Juniors Adelaide Morphett and Andy Kim have decided to run as write-in candidates for the position of SGA Executive Secretary after junior Chris Beckmann withdrew from the race. Beckmann has decided to pursue an Aitchison Public Service Undergraduate Fellowship next semester in Washington, D.C. and will therefore not be on campus.
Morphett, who served as Executive Secretary last year, explained why she decided to run for the position again.
“I was very conflicted on whether I was more interested in running for Exec or Class Council for next year,” Morphett wrote in an email to The News-Letter. “I had come to the decision to run for Senior Class President, however when Chris withdrew from the race I reevaluated the positions and decided my experience on the Executive Board would be more conducive to the most effective SGA for my final year here! I believe I am qualified to serve as the executive secretary because I have not only served in the position before and am well equipped to do it even more effectively a second time, but also because I am fluent in the inner workings of the SGA and am passionate enough about it to ensure that we leave a strong SGA legacy,” she wrote.
Kim also discussed why he is running for the position, and why he felt it was necessary in light of the recent controversy surrounding the SGA debate and Black Student Union (BSU) Vice President Tiffany Onyejiaka’s request for discussion about diversity.
“I was considering running for secretary, but I was very intimidated at first,” Kim wrote in an email to the News-Letter. “I felt overwhelmed by the process. But after the whole controversy that occurred with the SGA, I decided that I shouldn't hold back just because I was afraid to try something new.”
Kim a felt that the SGA currently did not represent the values of the student body.
“I especially felt the need to run as a write in candidate because a lot of the people that are in the SGA do not necessarily represent the values that the student body holds,” Kim wrote. “The 3 out of the 4 current exec board members ran unopposed, or their opponents were disqualified… One of the reasons that I am running is so that the voting process has some integrity and people don’t run unopposed."
Kim believes that as an Asian-American, he can help to improve diversity in SGA.
“I also believe I'd do a better job representing the values of the Hopkins community,” Kim wrote. “The SGA, especially the exec board has had a lack of diversity (of ideas and in members) and I am all for every different student at Hopkins being represented.”
Current SGA Executive Secretary John Stanton praised Beckmann and Morphett.
“I think Chris would have been a fantastic Executive Secretary but I completely understand why he would drop out for the Aitchison Public Service Undergraduate Fellowship. It's a tremendous accomplishment and a great opportunity,” Stanton wrote in an email to The News-Letter. “ I feel the best candidate for the now vacant position is Adelaide Morphett... She's had the position before and I don't think there's ever been a better Executive Secretary.”
Morphett said that she was encouraged by friends and SGA members to run as a write-in.
“I was not initially urged by a ticket to run, however when I introduced the idea to Charlie [Green] and John [Stanton] they were very enthusiastic about the prospect,” Morphett said. “Several close friends who have been very involved in SGA and elections in the past also had a strong impact on my decision.”
In light of the recent controversy surrounding the SGA debate, Stanton believes that it will help SGA to address what student care about.
“In regards to recent events I am saddened by personal attacks against certain people, but I am glad that the core issues at this school are now being talked about and that people are feeling passionate about their views and their student government,” Stanton wrote. “Now is the time to act on these emotions and bring about change to the school. Diversity is a core issue at this school that needs to be addressed. I really hope those that want to see a change at this school run for SGA.”
Sam Fossum contributed reporting.
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