Utah Statesman debate questions — Tanner Anderson
Tanner Anderson, candidate for USUSA Diversity and Organizations Vice President, did not attend the Utah Statesman debate, so we asked his questions at a separate time.
Question 1. “Your platform is to ‘create a positive environment in which all students feel needed, etc…’ What actions do you plan to take to do this?”
Answer 1: “So, one of my big things is currently the club and orgs website is a little difficult to navigate, it’s hard to find out about your opportunities for joining, what the club dues are, when the club meetings are and I would like to consolidate all of that information into one place and make it easily navigable and make it readily available to students so they;re able to make informed decisions about what clubs or organizations they’d like to join and they can find that sense of belonging that comes with finding like-minded people”
Question 2. At Monday’s town hall, you said “none of us are diverse.” What’s the point of having a diversity VP if none of us are diverse? Can you elaborate on this? Do you think your statement minimizes the experiences of any marginalized students?
Answer 2: “I think it’s important to put that in context. I didn’t say that no one is diverse, I said that diversity doesn’t exist in isolation, so by definition of not being as diverse on its own because it needs a counterpart ti give it contrast, so I think the great thing about diversity is that it gives that contrast. Instead of separating us, we need to come together for that diversity that is beautiful and gives us that unique perspective and helps us all to succeed and grow.
Question 3.
Compared to your opponent, your qualifications are less related to the position. Without these qualifications, what would make you the best candidate for Organization & Campus Diversity VP?
Answer 3: “I actually have a background in administering clubs and organizations. (the audio is hard to hear here, but he mentions being president of the student body in high school and organizing clubs and orgs. I also have extensive experience meeting people from other cultures, I’ve traveled widely and met people from all over the world, I speak three languages and am learning two more.”