Last week, The Oswegonian published an opinion piece detailing criticisms of the Student Association. Along with the debate on Plastic Action for Commitment to Sustainability Affirmation, the SA resolution calling on the dining halls to remove the plastic cups, accusations of self-interested student representatives, petty politics and “grandstanding” arose. While PACSA was a highly contested resolution with numerous positions on the debate of sustainability and student choice, there are greater concerns about SA, particularly the senate, that have been raised. As a Student Association senator representing students at-large, the need to address these concerns and speak as a member of SA feels necessary.
Unfortunately, I must concede to some of these criticisms. Indeed, a large portion of the contention concerning PACSA was the fact that an “us against them” mentality plagued debate on what could have been a simple statement of support for sustainability on the Oswego State campus. To clarify, this piece makes no statement on those in the Student Association Senate that supported or opposed PACSA. However, this piece seeks to urge fellow members of the Student Association senate to internally assess the actions and behaviors of the organization of late. It is wholly apparent that the SA senate, as a collective body, supports taking up the mantle to ensure that this campus makes the best sustainable choices. Those who opposed the resolution, in its original form, had valid objections, while those who supported it had good intentions on reaching a positive goal. However, animus toward one another kept both sides from achieving the goals desired.
SA should reject this method of operation and demonstrate that a representative governing body has the capability to rise above divisiveness and truly work for the interests and needs of the student body. One does not need to look further to witness the effects of divisive rhetoric and aggressive politics than the U.S. government. From the president to both parties in Congress, refusal to compromise and angry, pointed debate has kept the federal government from making any sort of legislative progress.
When in the capacity of a representative, it is hard to ignore personal preferences and feelings on certain issues. When I chose to petition to become a senator at-large, my platform was based on being a representative for all and advocating for change that benefits students. Among other things, it was the promise to work together with anyone as a member of a team of individuals who also wanted to bring change and represent the students. SA has brought change. SA has been a force for good. And it can continue to be, so long as the organization rises above self-interest and petty politics in pursuit of a higher goal. The moment the SA does not hold itself to these standards and does not remain beholden to the students and their demands is the moment that the SA has failed the Oswego State students. We all have a choice to make. Let’s make that the right choice.
Photo by: Taylor Woods | The Oswegonian
