Since last week’s issue, some students have voiced concerns regarding the editorial board’s endorsement of Caroline Walters for SGA President and Durga Jayaraman for Student Co-Chair of Community Council. We would like to explicate the process by which the editors came to this decision.
Process
· Students running for SGA President and SCOCC came to the newsroom for an interview with the editorial board. The board (which is made up of over 20 people) debated the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate extensively for over three hours spanning both Sunday and Monday night.
· On Monday night, the board members voted for their preferred candidates in separate votes for President and SCOCC. Walters and Jayaraman received the most votes. Many editors voted for different candidates.
· The Campus is in good company when endorsing a candidate in a student election: countless college newspapers nationwide do the same.
Editorial Analysis
· It should be noted that an endorsement is not intended to function as a mere reprinting of each candidate’s platform and ideas.
· Space is not available in a concise editorial piece to detail the pros and cons of each individual candidate. Their platforms and experience are readily available online and in person for those students willing to seek them out.
· The role of journalists and editors is to question everyone, particularly those in positions of authority. We are responsible for holding representatives accountable to what they have (and have not) done. As the student newspaper, we would not be doing our job if we did not hold our student government’s feet to the fire. Those who attempt to convince you otherwise or to manufacture controversy regarding this fact are wrong.
· We encourage anyone who has concerns about the Campus’ criticism to read the statements of intent written by those running for SGA President. Multiple candidates have voiced strident criticism of this year’s SGA — criticism that is practically identical, in tone and in substance, to ours.
Go/vote
· Having students vote, discuss and participate in this election and in student government are far more important to this board than any individual candidate’s success.
· Vote in the election at go/vote. Polls close at noon today.
