Two candidates, one hour. Student Government presidential candidates faced off during their annual debate. 

Behind the left podium stood Julian Neely, junior in journalism and mass communications and director of diversity and inclusion for Student Government. Neely, who is running with Juan Bibiloni, emphasized outreach during Monday’s debate. 

Standing behind the right podium was Ben Whittington, sophomore in political science and president of Turning Point USA at Iowa State. He and his running mate Jocelyn Simms have spoken about difficulties of people outside of Student Government, like themselves, who want to get involved. 

Funding and tuition

Whittington

Regarding lobbying for increased funding, Whittington said he would increase the size and scale of the legislative ambassadors, a Student Government program and lobbying effort. 

Whittington touted his connections with legislators from his time with Iowans for Tax Relief, which he said he will use when lobbying for more funding for education.

Neely

When it comes to funding, Neely feels the most important aspect is communicating the effects of decreasing funding to students and let them become advocates as well.

Neely brought up one of his ideas for next year which would be a March for Education. This march at the State Capitol would be one of the ways Neely plans to give students a platform to express their concerns over funding.

City and university relationship

Whittington

Whittington focused on safety when addressing the city and university relationship. He first brought up creating a pedestrian-friendly campus, making sure Cyclones don’t get injured while walking around campus.  

He also spoke of improving the ISU Alert system in order to make sure students are aware of critical incidents on and near campus. 

Whittington also fielded questions about sexual assault prevention and said it was a major part of the Whittington/Simms campaign.

“It is not OK, and we need to make sure that everyone knows it is not OK,” Whittington said. 

Neely

Calling a strong relationship between the university and the campus key, Neely spoke of issues involving pedestrian safety and housing. 

He emphasized continuing to build the network between the city and the campus is a main factor in addressing these issues.

When addressing sexual assault, he asked the question, “How can we educate our community?” Neely commended a new Iowa State sexual assault program which will be a requirement for each student to take.

Campus climate

Whittington

Addressing a campus which can be divided over certain ideologies, Whittington said all ideas need to be expressed. 

He called discussing these ideas a tightrope to walk, but said he has experience with these discussions every single day. 

When addressing gender equity in Student Government, Whittington spoke about his female running mate, Simms, calling her “one of the most inspiring women” he knows. 

Neely

One topic brought up during the debate was the issue of free speech as posters are found on campus with hateful messages. 

Neely said it is important for Iowa State to practice the principles of community that it creates. 

Neely spoke of inclusivity when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. He said a major issue he sees is a lack of respect toward people who identify with this community.

Neely’s statements were met with snaps of approval from the audience.

Creating community and campus traditions

Whittington

Veishea, a former tradition with a tumultuous end, is something Whittington wants to bring back to the students. 

He said this is an event many students and alumni want to see come back. Stigma surrounds the former event which led to riots and destruction.

Whittington also spoke of expanding Cyclone Carnival and involving each college, so they are given a day to showcase what they do. 

Neely

Unlike his opponent, Neely feels the name Veishea should not be involved as they form new traditions. 

Neely commended the work Student Government has done to help implement new events such as the spring concert and Cyclone Carnival. 

Neely plans to implement a new tradition called CyDay Friday, a Black Friday-esque event where students can get deals on spirit wear. He said the bookstore has already expressed interest. 

Check back in for full coverage of the event.