A general representative of the undergraduate student government
announced his split with the Students United for Reform and
Equality slate Tuesday.
Josh Lawson, one of three general representatives of the
Undergraduate Students Association Council will cut his ties with
the S.U.R.E. slate after a year of active membership with the
slate.
Lawson was believed by many to be a frontrunner for the
slate’s presidential nomination in the 2004 spring
elections.
Slates are coalitions of students that share the same ideology
and help candidates win seats on council during elections.
Lawson was chief of staff for former President David Dahle, who
was a member of the slate from 2001-2003.
To a room of roughly a dozen supporters, Lawson said his
decision was based on ideological differences.
“(My decision) is based on principles, not
politics,” Lawson said.
He added that he no longer believes the slate has strong
positions on issues that affect campus.
Lawson also said his office will continue to fight for equal
access of council funding to all student groups.
The only remaining S.U.R.E. councilmember on USAC is Financial
Supports Commissioner Erica Husse.
Eight out of 13 USAC councilmembers are part of the Students
First! slate. The remaining three ran and won seats as
independents.