Art's Power Grab

The student body is a diverse community, so who has the right to speak on their behalf?

With a new school year just beginning each student must find their place at Evergreen, their power in the community and figure out what Evergreen needs to do for them. After all Evergreen, like any college, is there for the students.
With classes just starting up and people settling back into their lives, it is easy forget about community issues. However, if we let things slip away ourcommunity will be formed without student voice.

One of the most important ways students can work in the Evergreen system for student interest is by joining a campus committee. There are many committees, from the Student Conduct Code to the Campus Land Use committee that affect all parts of campus life. Each group in the Evergreen community gets a seat on these committees to improve conditions for that faction, be they faculty, staff or students.

The issue this year is who has the right to appoint students to committees. Art Costantino seems to be throwing his weight around and thinking that he should make those appointments.

I ask, if he is a not a student and has not been elected by students to represent them, then how can he pick who gets to speak for the student population?

The students should have the right to appoint their own representation to any and all commitees. Only the next few weeks of power plays will see who decides student voice, so make your voice heard. You can do this by running for a committee and make sure to inform Art that you won’t stand for anything less than students picking student representation for their interests.

One can always reach Art Costantino at his office on campus, 3rd floor of the Library, room number 3009, by phone (360) 867-6296 or e-mail costanta@evergreen.edu. Let your voices be heard!!!