“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” This quote comes from a speech given by renowned poet Audre Lorde during the civil rights era. Lorde’s statement is a simple yet commanding reminder that you have to be true to your own sense of duty and convictions. This quote encapsulates the ideals behind actions that the Union has taken in the past few weeks under my leadership.
Regular readers of The Poly are now very familiar with the ongoing situation surrounding changes within WRPI. You have seen letters to the editor, student position articles, news reports, and statements from myself. For that reason, I will not rehash any of the background information or timelines associated with these changes. I would, however, like to address concerns that have been expressed regarding my actions and those of the Executive Board. I want to assure you that, based on the information available to the student leadership of the Student Union, most of you would act in the same fashion. Our goal is to reinforce the authority of the student leadership in student-run organizations.
There have been a multitude of accusations flung my way. Some of the more entertaining letters have painted me as a dictator bent on enforcing the principles of right-wing zealots through an unjustified power grab. But it is my guess that this circus has simply given you direct insight into the ridiculous nature of the entire situation. It is clear to anyone who knows me that political interests do not form a significant part of my beliefs. I certainly have not gone looking for something to do or somewhere to flex my power—I still have a number of campaign goals I want to fulfill. My only interest in WRPI comes from the same interest I have in all clubs. I want to see them succeed as a student-run organization, which benefits their membership and the student body at large. For that reason alone, I have followed the developing situation at WRPI for over nine months and I have allowed it to wholly consume my life for the past six weeks. I have dug through the archives, spoken with alumni, interviewed students from the station, and attended every WRPI meeting this semester. I have done this to ensure that I understand the situation from all angles and can provide the Executive Board with the relevant information. Even this information has put me under attack because I refuse to provide it publicly. Anyone who thinks I am going to provide what I perceive to be sensitive material with personal information and correspondence to the public is deeply mistaken. Any talk of abusing my power or influence is ludicrous as my only suggestions to date have been to rebalance the membership of WRPI back into the students’ favor. Ultimately, 10 of your peers will decide the format for change within WRPI. I do not even have a vote. So say what you will, believe what you want, I know what I am doing is right. I will not allow the future of our student radio station to be compromised.
At its November 7 meeting, the Executive Board, the board passed a motion requiring that the leadership of WRPI define policies and procedures to adjust the ratio of student and community members in the station. This action presented the station leadership with an opportunity to address the current conflicts within the station as well as define a new outlook for the future of the station.
I have asked the Executive Board to spend the next week reading over the immense amount of material that was provided to them while considering our discussions yesterday. Next week we will hold a closed meeting and decide on the proper course of action. I do not know exactly what action the Executive Board members will endorse, but I can assure you it will be the correct one.
