6 | Tuesday, February 13, 2018
OPINIONS
The University Star Carrington Tatum Opinions Editor @mogulcarrington
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
MILLER
Miller-Shelvin: Bobcats need to take action By Elijah Miller Guest Columinst Texas State is home to nearly 40,000 Bobcats. Our campus is beautifully diverse in a multitude of ways, and that makes our university all the better. However, there is a difference between “diverse” and “inclusionary.” The past year has been a trying and tumultuous one for Texas State: it has been one of political tension, racial divides, disillusion and distress for students who should never have to fear for their safety. This past year, Texas State, while excelling at diversity, has failed at inclusion. Fostering a positive campus community where everyone can feel safe and heard seems like an obvious and fairly straightforward objective for any university leader, yet such a goal has proven difficult for our current representatives. Without proper representation, it will only continue to
prove difficult. On Nov. 9, 2016, fliers were posted around our campus demanding university leaders who celebrate diversity to be tortured. Fliers of this sort have continued to pop up frequently since. Although it is understandable for our leaders to be alarmed and even scared, calls for violence against the livelihood of entire peoples demand leaders who will fight that much harder to ensure diversity and inclusion in the face of bigotry. University leadership should stand firm and absolute in its disdain for the hateful rhetoric that has plagued our campus. All students who attend Texas State are sacrificing something to be here, therefore, all students deserve leadership ready and willing to go to bat for them. The student body is entitled to more than that of depthless responses in times of divisiveness. Texas State truly is one of the best universities in the nation, from the
river that runs through campus all the way to the groundbreaking research being conducted by our distinguished faculty. But even with this, the institution has a long way to go. No longer can we tout our Black, Hispanic, Asian, LGBTQIA+, Disabled, Nontraditional, veteran, etc. students around like a badge of honor without properly bringing them equal visibility. There are many underrepresented groups that feel as if their voices are being stifled by a sense of superiority and dominance. Our Student Government should be the catalyst for change many so desperately need during this transitional period. Advocacy in the Senate chamber has, unfortunately, been replaced by resumé-building and political gain. Limited transparency has led to a lack of oversight, which has given past administrations the ability to prioritize symbolic motions that in no way impact the student body. The increase in motions being passed has
been mistaken for productivity. Each elected representative must understand the importance of their position and that Student Government has no room for self-servants. With that, representatives must also realize if they are not willing to execute the duties they swore to uphold, there are thousands of individuals who would be more than willing to take their place. The only way progress will be made on campus is if we put the power back in the hands of constituents. We must prop up candidates who genuinely have everyone’s best interests in mind and seek to listen to students even when the conversation may cause discomfort. We must promote alliance amongst student leaders, and most importantly, we must vote Miller-Shelvin '18. Take Action Texas State. - Elijah Miller is a candidate for student body president. The publication of this column is not an endorsement from The University Star.
NIEVES
Nieves-Sears: Legal precedents support social justice By Preston Nieves Guest Columinst As recent events both on and off campus demonstrate, race remains a hot-button political issue. Historical oppression and privilege still affect us today, shaping key debates over issues like gerrymandering, criminal justice and civil rights. It is for this reason political movements across the country have been dedicated to fighting for the liberties of underrepresented disadvantaged groups like LGBTQIA+, Latinos, African Americans and Muslims. From the women’s marches around the country to Texas State’s own march on Student Body President Connor Clegg, social justice groups have mobilized in force to show their voices matter, and they are willing to do what is necessary to dismantle oppressive systems. However, in recent years some of these movements have adopted frighteningly authoritarian tendencies. Calls for censorship of unpopular or non-PC opinions, advocacy for gun control, and support for selective definitions of racism presenting the claims of
“oppressed” groups as infallible have become increasingly popular. Though the frustration that exists with the status quo is understandable, the social justice movement needs to be careful not to inadvertently support or even become what it is fighting. Ending oppression requires abolishing power structures, not reversing or enhancing them. It is important to always keep precedent in mind. In Robert Bolt’s play, "A Man for All Seasons," St. Thomas Moore is engaged in dialogue with Roper, another character. Responding to Moore’s claim that even the devil should go free so long as he does not break the law, Roper says he would cut down every law in England to go after the devil. St. Moore responds with “Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned 'round on you--where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat?” The concept illustrated here is one of precedent: the idea that behavior, policy and legal decisions now set the stage for similar actions in circumstances later, and forces of good or evil operate under the same precedent. Those who support limitations on
constitutional rights for the sake of social justice fall into the same trap of cutting down every law to go after the devil. It often becomes tempting to limit the right of people to express views or engage in activities we perceive as being offensive or racist. For example, criminalization of hate speech or government censorship of media may be policies that give us comfort, feeling that we are limiting the platform of bigots and shaping narratives in favor of political allies on the right side of history. The fallacy behind this, however, is this rationale overlooks that people in power enforce laws, who is in power is constantly changing and limitations work both ways. Essentially, criminalization of hate speech, censorship, and other authoritarian policies would set the precedent it is acceptable for those in power to decide what kind of politics to allow, and what to prohibit. This seems all fine and well when just leaders are in power, but what occurs when racist authoritarians seize the White House, Congress, or even the courts? The answer is those same powers may be used by oppressors, standing on the very legal and philosophical framework built
to contain them. When it comes to the Bill of Rights and social justice, the focus ought to be on expanding protections and rights to cover those who may currently be excluded. The way to liberate populations facing oppression is to empower them. The Constitution may protect the rights of those we don’t like to speak their minds, carry guns, or avoid prosecution without due process, but it also protects our right to speak out against them, bear arms for our own self-preservation, and defend against arbitrary and racially motivated accusations against ourselves. Ending privilege and oppression is a matter of placing reasonable limitations on power and ensuring it is distributed fairly. Erecting authoritarian systems lays the groundwork for a great reversal in progress--one that would make Martin Luther King, LBJ, and Abraham Lincoln turn in their graves. Our nation has a lot of progress to make, but it must march forward with prudence and foresight. - Preston Nieves is a candidate for student body president. The publication of this column is not an endorsement from The University Star.
