SA’s lack of transparency continues

Transparency doesn’t happen behind closed doors. And it certainly doesn’t start there, either.

The Student Association delivered its constituency, the students of Syracuse University, a disservice Monday night by holding its discussion about President Allie Curtis’ actions and potential impeachment in a closed-door meeting.

The six-hourlong executive session resulted in the assembly voting to allow Curtis to stay in her position. If the student body was allowed to hear the various arguments ultimately leading to Curtis’ status as president, the association could have proved a renewed commitment to transparency.

But by refusing to be open with the individuals who voted them into office, SA members caused many questions to remain unanswered instead of acknowledging existing concerns. How did our student leaders arrive at this decision? Are there any further repercussions for Curtis and the other members under investigation?

Answers to these questions are wrongfully unclear due to the lack of access students and the press had to the executive session and to gaining thorough details of the decision-making process.

According to the organization’s vague press release published after the session, SA members had issues with Curtis’ presidency beyond the recent situation involving ex-Public Relations Director Colin Crowley.

Concerns include the president’s absence at meetings she promised she would attend and the lack of communication between Curtis and cabinet members. These are issues students have a right to know in detail, as they elected Curtis to lead the student government on their behalf.

After a week of SA members expressing grievances concerning Curtis’ presidency and calling for her resignation, it remains unclear as to why she was voted to retain her position.

It is not only the right of the students to know when their governing body makes mistakes, but also when it is performing well. Students must assume Curtis has proven her worthiness as president, but need to know the reasoning behind why she was kept in office.

Right now, there is a complete lack of information available.

SA members must work to release further information to the public. Promoting open discussion in the face of various accusations is indicative in proving SA members truly want transparency to become the organization’s standard.

The length of this meeting shows there were many layers to the issues that caused the executive session, which is alarming to the university community. But trust in the governing body only continues to waver when pertinent, important dialogue is concealed from those outside of the organization.

By closing the doors of Maxwell Auditorium, SA showed a fundamental disregard for its constituency.

The defenders of the students should be comfortable defending themselves in front of those they represent. Students shouldn’t be left in the dark any longer.