When it comes to major decisions, perhaps it's indifference that really is bliss. Look no further for proof than our two student representatives on the Board of Trustees.
Student Senate President Robert Leary is trying to secure voting rights for the student trustees, Chauncey Jackson and Kyle Triplett, so their opinions wield influence within Ohio University's highest governing body.
One would think this is the perfect opportunity for Jackson and Triplett to encourage a statewide bill granting voting rights, but unfortunately, our student trustees don't seem to hold that view. When asked if they want to vote, Jackson and Triplett's quotes dripped with an ambivalence that should frustrate any OU student.
Jackson said although he's glad the debate continues, he's still in the research phase and cannot support or oppose the idea yet. Triplett chose the ambiguous wording: It's not necessarily definitely needed at this time.
We strongly disagree; voting rights are a necessity for the position. How can any true representative of students believe his formal say to the board is not needed at this time? It's always needed, especially as tuition hikes go into effect next quarter and OU's budget struggles continue. Now is a vital time for student input to be heard loud and clear.
The Student Senate president is doing something that could directly impact students and make OU a better place. Leary is trying to unite the state's universities and help grant their students these voting rights. It's nice to see a Student Senate president make good on his promise.
But both Jackson and Triplett shying away from what Leary is working toward shows their agenda might not include what's best for the student body. And if our student trustees still are not sure to do, they should talk to Tracy Kelly, who once had the job herself. She said she's very
very strongly in favor of student trustees' voting rights, which she said legitimize the position. Without those distinctions, the title is inherently disempowered.
Of course, if these changes are made and the position is empowered, we do hope more students' input is part of the selection process. Right now, it's Gov. Ted Strickland's sole decision. One commenter on our Web site saw the potential danger in this, writing, If the state changes the power of the student trustee it should also change the mode of selection to assure that the student trustee represents the students.
True representation is a nice goal that we heartily support, but must be taken one step at a time. First, let's secure a vote on the board for both of our student trustees.
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Opinion
