Empty promises were a hot topic at this year’s debate for 39th University Rector.
Leo Yang, ArtSci ’25, and Niki Boytchuk-Hale, ConEd ’24, went head-to-head to discuss their campaign platforms on Feb. 1 in Grant Hall. The debate drew limited attendance, primarily consisting of AMS executives and recently disqualified AMS executive candidate Jason Kim, who showed up to listen to candidates discuss antisemitism on campus and University budget cuts.
Yang vowed to not waste his time during his first days in the office learning about a role he’s already familiar with. He will immediately start reaching out to alumni so funds can be pooled for a University Student Initiative Fund to fuel “passion projects.”
READ MORE: Candidate Profile: Leo Yang wants to burst student leader bubble as Rector
While expressing his commitment to assisting students in their endeavours, Yang made it clear to the audience he would not make any promises, contrasting himself with current Rector Owen Crawford-Lem.
While both candidates agreed to improve the Rector’s social media presence, Boytchuk-Hale did not hesitate in making promises, and assured the audience they’re not empty.
“[Yang has said he is] not here to make promises. Well, I am,” Boytchuk-Hale said.
One promise Boytchuk-Hale made to the audience was to improve communication between the Rector and students. She’s excited for the Rector’s Office to move into the JDUC and plans to foster an open dialogue with students in-person and on social media. She will maintain an open-door policy, welcoming members of the Queen’s community to discuss their needs, fears, and hopes.
READ MORE: Candidate Profile: Niki Boytchuk-Hale hopes to go above and beyond if elected Queen’s Rector
“I will metaphorically and physically leave my door open in the JDUC,” Boytchuk-Hale said. “I want to ensure students not only know what’s going on campus but can’t look away from it.”
As opposed to leaving his office door open, Yang will take to University Ave. to discuss with students what they want to see from their leaders and express their budget cut woes.
“I will be on the frontlines addressing your concerns and advocating for transparency. I will be a leader and a servant,” Yang said.
Both candidates shared with audiences their plans to address the University’s financial deficit.
Boytchuk-Hale sympathizes with students’ fears about the future impact of budgetary strain. For Boytchuk-Hale, addressing student concern starts with relaying accurate information about “closed door, high-profile board meetings” and the Board of Trustees, a goal she will strive to achieve within her first 100 days in the office.
In what she believes is a clear testament to her leadership, Boytchuk-Hale prompted Barbara Crow, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, to create a FAQ webpage where students can ask questions about University budget cuts.
“This is what I had done in 30 minutes. Imagine what I can get done in two years,” Boytchuk-Hale said.
Yang touted his debate with Provost Matthew Evans on the University budget cuts as evidence of his advocacy. He wants to educate students about the University’s financial woes through his campaign, announcing to the audience he will be launching his website on Feb. 2.
Yang wants to burst the student government leadership bubble and ensure ordinary students know about budget cut conversations happening at student government and Board of Trustee meetings.
Boytchuk-Hale will continue to work with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at the University and bring Indigenous voices to the table at Board of Trustee meetings. Amplifying Indigenous voices holds personal significance to Boytchuk-Hale, who’s currently specializing in the Indigenous Teacher Education program.
Another pressing issue candidates were asked about was the presence of antisemitism on campus. Boytchuk-Hale wants to address antisemitism on campus by installing cameras in residence buildings. She will consult students who have experienced antisemitism firsthand to ensure she’s making informed decisions about campus safety.
When asked how he will respond to increased antisemitism on campus, Yang said he will continue to deliberate with students on “both sides of the conflict” to come to productive solutions.
“Antisemitism is not in conflict with sides,” Boytchuk-Hale said in response to Yang.
Boytchuk-Hale clarified the question was about antisemitism. She maintained her commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all people on campus.
Yang claims he has a close relationship with the SGPS and will leverage the connection to better advocate for graduate students.
Boytchuk-Hale vows to work with PSAC 901 to ensure she’s communicating graduate students’ needs to senior administrators.
Rector voting opens on Feb. 6 and closes Feb. 7.
Tags
Boytchuk-Hale, debate, Election2024, Rector, Yang
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