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Write or Die Editor's Column: Who speaks for 'SU?

By Chelsea Burwell

On April 9, 2014

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Chelsea Burwell, Editor-in-Chief

The power of the tongue and mind is immeasurable, but with modern-day technology, our fingers are just as powerful.

No one could escape the swirling gossip and speculationsthat surrounded campus elections last week. Things escalated to another level when WSSU alumnus and local radio personality Brian "BDaht" McLaughlin ranted on Twitter about his opinions regarding one of the candidates Aaron McCorkle, an openly gay student.

Everyone knows that we are entitled to our own opinions and as Americans, we have the freedom of speech. But,

whatever is said comes with a reaction - whether positive or negative.

While some of BDaht's followers concurred with his anti-gay tweets, most who saw his tweets were like me: Shocked and at a momentary loss for words.

But that didn't last long. I wasn't overly upset with the comments that Bdaht made; he's an outlandish radio personality with a lot - maybe too much - to say. But what did upset me was that he felt he could give his alma mater an ultimatum. One tweet said that he would relieve himself of serving as the University's sports public announcer if McCorkle was elected as Mr. WSSU.

The egotistical radio personality has since taken down his tweets and apologized to McCorkle, but that changes nothing.

First, giving WSSU an ultimatum was not the smartest decision because chances are we, as a campus, will defend a Ram under fire. Second, Bdaht tweeted an apology... Yes I repeat he tweeted an apology; an apology that came four days too late. Therefore, I'm pretty sure the apology wasn't sincere.

Since when did we dub BDaht the official spokesperson for Winston-Salem State? Sorry, but that job is already taken. Ultimately, we are the spokespersons for our University. And yes, our silence or reluctance to speak in defense of Ol' State U speaks volumes as well.

When we need an official statement from WSSU, we can look to Nancy Young, the director of media and public relations for the University.

Too much ugly gossip circulated and not enough accurate information was presented. Campaigns and feelings were disregarded and the campus was split.

I voiced my concerns and opinions about candidates but they were not based on sexuality; instead they were centered on contenders' platforms and ideals. You know... the things that are supposed to matter in an election.

I just hope this year's election wasn't just a popularity contest and students voted based on a candidate's character.