She said students participating in freedom of speech is never a threat, and she will advocate for students’ freedoms.
“I have stormed into South Building and walked into the Chancellor’s Office to speak with his staff about my pure disdain and frustration towards what’s happened to our students,” Wadsworth said.
Williams
Williams said his platform is built “by the students, for the students.” As the current student body secretary, he said his experience will help with knowing what can actually be done.
He said he aims to make every student feel like they belong and are empowered to use their voice.
“Because let’s be honest, Carolina often prides itself on the students that go here, yet they’re not going to support their own students,” Williams said. “That doesn’t make sense to me.”
Immigration and Deportation
Alvarez
As someone who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico alone at 16 years old, Alvarez said the discussion of U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement on campus is close to his heart.
“When that statement [from Chancellor Lee Roberts] came out, I was like ‘wow, it really is about the administration turning their back on students,’” Alvarez said.
Alvarez posted a statement about the comment, while the executive branch shared resources but no statement. He said he felt like he was taking on the role of the current student body president, Jaleah Taylor.
Wadsworth
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Wadsworth acknowledged her privilege as someone who is not an immigrant and cannot completely understand how impacted students may feel. She said her mother immigrated to the U.S. and hearing about her experience shaped a lot of her policy.
She said her cabinet quickly shared information with the student organizations that would be most affected by this topic. They collaborated on making the Executive Branch’s “Know Your Rights!” Instagram post.
Williams
Williams said the chancellor should have sent his stance directly to students instead of people finding out from a news source.
“I really want to ensure students that are immigrant and mixed status, that you are protected, and we really want to protect you, especially with FERPA in place,” Williams said.
All three candidates shared plans to attend a rally protesting Roberts' comments held on the South Building steps on Wednesday.
Graduate Student Stipends
Alvarez
Alvarez said his campaign met with The Workers Union at UNC where they told him the current student government has turned their backs on them.
He said people are struggling to afford basic groceries and rent for them and their families.
“These are the people who are in your classrooms every day, and you need to show not just with words ‘I care,’” Alvarez said. “Your actions should also reflect that.”
Wadsworth
On Monday, Wadsworth met with a 5-year PhD student who receives $22,000 to live on. She said something’s wrong with expecting graduate students to live off that amount when taking classes, doing research and giving time as a teaching assistant.
She also said she hopes to close the gap between graduates at other colleges across the University getting different amounts by establishing a task force and having an annual stipend increase.
“And I’m willing, as Student Body President — you get a seat on the Board of Trustees,” she said. “I’m willing to share my seat so graduate students have a voice.”
Williams
Williams said graduate students at partnering institutions like Duke University are paid much more.
He said he had a Provost Advisory Committee meeting to increase stipends by 10 percent and match the inflation rate.
UNC Young Democrats will not endorse a candidate this cycle. Early voting begins Feb. 8 through Feb. 10 with election day on Feb. 11, and students can access their ballots on Heel Life or get a physical ballot at the Franker Porter Graham Student Union.
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