Requirements for ASB justified

Posters and signs with catchy slogans hang on the walls in the hallways—all urging students to vote for specific candidates. However, with the slew of people running for class office positions this year, the question has arisen over what the requirements to run should be.

To be eligible to run, candidates need to obtain 50 signatures, attend three ASB meetings, be enrolled at the school for at least the year preceding election and have a minimum GPA of 2.5, to be eligible to run.

However, some students say that these requirements, especially the requirement to attend three ASB meetings, are too restrictive and are unfair to students who desire to run. Although the requirements may bar some students from running, they are necessary to ensure the quality and integrity of the candidates running for school government positions.

The current requirements ensure that candidates are committed to leadership and have demonstrated involvement in the school in some capacity prior to their decision to run. If the student cannot even attend three ASB meetings, they most likely do not possess the motivation and commitment necessary to be an effective student leader.

Although there are ASB meetings every other week, candidates need to attend only three meetings total. Each meeting is, on average, 15 to 20 minutes long. Once a student becomes elected, he or she may not miss more than three ASB meetings, a much larger time commitment.

By requiring candidates to attend three meetings the previous year, the school can ensure that candidates will not renege on this responsibility once elected, as well as ensuring that candidates have had some experience with the protocols and programs of school government meetings.

There are also many students who have suddenly been inspired to run for office, but have not met the requirements. However, if they only just had this revelation, then it is probable that they do not know the school or the school government very well. Additionally, the sudden inspiration to join government could have been based on a misplaced belief; after they learn about how student government truly works and the responsibility that it entails, they may not be as enthusiastic.

While most people who run for office want to make a difference to the school, some people may run for office in order to fatten up their resume and college applications. Among an even greater competition to get into esteemed colleges, many students are piling on as many leadership positions as possible. Some of those students may run for an officer position, but may not actually be committed to the school. With the current requirements, many of those students are discouraged to run for office.

If it was possible, only students who truly care for their school and want to make a difference should be eligible to run for a position. With the current requirements, it makes eliminating the half-hearted candidates much easier.