Saidou Hangadoumbo shanga1@siu.edu
International students are a very important part of the SIUC population. They have always proven to be very responsible, good ambassadors of their countries and have contributed a lot to a better understanding between SIUC and the rest of the world. International students have always proven that they can excel academically, socially and culturally. Such an exemplary organization needs to keep on growing. To do so, it needs more democracy, justice, openness, diversity, innovation and change within itself.
After more than 40 years in existence, the International Student Council has to change strategies to do business and comply with the rules of our University. It cannot stick to the absolute and outdated rules. It is clear that it will take some time to change the culture of an organization where some members have been there for many years. It is obvious that some people will resist to death any change that will affect their personal interest.
As president this year, I took the responsibility to propose a bill to change the way elections are conducted in ISC. I wanted for our organization to guarantee the right to vote for all international students. I wanted to open the "club of friends" that the council represents to all international students. That action was not welcome by the presidents or various international organizations within the council. Furthermore, a couple of days before ISC elections, I called all the presidents and asked them how they wanted me to campaign for the position of the president of ISC. I precisely asked them if I have to meet with them or their executive committees. Except for a few presidents, the great majority declined both options.
Those behaviors are unacceptable for a democratic organization. All international students have the right to vote. In addition, candidates have the right to meet and talk to their constituents. Candidates should have the right to present their platforms to the members. The presidents of international student associations should not strip their members of their right to decide who should lead them.
At the moment I became convinced that many of our presidents were guided by their own agenda, I decided to resign to better serve international students. Being outside of the International Student Council Executive Committee, I will be free to state my opinions. It will be more appropriate to voice my opinions and keep on seeking conditions where international students will be listened to more, treated with more respect and have the right to choose the women and men who should lead them.
I would like to thank the presidents of international student associations who believe in those ideals and who understood what I tried to do for the benefit of all international students. I would never forget the good work and commitment of my two vice presidents. I would like international students, to whom our organization matters, to stand up and ask for more rights, justice and democracy within our renowned organization.
Saidou is a graduate student in health education, and served as International Student Organization president until his resignation last week. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Egyptian.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
