For the past couple days, I received the kind of student feedback I look for all year. The copious numbers of emails were in support and opposition of R. 50, the North Carolina Equality Act. Specifically, individuals seem most concerned their opinions were not represented and any letter sent to the N.C . Legislature would misrepresent their views.

If a letter were written, it would state something to the effect of, “the North Carolina State University Student Senate, as a part of Student Government and as a representation of the student body opposes the same-sex marriage ban with a vote of 29 in favor, six in opposition, and 11 abstaining.”   Including the vote would ensure anyone reading the letter would know not everyone felt positively about the legislation.

And in reality, there were senators who didn’t support it. Several members of the Senate, representing their constituents, stood up and voiced concern. However, the final vote showed a majority did support the legislation passed by the senate, which means in theory a majority of the student body at the University would as well. This is how government works at the local, state and federal level.

I also want to address concerns that issues like these are outside the scope of the Student Senate. Although some would argue this is beyond us, again, a majority would say it is not. The Senate’s mission is to champion the concerns of students in whatever forum necessary to accomplish our goals.

We were elected to do so and anything less would be ineffectiveness on our part. We have an entire committee in Student Senate devoted to the relationship between Student Government and the N.C . Legislature. No one thinks twice when Student Government lobbies the state legislature about tuition—this is no different.

 Students, past, present and future will be affected by the vote May 8. It makes no difference if you are straight, gay, plan on getting married or not. It will affect you. During this process I have learned this amendment could be as far reaching as to take away domestic violence protection from unmarried couples simply because marriage would be the only domestic legal union recognized by the state.

This may seem farfetched, however, Idaho saw something very similar to this and began ruling very differently in domestic violence court cases. I do not want to see this happen to our great state, and neither does the Student Senate.

Above all else, I want to reassure the student body the Student Senate is representing them well and cares about what they have to say. N.C . State is a great institution. However, if students ever do have an issue, Student Government is one outlet going to whatever body necessary to make sure the students’ concerns are heard and addressed. I encourage every student to contact your representatives in Student Government about issues no matter how big or small. As you have seen, Student Government fights for students.

Ethan Harrelson is the N.C . State Student Senate President and a graduate in international studies. To send him feedback e-mail [email protected] . Or send a letter to the editor at [email protected] .