Second Vice Presidential Debate Addresses Jesuit Values and An Ideal World

The Student Government of Loyola Chicago Vice Presidential debate took place 7-9 p.m. March 26 in a crowded McCormick Lounge. Vice presidential candidates Areej Khan, Haaziya Saiyed and Cameron Wright faced off to defend their platforms for the 2025-2026 SGLC term.

Each candidate was first given the opportunity to state why their running mate would be best suited for president.

Moving into the first question, the prospective VPs were asked which of the university’s Jesuit values they’re most aligned with.

First-year finance major Wright said he identifies most with “magis” — striving for excellence — as he has a desire to continuously strive for improvement and provide substantive change. He acknowledged he and his running mate first-year Matthew Erlec’s youth may seem “daunting” to the student body, but he said it would give them the opportunity to implement change over the next three years.

As a Muslim student and third-year global studies and political science major, Khan said she identifies with finding God in all things, mentioning an emphasis on finding unity as a diverse university. 

She said she wishes for all students to feel heard and valued through better representation in the SGLC — a goal achievable by improving collaborations between registered student organizations and advocating for the needs of marginalized students.

Saiyed said she and running mate third-year political science major Erin Tylutki’s ENGAGE platform — Equity, Network, Going Green, Accessibility, Graduate and Experience — made the leadership pillar most important for her, as she’ll be required to actively engage as a leader and create opportunities for meaningful change.

Saiyed said the progression of her time with the SGLC since her first year is proof of her ability to carry out the ENGAGE platform.

“Being in SGLC for so long, we definitely heard all the students’ needs, and that’s why Erin and I curated this platform as this is what students at Loyola need,” Saiyed said.

The second moderator question asked the candidates how they would promote greater transparency between the SGLC and the university community.

Saiyed promised her and Tyutluki’s policies — including an open door policy, senate branch leader question and answer public forums — would encourage students to come to them with questions. Additionally, their chief diversity officer will hold regular meetings with student organizations to ensure the SGLC is supporting their needs and addressing concerns.

As the chair of programming outreach, Khan said the recently passed Senate Transparency Education and Preparedness Act will make all legislation and senate agendas public, providing transparency on spending in the SGLC — which oversees the dispersal of funds for registered student organizations. 

Khan and running mate third-year political science major Ronan Valera also plan to continue their open door policy, expanding it to town hall meetings in addition to moderating a year-round online form where students can provide feedback about the administration.

Wright said he and Erlec will have an interactive website and provide full financial transparency by implementing a group similar to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission which will publish student organization spending reports.

The last question transitioned into an ideal world — given unlimited resources, the candidates were tasked with naming what they would do to improve the university.

Khan’s immediate response was to improve Halas facilities and renovate old buildings like Dumbach Hall. She also mentioned free meal plans, a lack of space on campus — citing issues like room reservations — and split spaces for cultural organizations, which Khan said she’s concerned about due to the recent removal of dedicated space for the Black Cultural Center.

“When they came to senate and told us this I was genuinely in shock,” Khan said. “I was like, ‘How did the school just let this happen?’ It was not being utilized to the full potential it is and I know BCC has a tiny room downstairs, but it’s still not acceptable. I know this is future tense, that they’re working on this, and spacing on campus is terrible, but that is something we need to keep advocating for and make sure the university fulfills.”

Wright discussed his vision of returning the Information Commons to a 24/7 schedule and mentioned his and Erlec’s work on the Center for Student Inclusion and Belonging — an effort currently underway by Loyola administration, The Phoenix previously reported.

With unlimited resources, Saiyed said she and Tyutluki would establish an equity resource center which would cater to the specific needs of all student groups, including first-generation students, students with disabilities and students of color. The center would also provide mentorship, academic resources and a safe space for students to connect and find support.

Like Khan and Valera, Saiyed and Tyutluki said they would also increase the capacity for room reservations on campus and improve campus infrastructure.

Khan questioned Wright’s relevant experience as a first-year, noting she and others tried to push for a 24/7 IC in the past but discovered there wasn’t enough money in the budget to pay student workers throughout a 24-hour period. 

When Khan and Saiyed were given opportunities for rebuttals, the debate, each questioned whether Wright would have the proper experience as a second-year in the 2025-2026 school year to confront the issues he brought up.

Wright’s running mate Erlec was impeached from the SGLC Senate in the fall 2024 semester due to discriminatory remarks he made about Islam, which violated the Articles of Governance, The Phoenix reported. An investigation by the Office of Equity and Compliance found Erlec wasn’t responsible for allegations of discriminatory harassment.

Wright said he knew the full context of what Erlec faced last year and remains committed to serving the student body.

“All statements against me, whether they be racist, classist, whether they be alleging anything against me — I know that at the end of the day I’m trying to help everyone else out, and I’ll try to do it to the best of my ability regardless of whatever is alleged against me,” Wright said.

Running uncontested for Chief Justice, third-year political science major Lindsey Elliott is seeking her third term.

Elliott has been in SGLC since her first-year as a senator. She became chief diversity officer in her second year and said she learned the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion through her experience in the executive branch. Elliott has worked in all three branches of the SGLC. She described her role as the “Grammarly” of the SGLC.

“A lot of what I do is bounce back ideas with senators,” Elliott said. “If I see something that needs fixing on campus, sometimes they’ll be like ‘Hey, this might be a good initiative to work on if you’re interested.’ And I would continue to support senators on their legislation to promote DEI at the university.”

Elliott said she’s committed to communicating effectively with students next year through continuing to hold weekly office hours.

Voting opened March 28 at 9 a.m. and will close April 7 at 5 p.m. Any questions or concerns about elections can be directed toward [email protected].