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Virginia Tech student government marred by dysfunction and sexism, former members say
Virginia Tech student government marred by dysfunction and sexism, former members say
Henri Gendreau 19 hrs ago
BLACKSBURG — Impeachment attempts against the president. Mass resignations. Scorched-earth campaign tactics. Claims of sexism and homophobia. ... Welcome to student government at Virginia Tech.
The university’s Student Government Association, which represents more than 30,000 undergraduates, has become riven by discord, dysfunction and cronyism, according to interviews with eight current and former members. Students and alumni described a hostile environment in which political infighting, endemic absenteeism and rule-breaking defined the 2019-20 academic year more so than any significant policymaking.
“I don’t think it should be recognized as a legitimate student organization anymore,” said Jonathan Falls, a 20-year old junior from Mechanicsville who resigned as a legislative representative in April because it was “emotionally taxing.” Citing criteria that govern university chartered student organizations (UCSO) at Tech, Falls said SGA leaders have ignored the body’s constitution, failed at outreach to the student population and fallen short of achieving complex work. “They don’t meet the university’s definition of a UCSO,” he said.
Frustration spilled into public view in mid-August, when several former SGA members penned letters to the editor to The Roanoke Times. A month later, the university announced the Task Force on the Future of Student Governance, which in part aims to “increase participation and foster inclusion,” in student government.
{snip}
Henri Gendreau covers Virginia Tech for The Roanoke Times.
Henri Gendreau 19 hrs ago
BLACKSBURG — Impeachment attempts against the president. Mass resignations. Scorched-earth campaign tactics. Claims of sexism and homophobia. ... Welcome to student government at Virginia Tech.
The university’s Student Government Association, which represents more than 30,000 undergraduates, has become riven by discord, dysfunction and cronyism, according to interviews with eight current and former members. Students and alumni described a hostile environment in which political infighting, endemic absenteeism and rule-breaking defined the 2019-20 academic year more so than any significant policymaking.
“I don’t think it should be recognized as a legitimate student organization anymore,” said Jonathan Falls, a 20-year old junior from Mechanicsville who resigned as a legislative representative in April because it was “emotionally taxing.” Citing criteria that govern university chartered student organizations (UCSO) at Tech, Falls said SGA leaders have ignored the body’s constitution, failed at outreach to the student population and fallen short of achieving complex work. “They don’t meet the university’s definition of a UCSO,” he said.
Frustration spilled into public view in mid-August, when several former SGA members penned letters to the editor to The Roanoke Times. A month later, the university announced the Task Force on the Future of Student Governance, which in part aims to “increase participation and foster inclusion,” in student government.
{snip}
Henri Gendreau covers Virginia Tech for The Roanoke Times.