By Alexandra Sailor
Matthew Clark released a statement Thursday afternoon announcing that he has dropped out of the race for Student Government Association President.
Although there was a Supreme Court hearing to evaluate Clark’s eligibility scheduled for this Sunday, Clark said his resignation is due to personal reasons.
“I was forced out of this election for personal reasons,” said Clark, a sophomore English major. “My pending case is entirely unrelated to my resignation.”
Clark ran a campaign focused primarily on his appeal to the average student.
“I think there has been a renewed perspective through my campaign that has spread throughout campus,” said Clark.
He said he plans on pursuing a more informal approach to connecting to the student body through direct involvement in Recognized Student Organizations as well as creating more discussion between himself and other students about campus issues.
“I would like to help the student body in any way that I can and the biggest thing to do is to listen to them,” said Clark. “I want to participate in as many public dialogues as possible about the problems facing students on campus.”
Rudolph Spencer, a junior political science major and current SGA Services Vice-President, will run unopposed for the position of SGA President following Clark’s resignation.
Clark said he will support Spencer’s campaign.
“From the first time I met Rudy I’ve respected him as someone who cares deeply about SGA and the student body,” said Clark.
Clark believes that his campaign has brought awareness to students on the power they hold in campus policy and their own education.
“This experience has changed my life and my perspectives on student politics within this campus,” said Clark. “I hope that students have a fresh perspective of optimism and empowerment for student involvement. In my opinion, everyone should be involved in student government.”
