Based on the phone calls I have received and the questions I have been asked, I feel it necessary to speak out to the student body. In this issue of the Northeastern News, you have or will read about the rumors and allegations that have come to light in recent weeks. If what is alleged is true, it is very sad that some of the careers and reputations of individuals may be compromised.
What is alleged is that the actions of individuals violated the Student Code of Conduct. I know the spotlight is shining brightly on these individuals, many of whom are student leaders. I am saddened to hear of these allegations. Many of us have friends who have been accused, and this hits me especially hard as a member of the Student Government Association executive board. Some of my very best friends in the world are being accused of breaking the rules that are set in place for students at this university. However, I feel that the worst response is one that is rooted in personal feelings. I call upon my fellow students and student leaders to look at this situation objectively. We are all human, and we all make mistakes and it is very important for everyone to understand that the allegations that are being made are just that – individual decisions and mistakes.
I will reserve comment on other people involved, but I will say that as officers of the student government, we are held to a higher standard, and must lead by example. Public servants and elected officials must maintain high standards in both fact and appearance. As elected servants of this student body, we owe this to those who entrusted us with the offices we hold.
In spite of it all, the initiatives and direction of the student government will continue unabated. The course we have set and the goals we wish to achieve will not be affected. It is my hope that we can learn and grow stronger from these events.
Therefore, when you think of the student government, I want you all to think of the people standing out in the sun for hours at a time giving out freebies and collecting surveys so that we can better understand what the students want. Think of the programs that we help put on such as a candlelight vigil on September 11, our part in the Night at the Student Center, our karaoke night – “SGA Gone Wild at afterHOURS” and our undaunted attention to school spirit and Husky pride.
When you think of student government, do not linger on the alleged mistakes of individuals, linger on the sheer fact that if you have a problem in this university, we will fix it for you or go crazy trying.
– John Guilfoil is a middler criminal justice major and the vice president for administration for the Student Government Association.
