New government needs new attitude
The Observer Editorial
Observer Editorial Board
The Kim Jensen and Elizabeth Jablonski-Diehl ticket was the only ticket willing to take a chance and stand up to the public scrutiny of running for public office. In a field of fallen tickets, they have volunteered to be leaders for a student body that has produced no other leaders. For this they should be commended.
The Board of Governance insiders will deliver on the promises built on the philosophy of the current board. They've made reasonable proposals about expanding Detex cards for use in the bookstore, at vending machines and in laundry rooms. They have committed themselves to continue the fight for study days, and have the connections and relationships necessary to propel that proposal to completion.
But the ticket has substantial problems. It simply doesn't reach high enough, content on sticking to easy, everyday student life issues rather than issues that stir the waters. Its philosophy of government is that BOG shouldn't tackle an issue unless it is brought to them by the students. "If students don't bring something to my attention, I can't take a stand on it," presidential candidate Kim Jensen said in a Tuesday interview with The Observer.
The Jensen/Jablonski-Diehl ticket sees itself as a liaison between students and the administration. It is a reasonable approach to leadership. Improving student-administrator relations is an admirable goal but it is not enough. Jensen and Jablonski-Diehl need to realize they are advocates of the students. They must be willing to step up and challenge the administration on matters critical to students.
Student leaders will not be able to address these issues if they remain passive. By waiting for issues to be brought to their attention by others, events that will determine the fate of the College pass by while they pursue trivial matters like Detex or study days. Student leaders are students, too — students with eyes, ears and most importantly, voices. They need to look, listen and speak to students to find out what the issues are — and in the process, become active leaders.
But Jensen and Jablonski-Diehl don't want to do this. In their interview with The Observer Tuesday, Jensen said that personally, she "wasn't concerned" about the Department of Education's investigation of Saint Mary's alleged misrepresentation of rape statistics. In light of the investigation which began in May 2001, student safety is a critical campus issue. But last year's leaders — and next year's — won't speak up.
Jensen and Jablonski-Diehl will be the leaders for Saint Mary's in 2002-03. Saint Mary's students must push for these leaders to be active. They are in a position to change the College. Students and student leaders must work together to ensure that change happens.
All Viewpoint Stories for Friday, January 25, 2002
