BSU... Wack no more

During the April 2 Black Student Union elections, candidates gave their speeches, but only 18 members voted. The majority of BSU members, including many on the Executive Board, were not even at the debate, but the elections were scheduled for two days, as in previous years so there was still time for the highly revered democratic process. The outgoing president made a dictatorial decision to end the election and announced the winners after only 18 BSU members voted that first evening. The president of the supposedly largest black organization on campus limited the voting opportunity to a tiny fraction of the already miniscule black student population of 3.4 percent. The BSU, formed right after the civil rights movement, espouses giving black students a voice, but instead took the tools of the segregated south and limited the opportunity to vote. Shouldn’t they be trying to promote voter participation based on historical marginalization of black voters in our country? \nOver the past two years the BSU has not been as influential or prominent as it should. The past two presidents of BSU have been narrow-minded, power wielding dictators and have lost respect and motivation among black students. Collectively, they have forced members of the Executive Board to resign, alienated advisors and gave other officers and members little input in the organization. These past two BSU presidents claim that they keep communication between black organizations open and “build bridges” on campus, but they don’t. Instead, they caused a drastic reduction in membership. \nUltimately, my concern is the lack of a democratic process in decision making and elections. Thankfully, the newly-elected president Markisha Bates is a fresh voice and mind determined to bring democracy back to BSU. With her positive presence in the community and the collaboration of her Executive Board, BSU can now work toward being the umbrella for the black community by action, not just words. I love our IUB community and am very optimistic about the new leadership. Maybe now the Black Student Union can be appreciated on this campus for its true purpose, and BSU will be wack no more.