ASUI will introduce its newly elected members Wednesday night, marking the conclusion of another year of ASUI. During a time where the Idaho Legislature passed numerous bills impacting the lives of University of Idaho students, it was especially important that ASUI works to take a strong stance on legislation for the sake of those they represent. Yet, students didn’t see this.
The need for stronger political resolutions isn’t to say that ASUI has completely failed to be vocal about some of the relevant legislation coming out of the state legislature.
Much of the legislation passed under the past year’s ASUI Senate has been focused largely on recognizing work being done to better the campus community. Meanwhile, the state legislature passed a historic number of bills that will directly impact the lives of Idaho students.
After debating for three senate meetings, ASUI senators failed to come to an agreement to support their fellow trans students with a transgender safe-haven bill. At a time where transgender people are facing attacks from Idaho’s legislature, concerns of political divisiveness superseded concerns of building a safe and inclusive campus environment for transgender students.
While the developments in the state legislature aren’t solely on the shoulders of ASUI President Tanner McClain or any one member of ASUI, it is up to ASUI as a body to take stances for their student body. Instead of sending memos applauding a new coach or spending time in senate discussing drink refills, time should be better prioritized for real student issues, like the oppression of our trans peers.
A number of relevant legislative issues were left out this past semester.
ASUI’s legislation on abortion has largely been limited to expressing disapproval for the memo and its impact on UI faculty, while both students and faculty will continue to be impacted by Idaho’s abortion laws which have proved to be detrimental to Idaho’s healthcare facilities and UI’s Women’s Center.
Students make up a significant number of the population and should have their positions adequately voiced, especially when votes are going against UI interests, a stance the ASUI body expressed at a senate meeting. Still, the resolution passed applauded those who supported house bills in favor of UI but didn’t address the core issue.
Whenever votes are made against UI interests, the members of ASUI should be the first to make their voices heard.
Though some ASUI representatives’ work to structure it as an apolitical organization comes from wanting to include all students, when bills coming out of the state legislature are impacting members of the campus community, a stance must be taken.
Not every student has the ability to voice their concerns. Heading into the coming year, both the new and returning ASUI members should look to make the most of the power and privilege that they have been given. They aren’t “just student government,” but they are our representatives.
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JoBee
One option for students to consider is whether to attend U of I if it doesn’t meet expectations. Many choices are available for post high school learning in Idaho. Students should have the option to attend a school that principally supports their values.