Association of Student Governments’ president, Alex Parker, has voiced his desire to reform the ASG’s approach to advocacy. But as he nears the end of his term, he has little to show for it.
The ASG and Parker are tasked with holding administrators accountable and unifying student voices.
Despite its stated focus on managing tuition increases, the ASG has failed to influence proposed tuition hikes that will average to 4 percent across all system campuses next year. Although it is hampered by forces beyond its control, the ASG has failed to promote awareness or build any mechanism for students to give their input.
Nor has the ASG spoken out in other cases. Parker has said the Board of Governor’s plan to cap and freeze tuition-funded financial aid was fair but that the policy “needed to be looked at every year.”
At the December meeting, the board discussed cutting or defunding 34 UNC-system centers and institutes. Parker was silent, later claiming to be saving his political capital for behind-the-scenes use.
Given Parker’s current efforts to earn himself a permanent role on the selection board for the new UNC-system president even after his term ends, it is clear the leadership of the ASG is out of touch with its constituent students.
The time to act and use this small amount of political capital has long passed. It is time for Parker to stand with UNC community members and to speak on their behalf.
