I mean seriously … are we electing actual, true student representatives to advocate and invoke change on our behalf, or are we simply electing glorified brand ambassadors?
Have you heard the latest?
Florida A&M University’s Student Government Association (SGA) Senate has passed groundbreaking legislation that could change the trajectory of student government for years to come.
On February 5, 2025, The Famuan published an article detailing the impact of the newly implemented Evaluation of Candidacy Test. With the passage of Senate Bill SB24SP-004, this legislation was designed to improve the election process by ensuring that all candidates were properly educated on the roles they sought.
The article explained how candidates at FAMU often campaigned on promises far beyond their position’s scope. The test, however, provided a solution: giving potential candidates a clearer understanding of their duties before they officially entered the race. The bill, first proposed in 2022, was initially rejected but later passed under the leadership of former SGA Chairman Jaylin Hankerson-Strappy, who emphasized its necessity:
“We wanted to make sure that the students had the trust in the back of their head that these… elected student leaders [know] their duties.”
Now, when it comes to student government here at Grambling State University, the issue runs deeper. It’s almost sad how, year in and year out, we hear the same platforms rebranded with a different theme.
Where is the governance within “Student Government”? Do all SGA-elected officials even read the SGA Constitution? Where is the legislation? Where is the policy creation that directly serves student needs?
The Absence of Policy and Legislative Action
As students at Grambling State University, we continue to witness a cycle in which certain elected representatives win based on flashy campaigns, yet time and time again, students voice their frustrations about a lack of tangible progress.
The SGA Constitution clearly defines the purpose and structure of our governing body, stating that it exists to “act as the official voice of the student body in matters concerning the administration and formulation of policies affecting student welfare” (Article I, Section 2). It further outlines the responsibilities of the SGA Senate, which include “drafting, proposing, and passing legislation that reflects the needs and concerns of the student body” (Article IV, Section 1).
Yet, where is this legislation?
When was the last time we saw true student-centered policies enacted, not just symbolic gestures, but real initiatives passed through the legislative process and enforced? The SGA Senate has the constitutional authority to introduce and pass bills that can directly influence student life, campus policies, and academic affairs. However, what we often see instead are event-driven initiatives, clean-ups, and giveaways that, while appreciated, do little to address systemic student concerns.
We need policy focused on:
- Academic Advisement Reform
- Strengthening Student Support Services
- Advocating for Fair and Transparent Tuition and Fees
- Expanding Study Abroad and Global Learning Opportunities
- Improving Faculty and Administration Accountability
- Expanding Career and Professional Development Resources
- Enhancing Alumni Relations and Post-Graduate Support
- Increased Student Engagement through Institutional Change
And when I say policy, I mean actual policy. I mean following the legislative process outlined in the SGA Constitution — drafting, debating, and voting on bills that can reshape campus life. Not just suggestions, but laws.
Learning from FAMU’s Model
The implementation of the Evaluation of Candidacy Test at FAMU is a prime example of how the student government can hold itself accountable. The test required all candidates to score at least 70% before even being eligible to run. This ensures that those seeking leadership positions understand their responsibilities before making promises they may not have the authority to fulfill (The Famuan, 2025).
FAMU’s bill was not just about filtering candidates, it was about preparing them. It required informational sessions where students could gain insight into their positions before declaring their candidacy. As Hankerson-Strappy put it:
“It’s doing the student body a disservice just to run because you know you can, versus knowing that you want to run.”
If Grambling State’s SGA were to implement a similar measure, it could significantly shift the culture of student elections. A test like this could ensure that every candidate, from Senate hopefuls to Executive Board members, truly understands their constitutional duties before stepping into leadership roles.
Time for Real Change
So, I ask again: Are we electing true student representatives to advocate on our behalf and evoke real change, or are we electing glorified Grambling brand ambassadors?
The power to change the trajectory of our student government rests in our hands. If we demand more from our leaders and hold them accountable to the SGA Constitution, we can transform our student government from a symbolic entity into a governing body that creates real, lasting impact.
Let’s stop electing leaders who look the part and start electing those who will do the work.