As a new SGA administration takes over, I cannot help but feel a certain level of disappointment with some of the outgoing leadership.
Provided we do live in a democracy, one in which leaders are elected and are trusted to make decisions based on the consensus of the majority, I would have to ask myself, "How many West Virginia University students are familiar with the resolution passed by Student Government Association affirming support for the state of Israel?"
WVU is currently one of the most diverse universities in the United States, with students who hail from every state and 99 countries.
As students and faculty, we can all truthfully say the level of diversity here at WVU is paramount.
It disappoints me to see a student body government, representing such a vast amount of different ethnicities and cultures, is single-handedly taking sides on an issue that disproportionately favors one view.
As historians have noted for centuries, the one great benefit of studying history is having the ability to apply lessons learned to future generations.
Currently Israel functions as a parliamentary democracy. The strength of the relationship between American and Israeli governments has never been at question.
Neither has the fact that Israel serves as a model democracy, operating under the highest standards of the rule of law.
And of course, it should not be overlooked that Israel has significantly contributed to the global economy in a variety of ways.
However, when the issue of supporting a two-state solution arises within the student body government at WVU, it is not to their benefit to choose a side.
When Yasser Arafat rejected the proposal of a two-state solution following the Camp-Taba peace negotiations in 2001, the international community watched in absolute shock.
It was at that moment most people realized a two-state resolution, with Israelis and Palestinians living harmoniously, would be far harder to achieve.
It is from that historical component to which I guide my argument. How could a student body government, in Morgantown, W. Va, try to impart its support for such a complex issue?
Rather than create a narrow-minded view and passing a bill on the University’s exact international positions and stances, SGA should investigate all the facts.
I would also challenge our new administration to take this as a lesson learned and realize that the resolutions they pass speak for all students here at WVU.
This particular situation should serve as an example as to what SGA should refrain from doing.
As a citizen, student and supporter of democratic ideals, I find this behavior unworthy of what our student government represents.
Additionally, I wholeheartedly concur with the fact that Israelis have the right to exist, live in peace and defend themselves.
However, I don’t believe it’s either the student governments’ right nor responsibility to have a direct say in this affair.
Here at WVU we should celebrate the level of diversity we have, not take stances on issues that derail the ideology of some students.
Gotay is a political science major at West Virginia University.
6 comments
You may need to read our National Pledge of Allegiance dude. We are NOT a democracy. We are a REPUBLIC! You know, "..and to the Repblic for which it stands.." that line in our pledge? That's what that means. If we were a Democracy then the people would vote on ALL decisions to be made by the government and not have representatives to do it for us. That's the difference between a Republic and a Democracy. Take a Political Science class man, you need one! Secondly: Where it concerns Israel and our taking 'one' side on an issue.
I am curious to ask that - would it have been some other country - such as an African country perhaps - that 'one' side was took on if you would be making comments that you did in your article..? Just because we took a stand for Israel does not make us any less diverse here. It seems to me that the 'diversity' issue is getting so blown out of proportion here that it's the only standard we go by anymore. We don't look at the real issues because we're too busy trying to please everybody, and you know as well as I that pleasing everybody all the time is impossible. Not going to happen, Joshua. Please take a Political Science class before you make statements that (well) make you look inferior to the topic.
Your comments made on the past student governnment are unfounded in my opinion. There isn't a whole lot any student governing body can get done in a year. We have a president of this country who is working into his second year trying to get his health care reform passed. Some things take time, and you have to be able to at least see that.