Wright State Students,

As the organizer of the current Student Government elections occurring this week, it has been brought to my attention that there is a group on campus calling itself “Students for a Better Wright State” who is releasing attack campaigns against a presidential ticket. While I understand that this group has an opinion about these particular candidates, the group’s methods are not tasteful and are not appreciated in this campaign. The information presented in this attack campaign is not completely factual and does nothing to further the quest for community, student involvement, and the growth and development of leaders on this campus.

While the campaigns might not always be entirely devoid of flaws, we are trying to run a fair, equitable, and respectful election process and are looking for the right leadership qualities in all of our candidates. Wright State students, my peers, deserve to be represented by individuals who further the well-being and opinions of the student population. Look at the facts; look at how the candidates are demonstrating their skills and abilities as leaders; look at what each ticket can do for the students and University as a whole. I hope that the student population will look for true leadership in the candidates and review their platforms in order to make an educated decision about who they want to represent them on our campus and within this student advocacy organization.

By attacking involved students and student leaders on campus, there is a level of discouragement against any current and potential student involvement – and that is NOT okay. Students should feel safe getting involved on campus and stepping into leadership roles. These attacks put a chilling effect on student involvement because of the potential for being singled out based on the work they do within the University. This is a place of learning and growth, and, as such, students should be encouraged to be active in the University community.

We support inclusion. We support diversity. We support the development of leaders and strong graduates who will continue to use the skills acquired on campus in order thrive in their lives beyond their time at Wright State. We are better than these personal attacks.

 

With deepest respect and concern for the student population,

Tiffany Fridley

Chief Justice