Omega Psi Phi fraternity and The Associated Students of the University of Missouri hosted the “Let Me See U Vote” dinner Wednesday night in Stotler Lounge.
As part of National Pan Hellenic Council Week, the forum presented speakers discussing issues such as education, healthcare, women’s issues and LGBTQ rights. There was also an opportunity for students to register to vote.
ASUM President Roshaunda McLean kicked off the event, clarifying the discussion was strictly a “non-partisan event,” meaning the speakers in attendance were presenting the issues, not expressing personal opinions on presidential candidates.
Truman School of Public Affairs professor Rajeev Darolia spoke about education. When asked, an overwhelming number of students raised their hands stating they had student loans to help fund their education.
In response, Darolia reported that the average student has more than $30,000 in student loan debt.
“If you have lots of student loan debt, this affects the choices you’ll make later in life,” he said.
Darolia said these choices include making different career decisions to make more money but result in being less satisfied.
Possibly the most pressing issue, financial aid for college students, has been a major discussion piece during the campaign season. According to Darolia, student loan debt is now the biggest sector of unsecured debt in the country, which means that student loan debt has surpassed credit card debt as a whole.
Another issue discussed was healthcare. Judy Baker, the regional director of the Department of Health and Human Services, said the issue is not just healthcare itself, but affordable healthcare.
Baker explained how the Affordable Care Act tried to provide healthcare to more than 40 million uninsured Americans. She said this change in healthcare yields a few benefits for Missouri: affordable prescription drugs, preventative health services and coverage for young adults on their parents’ insurance until age 26.
“We can’t give away free healthcare just make it more affordable,” Baker said.
Claire Cook, a Kansas City and Mid-Missouri representative for PROMO, an LGBTQ rights activist group, spoke on LGBTQ issues as the evening closed. Cook, who identifies herself as lesbian, stressed the importance of having laws in Missouri to protect children in schools from bullying, as well as individuals in the workplace for sexual orientation.
For her work, Cook has been recognized by Vice President Joe Biden and was invited to his home for dinner. Cook said her job takes on personal meaning.
“I want to be out where I am at work,” she said. “I want to be able to put up a picture of my partner and our family and not have to say that, ‘That’s my roommate.’”
Cook said it is important for people to be able to be who they are, simply because it is comfortable.
Of the event, John Mitchell, keeper of records and seals for Omega Psi Phi, said he was optimistic.
“Every issue should be taken seriously,” he said. “(Students) exercising their right to vote is a vital thing for society.”
