Editor’s Note: Some responses have been lightly edited for style, clarity and conciseness.
This week all American University undergraduate students can vote in the elections for Student Government executive board candidates. Voting is open from March 3 at 12 p.m. to March 6 at 12 p.m.
Candidates running for executive positions answered The Eagle’s questions about their platforms and hopes for the University moving forward. All candidates received the same questions and responded through email. The answers of those who responded are below.
Student body president candidates: Jeffrie Chambers IV and Damián Lem Gonzalez
Why are you running?
Chambers: I’m running for President because I believe that AU needs someone who has a history of advocacy and transparency representing the student body here. I also believe that we need someone who has experience getting the work done for our community. As the current President of the Kogod School of Business Undergraduate Council and a former Senator-at-Large, I have built connections with students, administrators and stakeholders within the AU community to accomplish some amazing advocacy.
Lem Gonzalez: I’m running because AU should be a home, not just a place we pass through. Yet too many students feel unheard, unprotected, and disconnected from the very government meant to serve them. But I am running to tell you — that is not who we are. We are immigrants fighting for belonging, survivors demanding justice, queer students claiming space and a campus that deserves to thrive. We are powerful when we stand together. This campaign is about turning frustration into action and action into real, lasting change. No more empty promises. No more waiting. It’s time for a student government that fights — for all of us.
What do you think you bring to the position you’re running for?
Chambers: As President, I would bring fresh ideas and dedication to getting the important things done. I have always been about making sure that the community knows about the work that we are doing. I want to incorporate that into the role of President by working with the other members of the Executive Board, UGCs, Senate and the leaders of many different clubs and organizations on campus to find the best ways to communicate with the student body, and collaborate to bring SG closer to the students, because at times, it can feel extremely distant.
Lem Gonzalez: I bring lived experience, relentless advocacy and a fire that won’t burn out. As a first-generation, Latino and queer student, I know what it means to fight for space and be told to wait. I refuse to wait any longer. I’ve worked on policy, built grassroots movements and pushed for change in spaces that weren’t made for people like me — but I made space anyway. I know how to turn passion into policy, ideas into action and movements into victories.
What specific issues is your campaign advocating for?
Chambers: As President, I want to address issues specifically related to Housing, Mental Health, Transportation and Academics here at AU. I believe that when it comes to housing, tackling key components such as maintenance and living standards, along with ensuring that the university clearly communicates the potential residency requirement to students, is essential to discussions around this issue. Additionally, I want to ensure that we effectively convey all on-campus resources related to Mental Health and well-being, which are vital for the Student Body. I understand that some students feel they must face difficult times alone, but there should always be support for every student at AU, regardless of their situation. I believe that the Student Government should be advocating for professors to be trained on how to support students, address issues of mental health and wellness and foster an open dialogue with them. Transportation is another area where communication and transparency are crucial. Long waits for the shuttle, as well as the lack of service on the red and green lines, have created ongoing challenges for students traveling to Spring Valley.
Lem Gonzalez: This campaign stands on four unshakable pillars of action — and trust, if there’s no path forward, I’ll carve one myself.
- Standing Up for Immigrants — Expand institutional support, create a Rapid Response Network and strengthen protections for undocumented and international students.
- Justice for Survivors —Strengthening protections, expanding trauma-informed resources and ending institutional retaliation.
- Protecting Queer Students — Fighting for gender-affirming care, turning AU into a mutual-aid hub for queer and DEI spaces and LGBTQ+ safety on campus.
- Rescuing Campus Spirit — Restoring student traditions, funding orgs and making AU a place where students feel connected again.
Because I truly believe that no one should have to fight alone for their right to belong.
What do you hope to implement or bring to Student Government?
Chambers: I want to reintroduce practical and tangible solutions into the conversations that student government has about student issues. This aligns with my belief that we should strengthen communication between the student government and the student body here at AU. Therefore, I aim to implement open dialogues between the student body and student government, along with hosting community events centered around important topics within the AU community, where we can involve administration and get things accomplished for the student body.
Lem Gonzalez: I want to build a student government that actually serves students — not one that just checks a box. That means:
- Opening Student Government to Underrepresented Voices — I will push for reserved seats for first-gen, immigrant, and marginalized students in decision-making spaces, so those most impacted by policy aren’t left out of the conversation.
- Amnesty for Students on Visas Who Protest — because no one should fear deportation for standing up for justice. I will push for institutional protections for international students engaged in activism.
- Institutional Accountability — because when harm happens, AU must answer for it. I will work to strengthen survivor protections, anti-discrimination policies, and student oversight of administrative decisions.
- Reviving Student Life — because AU should be a place we love, not just endure, I will fight for more funding for student organizations, cultural events, and a campus that actually fosters community.
What do you want the student body to know about you and your platform before voting?
