Alex Kvaskov, Assistant News Editor
Six new student candidates are seeking election to represent York’s undergraduate population on the Board of Governors.
Candidates include Tashwiq Khan, Mohammed Barry, Elisa Alloul, Maharshi Jani, Haman Man, and Sébastien Lalonde.
In an email to Excalibur, two candidates expressed support for arms divestment, while the four others did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.
Jani says his top priority is pushing for divestment from the arms trade.
“The fact that we invest in weapons manufacturing should shock and offend many students. It is incredibly appalling to have invested in something that may potentially cause the death of thousands of people,” he says.
“When students find out that the profits made from these inhumane methods are used to fund scholarships and bursaries, they too would feel guilty, hurt, and angry,” he adds.
Jani identifies rising tuition, mental health issues, and safety as the most pressing issues facing York students.
“In order to ensure prospective students are not scared off by these various issues, we have to work together to improve [the] campus,” he says.
“An effective implementation of sexual assault policies needs to be taken with strong actions taken against those who are convicted.”
Jani intends to advocate for a five-day reading week in the Fall, the extension of financial deadlines, and reducing interest rates on late payments.
Lalonde, another candidate, says he does not support York’s funding of companies investing in the development of technologies and firearms.
“York University is an institute of higher learning which promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion and I believe that this stance should be taken regarding all of the university’s actions, including its financial investments,” says Lalonde.
Mental health is a key concern facing York students, according to Lalonde.
“At a university where 11.5 per cent of our students reported seriously considering suicide, and where 42.1 per cent of them reported feeling so depressed it was difficult to function, I think it is time we take a closer look at the health of our students,” he says.
“I strongly believe that a campus which offers excellent mental health care to its students would allow for the rise in better academic results and a stronger community for all students at York University,” adds Lalonde.
Lalonde emphasizes transparency in communication between students and administration.
“I would like to achieve this by reaching out and creating a constant dialogue with the York Federation of Students, as well as the colleges,” says Lalonde.
The BoG elections are a continuation of YFS politics by other means, with allegations flying that some candidates will push for greater administrative oversight of the YFS and force the student union to implement online voting.
Previously, YFS opposition slates have threatened to involve administration following losses to incumbent slates.
Traditionally, the YFS is proud of its independence from administration. In fact, dragging administration in YFS elections is grounds for disqualification, according to YFS bylaws.
Campaigning closes on Friday, while voting is to take place between March 7-18 via online voting.
Emile Wickham, former YFS presidential candidate and governor, says the winner needs to put student interests ahead of partisan politics.
“I would like to see the new representative champion for more youth and community representation on the board as well as inclusion,” he says.
Wickham encourages candidates to familiarize themselves with the specific scope and power of the Board and be unafraid to ask questions or be the dissenting voice.
