Student proposes reconstruction of Student Government

The tension at Tuesday's Student Government meeting thickened as a student discussed his idea for removing the organization and replacing it with a "more effective" model.

Jantzen Ridenour, a senior majoring in religious studies and an advocate for reconstruction, made an appearance to discuss his opposing views.

SG senators along with other students listen to and discuss Ridenour's views which he describes as an improved organization that promotes community and awareness.

Ridenour began by stating that he was not a politician, just a normal student who set out to form a new system other than SG.

He said if his idea of a new organization were to go through, then more students would have a forum to voice problems on campus. Ridenour said students should be able to call UT home.

"There is no sense of community at the University of Toledo," he said.

Ridenour believes there is not enough student involvement in SG and there are not many students who know about student government, stating students are unaware of who the senators are.

One student answered that all of SG's information is on their website and can access it through the UT's page.

"There is no reason to look you up," Ridenour responded.

Ridenour said students would become more interested in SG if each student organization had a representative to voice their opinion.

He believes many students don't know they have a voice.

SG President Matt Rubin said Ridenour made it clear he didn't wish to abolish the organization.

Rubin said Ridenour's appearance was a publicity stunt.

"His statement was meant to get people to hear him speak," he said.

Rubin said Ridenour made good points about possible improvements to SG, but he wished Ridenour would have attended some meetings before forming "invalid opinions."

"I don't think Jantzen is wrong for feeling like his voice needs to be heard. He represents a different ideology to put forward change," Rubin said.

This was Ridenour's first SG meeting. He said he didn't feel the need to attend any other meetings.

Alison Wery, a sophomore majoring in pre-pharmacy, said, "I don't think he understands everything student government does. It would have been nice if he would have come to the student government meetings."

Ridenour said campus safety is a priority and that student government is withholding information on campus crime rates.

Tate Stricklin, a junior majoring in computer science and a SG senator, said she didn't think there were many valid points made.

"His opinion is formulated off incorrect facts," she said. "I'm a proponent for change in any instance provided that change has been researched and examined."

Recent work done by SG included the installation of cameras in the Student Union and extending library hours during finals week.

According to SG Senator Kemi Ademuyewo, a sophomore majoring in public health, SG also worked in improving areas of the community.

"Student Government has done a lot, such as going to student houses behind engineering [and] making them look less like student housing to prevent theft," Ademuyewo said.

SG meetings are every Tuesday at 8:15 p.m. in the Student Union Room 2591 and are open to the public.