OU Student Senate received major backlash after the removal of former treasurer Simar Kalkat, which brought attention to the allegedly dysfunctional environment created by members. As the next election gears up, it’s time to make the change the student body truly wants to see.
Kalkat was voted out of office back in February, after she was accused of using Senate funds to purchase a personal plane ticket to Austin, Texas. Senate members were notified by an anonymous tip, which later turned out to be false and led to Kalkat’s reinstatement. It did, however, still have a heavy impact.
During a five hour student speakout, students voiced their concerns about a lack of diversity and the alleged toxic culture within the body. The extensive speakout not only featured several Senate body members resigning during the meeting, but it also demonstrated how students truly want to be involved in the decision-making process at OU.
Multiple students alleged Kalkat’s racial identity had an impact on her removal from office. While this was never confirmed, the accusation still ignited students to speak up on the issue.
Many students, including me, did not follow the happenings of Senate until this moment, and it opened a lot of eyes to the problems happening within it.
As former Chief Justice Hannah Fleming resigned and left during the speakout, students were not shy to voice their frustrations with the body.
“A white woman can cry crocodile tears and walk out of the room while a woman of color cannot … she has to get her point across in a room full of white people,” student Alexandria Gordon said following Fleming’s resignation.
It’s obvious that students, especially students of color, want to see a change in who represents the student body. The only way to achieve this goal is to vote in this upcoming Senate election and make your voice heard.
Last week, Senate elected Black Affairs Commissioner Trinity Robinson as the next treasurer, replacing Kalkat. Senate members had the opportunity to nominate any current member, which would then be seconded by an additional member, according to a previous Post report. Additional members were also appointed to higher positions within the body.
While it is great to see new students wanting to participate in Senate and attempt to make a change, the number of frustrated students should have been an indicator that the body needs new blood.
The alleged cutthroat environment and lack of diversity within Senate caused students to be upset. Instead of appointing members internally, the body should have either held a special election to fill the spots or temporarily dissolved until this upcoming election filled those spots.
Students, like myself, are now more involved and knowledgeable on the incidents within Student Senate and the problems that desperately need to be fixed. With this knowledge comes power, and students must use their only power to vote in the next Student Senate election.
When election day comes, students need to vote if they want any sort of change to happen. Otherwise, the cycle will continue and more voices will be silenced.
Hannah Campbell is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Tell Hannah by tweeting her at @hannahcmpbell.
