Staff Editorial

After dealing with the exclusive and elitist attitude of the RA for years, it is refreshing to finally see the newly formed Bates College Student Government (BCSG) reaching out to the entire campus. It appears that student government at Bates, the voice of the entire student body, may finally be changing its image.

Over the last couple of years, interest in the RA clearly dwindled into disinterest, as big egos, bickering, and confusing parliamentary procedures overshadowed important student issues. These egos even blocked for a time the transition to the BCSG, which, from its introduction, was clearly a better option than the RA.

The BCSG has only held two meetings so far, but the difference between these meetings and those of the old RA are amazing. The number of students attending has increased greatly, and the truly confusing parliamentary rules have been explained as clearly as possible, with patience being shown to those new to the system.

The new student government constitution attempts to make the whole governing body accessible to the entire student body. Every student now has equal representation, and representatives are required to attend meetings. Also, all representatives are now required to hold office hours, and at the first meeting, seven students were elected to a publicity committee. It is clear that the BCSG is finally making a noticeable effort to reach out to the entire campus. Several members have even proposed a weekly table outside of Commons where any student can meet and talk to his or her class representatives.

Despite these changes, which are productive in their own rite, the BCSG will succeed only if students at Bates begin to regain interest in their school. In the past, old RA members spoke for their constituents through their vote without ever asking the opinions of anyone else. Hopefully, with the new requirements, constituents will hold their representatives accountable, therefore making the BCSG even more influential on campus. However, this will only occur if students begin to realize that their student government really does have an impact on their everyday life.

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