Back in 1997, the Assembly passed a resolution requesting that the administration give Dartmouth students the right to vote in the election of new members of the Board of Trustees.
Expecting no immediate change, the Assembly thought it possible that students would be able to join the committees that search for and nominate potential trustees. Memberships in such committees would serve as starting-point for later inclusion in the entire selection process, from nomination to election. Despite its noble efforts, the Assembly accomplished nothing after the administration shot down the resolution.
Having had the right idea, the Assembly acknowledged the need for direct student input into the College decision-making.
Unfortunately, the Assembly did not have the necessary student representation or clout to make the administration acquiesce to such a proposal. The story hasn't changed. Seven years later, we are still the same powerless entity; moreover, things have worsened to a certain extent because in the recent past the Assembly has shifted its focus from pursuing larger community issues to providing student services. Over the course of this academic year, the Assembly has passed resolutions to fix the chains on Mass Row, to fund the purchase of ten bikes and to fund the cleaning of the holds in the climbing gym. Though it is the Assembly's responsibility to provide student services, affording students such luxuries is a waste of scarce resources.
The Assembly needs to reassess its priorities as a student government. If I were to be elected, we would make the Assembly more ambitious, daring and innovative than ever before, yet focused on pertinent issues.
However, we would first work to restore its legitimacy and credibility by petitioning student organizations for representatives and building relations with the Alumni Council.
These measures will empower the Assembly to reclaim our right as students to enact major changes that directly affect our own lives and the life of the entire Dartmouth community. Help me take back Dartmouth.
