The job of the Senate is to represent the student body in managing Belmont Hill, though their views do not necessarily align with those of their peers. Theoretically, the voting process gives students a means to promote the way in which they think the school should be changed by electing someone who reflects their beliefs; however, in practice, the vast majority of campaign platforms are built on empty promises to fix some problem within the school, such as meals or utilities. Senators will ardently run for office, but the passion of their nomination speeches conveniently fades away once they add their newly assumed role to their résumé. Inactivity alone does not undermine this system, though, for the students themselves neglect their vote. Cronyism, not just demagoguery, runs rampant behind Belmont Hill’s facade of a fair democratic process. People generally vote for their friends, not even considering how they might act as a senator; voting for someone because of the reforms which they support, even if they will not come to fruition, at least reflects a common interest in school affairs. As long as students continue this lack of care, then nothing will be able to fix the current problems since no form of republicanism can function without active and responsible constituents. Furthermore, the indifference of the student body can be ascribed to the passive acceptance that their voice will go unheard. Why would one put effort into their vote if they know that they will only elect someone to a position of minimal power? This creates a positive feedback loop of inevitable senatorial inaction amplifying student disinterest. The bodies of true authority at Belmont Hill oversaw the creation of the Senate and likely foresaw its insignificance and have since seen no reason to grant senators real power. This case of institutionalized obsolescence brings into question the purpose of student governments here at our school.
Volume IV • Edition II
Students have become complacent with their inability to influence the management of Belmont Hill, yet the puppet Senate allows for children and adults alike to pat themselves on the back for their progressive approach to handling their administration. In order to change this, someone— whether a student, officeholder, or faculty member— must appeal to those in charge, namely the Board of Trustees or the Head of School. Rather than continuing on a path of idleness, student government must be reorganized so that it is involved in the major decisions of Belmont Hill through strong student representatives. In turn, once everyone realizes that their votes and their senators actually matter, the entire system will be rejuvenated in both function and energy.
November 2019
3
Author-Jake Pappo ‘20 Section-Opinion Pieces
The Podium | Opinion Pieces
Analyzing the School Senate
