CSU byelections are soon, and knowing what is at hand is crucial
With so much happening around us, keeping up-to-date with current events, local or international, can sometimes feel like a chore. But sometimes, doing a little research can really matter.
In a few weeks, the Concordia Student Union (CSU) byelections will be taking place. Between Nov. 25 and 27, students will be able to vote for or against a total of 10 different referendum questions, some of which need a little bit of research in order to fully comprehend the issue at hand.
The CSU represents each and every undergraduate student on campus—over 35,000 of them. It is therefore important to know what exactly the union—and therefore the students as a whole—support.
This is where byelections come in. Some of the questions being brought forward are quite controversial—like the support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, “which calls for the boycott of all academic and consumer ties with any institution or company that aids in Israel’s occupation of Palestine,” as stated in the CSU referendum question.
Students will also be voting on whether or not to take an official stance against government austerity measures, including asking whether the CSU should take an official stance opposing the budget cuts to the education sector and the public sector in general.
There are also free levy groups looking for more funding, including the International and Ethnic Association Council of Concordia (IEAC) and Model United Nations Education and Leadership Centre (CONMUN). Students will also be voting on whether or not to continue supporting the creation of a daycare for student parents. For students who will be picking up the tab, it’s of vital importance that you look into these groups and their contribution to student life so that you can ensure your money is going to projects that positively contribute to student life—regardless of your personal involvement in these groups.
Keep in mind that the CSU is accredited, meaning that they are legally the voice of all of Concordia’s undergraduate students. Don’t let any organization speak for you without giving your input. Discover what is going on this byelection and prepare yourself to pick a side on these issues.
Bottom line; it’s your money and your voice, so get informed. If you don’t educate yourself on these issues and take the time to express your opinion at the ballot box, it’s nobody’s fault but your own. Don’t complain if you don’t like how things turn out if you didn’t participate. Do your research, pick your stance, and act on it.
To read all the referendum questions, visit csuelections.wordpress.com.
