Brendan Downes
News Editor
On Wednesday, April 3, students packed into Naylor Auditorium to see Sewanee’s Student Government Association and Order of the Gown presidential candidates debate. When the discussion opened up to questions from the public, a mass of arms eagerly shot up. Student-led questions ranged from inquiries into the return of academic hoods to questions about the necessity of armed police on campus.
The panel featured the two candidates for SGA president, McClain Brooks (C’ 25) and Moses Vincent III (C’ 25), and the three candidates for OG president, Rhett Edens (C’ 25), Angelina Khomenok (C’ 25), and Alexis Miniat (C’ 25). Candidates were given a few minutes to introduce themselves before being asked pre-written questions by the current president of the OG, Sofie Behr (C’ 24), and the current president of SGA, Claire Langford (C’ 24). The debate was moderated by the president of the Sewanee Debate Union, Molly Jirgal (C’ 24).
This introduction allowed candidates to present their political platforms and their leadership experience to student voters.
Brooks emphasized “using research and statistical data” to address the issues of Sewanee’s student body. “I want to continue to be present in emphasizing the pressing issues such as student parking, sustainable transportation methods, and residential hall conditions,” said Brooks.
Vincent split his platform into four pillars: the unification of student organizations with SGA, making DEI actionable, the continuation of safety initiatives, and hearing student feedback. “SGA not just represents you but wants to speak for you,” said Vincent. “I intend to make sure your voice is heard, I’ve been preaching that for the past three years and I continue to uphold my word…”
The trio of OG presidential candidates then presented their platforms. Edens began by highlighting the political experience she garnered on Sewanee’s campus. “I started off as sophomore representative/subchair and am now parliamentarian,” said Edens. “I’ve gotten to work under two great presidents, Alex and Sofie, and have seen first-hand how the presidency works.” Edens stated that she was passionate about making sure everyone on campus feels seen and plans to use transparency between the student body and the administration to reach that goal.
“I really believe I can make a difference, I’m qualified, and I have the relationships with the administration that are so vital for a student leader to have… I’m in the perfect position to advocate for you,” said Edens.
Khomenok presented a unique platform, centered around making the gown more inclusive and forming “peer-academic support groups” that would provide individualized support for those needing academic guidance. Khomenok stated that she seeks to change negative connotations around the OG which stem from “the gown cost, the unequal class system, and unequal representation.” Khomenok said, “I’d like to include the gown cost in each student’s scholarship as it is a reward and should be treated as one.” Khomenok noted that her relationships with the registrar, career center, and alumni would allow her to make these financial changes. Khomenok expressed a passion for academically supporting transfer and international students through the implementation of student-led, major-related panels.
Miniat stated that her candidacy is founded on filling “the gaps I see in the executive team and membership fulfilling our duties and opportunities to make a difference in community and equality.” She also emphasized the importance of changing negative stereotypes about the gown and Sewanee’s student community. “These beautiful gowns we wear on campus have a stigma. The divide between the school and the community of the greater Sewanee is reinforced by a student body that insulates itself, but we are learning amazing things that need practical application,” Miniat said. Miniat proposed that service hours be part of the gown’s membership, allowing students to learn from the community as well as providing opportunities for resume building. “The goal of the gown is not just to get. It’s to get, be proud of the academic things you do on campus, and take it as a challenge to make this place better than when you got here.”
Promising to introduce weekly office hours with the OG council, she continued by noting the responsibility of council members to uphold the gown’s values.
Voting opened to students after the debate and will remain open through April 11.