While student politics are in no way a comparison to national, provincial or even municipal elections, they matter to those who are affected. Student union executives are in a position to be leaders in championing a campus culture that is inclusive, engaging, and welcoming.
The way executives conduct themselves in the public and private sphere needs to be consistent with the inclusivity they claim to want to cultivate on campus.
These are paid positions with benefits and should not be abused or taken lightly.
Student union executives represent the entire student body at Carleton, as they are elected by the majority of participating student body voters. They are called to a higher standard of integrity and accountability than the average student because of their unique position as student body leaders.
Making fun of someone, no matter if it takes place when a person is drunk or sober, is childish.
Last week’s incident where One Carleton executives filmed themselves making fun of another byelection executive candidate, shows that the current CUSA executive needs to work much harder to restore their integrity with the student body. While the three executives involved have since apologized, it is ironic and sad that this incident comes in the wake of their recent election to office.
If CUSA executives want students to take them seriously, they must show it in how they conduct themselves. Social media has clearly made it more difficult to hide actions of misconduct from the student body, which should make executives more aware of how their behaviour and actions can be perceived.
Hundreds of students put their trust into executives’ hands to make the best decisions for the community. Perhaps, those decisions must start with their own personal conduct.