Chambers: I want the student body to know that my campaign isn’t about making lengthy and empty promises, but about providing real, common-sense solutions to the issues we face here on campus. I am committed to using my experience, relationships, and determination to advocate for genuine change at AU and to build a student government that works for the students, helping to move our community forward.
Lem Gonzalez: This campaign isn’t just about me — it’s about us. About you. About making sure the student government serves your needs, your safety, and your right to thrive. If you’ve ever felt ignored, unprotected, or like AU could be something better, this is your moment to change it. Let’s build the AU we deserve — not someday, not when it’s convenient, but right now. Together, si se puede.
Student body vice president candidate: Max Morse-deBrier
Why are you running?
Morse-deBrier: I am running to make sure that SG works for the students. I have served in SG for about two and a half years, since the fall of my first year at AU. During that time, I have served in a number of different roles including Parliamentarian and Elections Administrator. I know that SG has great potential to advocate on behalf of students for the numerous pressing issues we face but too often, SG is too focused on self-advocacy, drama, and internal fighting. Throughout my time in SG, I have seen the organization change and become more focused on real advocacy for the students, but there is still more work to be done. I am running for Vice President to ensure that the work to make SG a better advocate for all students is continued and all students feel like their voice is heard.
What do you think you bring to the position you’re running for?
Morse-deBrier: I know how SG works. I know the role of Vice President. Having served in SG for the time I have and serving the roles I have served in, I understand how to effectively carry out the role of Vice President and what the role requires. Those who have seen my work, know I am the right candidate. All members of the current executive board, President Arusa Islam, Vice President Julia Comino, Comptroller Sal Cottone and Secretary Aidan Palmer, along with nearly all current members of the Undergraduate Senate, and members of Undergraduate Councils have endorsed my campaign. The main roles of the Vice President are to serve as the presiding officer of the Undergraduate Senate, to be the liaison to the Undergraduate Councils, and to oversee programing. As Vice President, I would ensure that I carry out all three of these duties and use my experience to ensure that SG properly functions on behalf of all students.
What specific issues is your campaign advocating for?
Morse-deBrier: Too often, a piece of legislation will pass the Undergraduate Senate, and it will go nowhere, no further advocacy actions happen. I will change this. As the presiding officer of the Undergraduate Senate, I would ensure that all legislation that is passed is brought to administration and advocated for. Too often, the Undergraduate Councils feel that they are not supported by the SG executives and feel separated from the rest of SG. I will change this. The Undergraduate Councils deserve an ally and as the liaison to the Undergraduate Councils, I will ensure that the Undergraduate Councils are supported and have all the funding and resources that they need to successfully accomplish their vital work. Too often, students on campus have a negative view of SG, believe SG isn’t doing anything, and feel like their voices are not heard. As head of programming, I would work with the rest of the executives, the Senate, and the undergraduate counsils to organize programming that allows students to both make their voices heard on issues that matter to them and understand the work SG is doing. Additionally, I will continue the advocacy work to ensure that students do not have to pay extra fees out of pocket to do their laundry in the residence halls and at the Bridge Cafe and the Davenport Coffee Lounge. I will also continue the vital work to ensure that the AU Police Department is not armed after the referendum last election where students voted overwhelmingly not to arm AUPD, and I will work to pass the referendum and advocate to make AU a sanctuary campus.
What do you hope to implement or bring to Student Government?
Morse-deBrier: As Vice President, I want to implement a number of different things in ASG to ensure that the organization functions more efficiently on behalf of all students. I hope to implement a standard procedure for legislation in the Senate to ensure that all legislation that passes the Senate is fully developed to have the best possible chance of success. I would also ensure that all legislation that passes the Senate is brought to administration and advocated for. Additionally, I would allow Undergraduate Councils and clubs and organizations on campus to co-sponsor legislation to ensure that their voices are heard in SG. I also want to work with all six of the Undergraduate Councils to ensure that they are supported, and they have an ally who will help them succeed. I will also create more programming for students to share their opinions on the work SG is doing and discuss issues that matter to them.
What do you want the student body to know about you and your platform before voting?
Morse-deBrier: I want you to know that I will always work on behalf of you and ensure that AUSG as an organization advocates on your behalf and on behalf of all students. I have the experience and commitment to do this, and I understand what is and is not the role of the Vice President and how the role can be most beneficial to all students. Over my two and a half years in AUSG, I have learned what does and does not work and what changes are needed to make it the best it can on behalf of students.
Secretary candidates: Megan Williams and Ty Burrell
Why are you running?
Williams: Too often, SG feels disconnected from the student body, and I want to change that. With STEM being one of the fastest-growing
departments at AU, we need better diversity and representation in leadership. SG should reflect the students it serves, and as someone deeply involved on campus, I have a good sense of what students care about and need. But beyond that, I want to actually get things done. I want to make tangible improvements and fulfill the promises I make during this campaign. If I say I’m going to improve communication, update the website, and ensure students are informed, I will make it happen.
