Popularity and name recognition alone are not sufficient qualifications to serve as YAT. With such a large pool, there are many candidates whose names may not be familiar to students but whose experiences and accomplishments mesh well with the YAT duties. Seniors deserve the chance to hear more about those who are running in order to make an informed choice. Even limited campaigning — involving open forums or question-and-answer written statements from the candidates — would suffice to make the election more substantive. It is important that candidates be allowed to articulate their perspectives to those in their class they have not met.
Nassau Hall’s stated reason for its policy is that campaigning could encourage YAT candidates to take positions on specific issues facing the University Board of Trustees to please constituencies within the senior class. If a YAT has already pledged to champion the interests of sports teams or small departments upon joining the board, the administration has argued, he or she will undermine the activities and purpose of the Board.
But to assume that allowing candidates to discuss their perspectives will amount only to partisan political activity is alarmist. It would be simple for the administration to prevent the type of discourse it fears while allowing more substantial campaigning: Why not give clear and explicit instructions to candidates about what kinds of statements and issues are appropriate during the campaign?
Moreover, since candidates do not campaign, the effort required of an individual to run for YAT amounts to obtaining a mere 50 signatures from the senior class. Though many of this year’s YAT candidates undoubtedly care about Princeton and are eager to serve the University, it is possible that the limited expenditure of time necessary to pursue the position results in candidates who are more concerned with their resumes than the duties of a trustee. One YAT candidate even expressed to The Daily Princetonian that she was glad campaigning was not allowed because candidates would have to take time and energy from their busy, thesis-filled schedules to match the efforts of their opponents in the race. The willingness to exert effort and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of and passion for Princeton are desirable qualities in a YAT candidate. Banning campaigning robs the candidates of a chance to demonstrate these traits.
The YAT position is a valuable way to represent a young and direct connection to the student body on the Board of Trustees. But to assume seniors can choose the best person for the job without campaigning is ludicrous. Students deserve to hear their classmates’ experiences, perspectives and qualifications. This short-sighted process belittles the importance of the YAT position, and, as it does every year, the Editorial Board urges its reconsideration.
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