SAB and SGA Partnering in Efforts to Host Kentucky Senatorial Debate
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 4, 2014) — The University of Kentucky Student Activities Board and Student Government Association have jointly submitted a proposal to host a debate between Kentucky’s candidates for the 2014 United States Senate race. The proposal focuses on civic issues including access to higher education, college affordability, post-graduate employment and a healthy economy.
SAB and SGA seek to host a student-produced event focusing on issues pertinent to young people. Civic participation and education of young voters has consistently been an issue in Kentucky elections, reflected in voter turnout in recent years. In 2008, the State Board of Elections reported that just over half, or 51.3 percent, of 17-24 year olds participated in the U.S. Senate election, and only 16.1 percent of that demographic voted in the primary election.
The event would help educate students on contemporary issues and each candidate’s platforms while engaging young people in the election, which has earned considerable national attention.
“SGA and SAB believe that a senatorial debate hosted at Kentucky’s premier, land-grant institution will benefit the candidates and their campaigns, but more importantly, Kentucky’s young citizens,” said Brad Allen, former SGA director of government relations and current senatorial debate co-director.
“With support from our fellow students and President Capilouto, we look forward to the possibility of working with the senatorial candidates to produce a thoughtful and engaging debate on our campus,” said James Collard, SAB director of engaging issues and senatorial debate co-director.
University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto has expressed support of the student organizations’ bid to host a student-produced debate.
On Friday, May 9, letters were sent to Republican incumbent Sen. Mitch McConnell and Democratic candidate and current Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes notifying them of the student organizations’ desire to host a debate.
SAB and SGA are two of the university’s largest student organizations. SAB regularly hosts prominent public figures, most recently Anderson Cooper, Soledad O’Brien and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Both organizations are committed to enriching students’ lives through advocacy, education and enriching experiences. Both are confident in their ability to produce a legitimate, reputable debate.
SAB brings more than 100 entertaining, educational and enriching programs that are reflective of contemporary issues and trends to the University of Kentucky annually. These programs are designed to enhance the college experience for students, faculty, staff and the greater Lexington community.
Connect with SAB at www.uksab.org, follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/UKSAB or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UKSAB. For more information about SAB and events, email contact@uksab.org.
SGA represents all undergraduate, graduate and professional students at the University of Kentucky. SGA serves to increase student influence over academic policy; provide necessary student services; to protect and expand student substantive and procedural rights; and better represent the student body in relations with the faculty, administration, Board of Trustees and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Connect with SGA at www.uksga.org, follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/UKSGA or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ukstudentgovernment. For more information about SGA, email ukstudentgovernment@gmail.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Katy Bennett, katy.bennett@uky.edu, 859-257-1909