In Tallahassee on Thursday night, UF Student Body President Anthony Reynolds, leader of the Unite Party, lobbied state leaders about pending legislation. No, he wasn't lobbying to stop the rise in tuition and fees, as the Unite Party's election platform promises. Nor was he there to advocate for Bright Futures. Instead, Reynolds was lobbying for a bill that would take power on the Florida Board of Governors away from students and give it to Gov. Rick Scott.
Currently, the student representative on the Board of Governors is elected through the Florida Student Association, a student advocacy group made up of Student Body presidents from 10 of Florida's 11 state universities. The FSA brings the 300,000 student voices in the state university system together to fight for our rights on matters such as budget cuts, tuition hikes, increased fees, textbook affordability and more. Membership is now free and all universities have an equal opportunity to run for chairmanship.
The Unite Party wants to stop students from electing the person who will lobby for our rights at the Florida Capitol and instead leave the choice up to Scott. While we're at it, we might as well ask President Machen to appoint the Student Body president for us, too.
Fellow Gators, Unite is not fighting against tuition hikes on your behalf in Tallahassee. Instead it is lobbying to give away the one position where our voices are really heard.
For three years, the Unite Party has promised to advocate for students, and now it's sacrificing our only way doing of so.
I believe the most important student position in the state of Florida shouldn't be handed over to the Governor's office. I believe students should elect for themselves the individual they want fighting for their rights in Florida's public university system.
This is why, if elected Student Body president, I will run for chairman of FSA. I will work with the Board of Governors and the state legislature to stop tuition increases, to improve the affordability of textbooks and to preserve our rights.
On Feb. 21 and 22, your vote will determine if we lose our voice on the Board of Governors. If you vote Unite, there is no guarantee we will keep our right to choose who represents us. If you vote for the Students Party, we will work tirelessly to fight this harmful legislation.
If you choose not to vote, your voice may never be heard in Tallahassee again.
Alex Cornillie
Student Body presidential candidate
The Students Party
