Every day, I hear complaints of debt and financial worry. I’m told about friends who’ve been forced to drop out simply because they cannot pay tuition and I read headlines about owing over $100,000 in student loans. Last week I watched hundreds of you show up to the Student Union’s Bat Rally to express your dissent at the absurd allocation of university funds. I take notice of how the small, deemed “insignificant,” administrative changes affect our future, and I see how, once again, our voices are shut out.
All of these situations highlight just how much you care — but it’s not enough. Many of the problems we encounter directly relate to the lack of communication between students and administration. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the majority of decisions made concerning us, however it is set up in a way that hinders our ability to make change. It is difficult, but it is not impossible, which is why I am encouraging you to show you care by taking advantage of the option to vote for two student trustees to represent your voice within the board. Between April 14 and 16, my name will appear on the ballot along with five other candidates. If you share my goal of mutual empowerment, I encourage you to make that known by voting for me.
I believe we need to demand widespread knowledge and transparency about the state of our finances. I stand by promoting student voice within the university structure, and hope to expand it to include as much of our influence as possible. Be encouraged by the support of those standing in solidarity, and make your vote count in the upcoming elections to truly show the university that the students care.
Evie Weir is an Ohio University student