Burrell: I am running on the SOAR platform: Serving Others, Advocating for Results. I’m running because I believe that AU students deserve a Student Government that serves them, and I want to champion that, which has been the model of leadership I’ve embodied my whole life. I want AU students to be up to date with what their elected leaders are doing, to have their voices heard in Student Government, and to have an SG Secretary who provides them with the information they need in this day and age.
What do you think you bring to the position you’re running for?
Williams: As a computer science major, I bring technical expertise that directly aligns with the Secretary’s responsibilities, such as managing SG’s website and digital communications. Additionally, I’m deeply involved in the AU community as President of the Outdoors Club (the largest club on campus!), Founder and President of the Eating Disorder Support Club, a Student Ambassador and more. I have a good understanding of what students care about, and I have the organizational skills, commitment and follow-through to make SG’s communication more effective to reach a larger audience.
Burrell: I believe that I bring different types of experience to the Secretary position. I was once a part of Student Government in 2023 as a Senator, so I have some Student Government experience. I left because I believed my advocacy was needed elsewhere, so I founded an organization on campus, Equality Onward, that organized and advocated for LGBTQ+ rights. I was president and current treasurer of the Ethiopian Eritrean Student Association. I was an intern for the Harris-Walz campaign, mobilizing voters to go out to vote in various swing states, too, and now I am an intern managing the Blue Futures Instagram page. My experiences in these roles would be better for the Student Body, so we can make change starting on day one for you.
What specific issues is your campaign advocating for?
Williams: Our campus and the environment in D.C. are changing rapidly, often leading to confusion and uncertainty. Whether it’s policy shifts or campus changes, a lack of clear communication can make things even more stressful and complicated. I personally care deeply about mental health and ensuring students have access to resources. But what good are resources if students don’t know they exist or don’t know how to navigate them? That's why clear communication and outreach are essential.
Burrell: The specific issues my campaign is advocating for will influence what I can do in my capacity as Secretary. We hear a lot, or nothing at all, from what candidates stand for in this election. We’ve seen SG candidates campaign on a specific issue, gather votes from the hard-working organizers and advocates and then turn their backs on them or go into radio silence once elected. I care about the many issues on our campus right now, such as Making AU a Sanctuary Campus and Don’t Arm AUPD. The one I want to focus on is LGBTQ+ rights, mainly trans rights, as that is something that feels overlooked despite the threat of the Trump Administration. AU should become a trans sanctuary campus, assisting future trans Eagles and protecting the hard-fought rights of the trans community at AU.
What do you hope to implement or bring to Student Government?
Williams: To turn my advocacy into real action, I plan to implement three main (realistic) steps. (1) A question submission box on Instagram and the SG website — so students can easily ask questions and get clear answers. (2) A living resource guide — a constantly updated, easy-to-navigate document that compiles essential information on AU policies, federal policies that impact students and mental health resources. (3) Bi-weekly weekend updates (yes, SNL style) — short video reports from different SG members to keep you informed on current events, initiatives and legislation in the works. By making SG more transparent and accessible, I want to take the confusion and uncertainty out of the equation and make sure every student knows what’s happening and where to turn when they need support.
Burrell: What I hope to bring to Student Government would be the following: Putting organizations and their advocacy first by amplifying their work. Transparent Student Government updates from updates on a needed basis based on SG’s activity (every few days to at least once a month), more specifically, updates on SG’s spending being published for financial transparency on how SG is spending YOUR money. Amplifying YOUR rights on campus, such as rights regarding immigration, Title IX, accommodations, and more. Applying aid & resources such as back-to-school guides, financial aid, personal/ health care aid and/or resources, food, etc.
What do you want the student body to know about you and your platform before voting?
Williams: I want students to know that I’m all in. When I commit to something, I see it through and put my everything into it. I’m not here to make empty promises or add another thing to my resume. I’m here to make SG more aligned with the whole student body. If you want a Secretary who gets things done, knows the AU community inside and out, and has a clear plan to improve SG communication, I’m your gal.
Burrell: I want the student body to know I am not your typical SG candidate. I hate how it has become a source for wanna-be political science politicians. I left SG for many reasons. I don’t regret leaving. However, I feel a sense of a calling; the same one that led me to go is telling me to give it another shot because I want to advocate for you and amplify your voice. SG won’t be my only involvement in the broader AU community. I will still be involved on campus with the Ethiopian Eritrean Student Association and connecting with other Black organizations. I will continue doing different activities, such as campaigns and political organizing. My record shows the fantastic work I have had the honor to do alongside some amazing people, and I want to continue that as your next SG Secretary.
Other executive position candidates include:
President Candidates: Shelton Fantroy and Aidan Palmer
Vice President Candidate: Quinn Fitzpatrick
Comptroller Candidate: Hannah Hajdu
This article was edited by Payton Anderson, Tyler Davis and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks.
