A program for an activist SU
Four years ago, we recommended that Student Union be more “activist.”
SU needed to be much bolder. “Initiative lies first with the leaders…SU must act first and listen [to students] later,” we wrote. While this may seem despotic, in truth, it would only stir student interest in SU politics. If the student body disagreed with SU’s initiatives, it would surely vote the officers out in the next election.
Sometimes, activism means conflict. “SU should directly speak out against and confront the university administration when they believe plans, events or machinations are in the works which conflict with the preferences of the students.”
To inform the campus about SU stances, we recommended SU launch a media blitz, including Student Life ads, posters, and email. SU’s near-monopoly on campus programming could also be used in the name of activism; student group meetings would be ideal times for senators to circulate petitions and drafts of resolutions.
In the four years since this editorial, SU’s biggest move toward activism has been splitting the Senate into the Senate and Treasury. This allows senators to concentrate on addressing student concerns.
Much of the activism SU does is unseen. Rather than butting heads with administrators, they prefer working with them. Taking bold stances may generate headlines, but politics is a game of compromise. Let’s be honest: you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
David Ader, president of SU, explained the inconspicuousness of SU by stating that SU would rather get things done than boast about getting things done. This is well intentioned, but it’s hard to evaluate the performance of elected officials when you have no idea what they’re doing.
In hindsight, it seems strange to recommend that SU stand up to the administration for students’ interests while at the same time urging them to act without consulting students. But to provoke student interest in SU, officials might consider a dramatic stand on an issue. Just make sure it’s for something students want.
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