BOREING
Boreing-Becerra: Giving back to a loving campus By Brooklyn Boreing Guest Columnist Advocacy, philanthropy, love, law and the intricacies of philosophy and ideology run throughout my veins. It is Texas State and the individuals I have met in my time here that awakened this deep love within me. In my five semesters at Texas State, I have crossed paths with many individuals of differing backgrounds, interests and cultures. It is because of the voices and hearts of these individuals that I work to make Texas State a more loving, inclusive and student interest-centered school. It is for each of these students and the way they have affected my life that I want to affect serious change at this school, which so
desperately needs it right now. It is for all Bobcats and the necessity of hearing each of their voices that I want to be your Student Body President. When I first came to Texas State in the fall of 2015, I was going through one of the most awful transitions I could ever imagine. In my first six weeks at Texas State, I started a new journey without my family or best friends, broke up with my high school sweetheart and came out to the world about my first sexual assault. I had struggled with my mental health since I was 7 years old, and in the midst of the sexual assault, it became only worse. I was diagnosed with PTSD and was put on over 200 milligrams of antidepressant and anti-anxiety
medication. I thought I was done; I didn’t know how I could get happy again or acclimate to the university lifestyle. A few months later, I found myself immersed in Texas State. I attended every tailgate and several common experience events, gained leadership positions within my sorority and put myself out there in a way I never thought I could. Fast forward to Spring 2016, and I would find myself co-founding Not On My Campus and within the years, I have seen the culture surrounding interpersonal violence altered incredibly. This organization has taught me so much about being an advocate and a leader, and it is through my work in NOMC I reached the realm of Student Government. In my time with Student
Government, I have been able to interact with so many people and hear the voices of powerful and inspiring individuals. This experience has altered my life and changed my career path, the way I think and my senior year plans. I can’t imagine not serving the great students of this university my final year at Texas State. (I want to) give back to a school that has given so much to me. It is truly incredible to look back on my first six weeks here and think about how weak I felt versus how strong I’ve become. I am so thankful for Texas State for giving me this strength.
to the divide on our campus. It mirrors a widening divide across our nation. Student Government should take steps to lead on these issues and return to its core values of student advocacy, service, democracy, leadership and integrity. Words have failed to promote healing after white supremacist attacks, speeches have failed to bring the university together, and failure to lead has only intensified the problem. As alumni, we will help re-establish these values by engaging with current Student Government members through events, mentorship, and scholarship fundraising. However, students can make the biggest change by voting in Student Government elections and demanding more from Student Government leaders. Reviewing the past week’s events, it is clear that we all love our university. Student Government will never be perfect and improving it for students is the labor of love you all now undertake. We hope all Bobcats will continue to deeply engage the Student Government
through public forums, events and elections so that you can get the results you want. Student Government, through the university committees it controls, oversees $5 million in your student fees annually. How involved you are has direct consequences. After all, it’s only the students who are empowered to choose and remove their representatives. Choose wisely and always remember, whatever else we might be labeled, we are Bobcats first.
Mel Ferrari Student Body President, 2011 Colter Ray Student Body Vice President, 2011 Tommy Luna Student Body Vice President, 2010 Cody DeSalvo Supreme Court Chief Justice, 2014 Megan Trexler Chief of Staff, 2014 Gabe Garcia Executive Assistant to the Student Body President, 2012 Drew Skotak Senate Pro-Tempore, 2012 Sarah Wood Senate Pro-Tempore, 2011 Shanna Schultz Senator, Committee Chair, 2011 Taylor Smith Senator, Committee Chair, 2011 Marissa Parks Senator, Committee Chair, 2015 Sara (Darby) Girouard Supreme Court Chief Justice, 2011 Stephen Brown Senator, 2012 Sarah Hadley Senator, 2011 Rachel Haverkorn Senator, 2010
- Brooklyn Boreing is a candidate for student body president. The publication of this column is not an endorsement from The University Star.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Bobcats, “Students Serving Students” is the creed of Texas State’s Student Government. Sadly, this year we have watched the fulfillment of that mission stifled by divisiveness. Integrity is a core value of Student Government and your elected representatives must be held accountable. President Connor Clegg’s past racist Instagram posts do not represent the organization’s core values; the same values the authors of this letter helped establish. It is rare for Student Government alumni to comment on current administrations. Given the unusual situation though, we must share our voices as concerned former officers of Student Government, and most importantly, as lifelong Bobcats. Student Government has no doubt accomplished much this year, but it is overshadowed by mistakes that highlight divisions on campus. The pain felt by marginalized Bobcats and the failure to truly listen to their concerns contribute
The undersigned, Lauren Stotler Student Body President, 2016 Sean Quiñones Student Body Vice President, 2015 Edward Perez Student Body Vice President, 2014 Alison (Sibley) Berry Student Body Vice President, 2013 Albert DeGarmo Student Body President, 2012 Tiffany (Roemer) Friend Student Body Vice President, 2012