Massachusetts has historically been a leader in the United States. It was in our state that the American Revolution began; it was in our state that the first seeds of American democracy found fertile ground.
That democracy initially excluded women, people of color, and many other marginalized groups — but it set a precedent of equality that could, in time, be extended to all. And we have to ask: Are we leading American democracy today? Our University of Massachusetts system suggests we have abandoned our post as a custodian of rich democracy.
The UMass system disenfranchises tens of thousands of students in denying student trustees the right to vote. Since UMass Lowell and UMass Dartmouth were incorporated into the system, the UMass board of trustees has consisted of 22 individuals, 17 of whom are appointed by the governor and five of whom are elected by the students of their respective campuses.
However, among the student trustees, voting rights rotate — only two of five student trustees may vote during a given year, while the other three remain ex-officio, or non-voting members.
In denying full voting rights to three student trustees, this system disenfranchises three entire UMass campuses every year, silencing tens of thousands of student voices. Our university system should be modeling our values and preparing students for the vibrant democracy that is the fiber of our society. Yet as it stands, the UMass system tells students that their voices don’t matter.
Thankfully, our state legislature has a way to amend this affront to our democracy. Bill H.1222 would enfranchise all five student trustees, allowing for true student representation in our university system. The Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on this bill on June 11. For too long, our antidemocratic UMass system has marginalized student voices. Our state learned long ago that democracy meant including more than just white men — it is time for the UMass system to learn that democracy means including including students.
It is time for democracy for the masses, including students at UMass.
James Cordero
Amherst
The writer is a student at UMass Amherst.