Q&A: Happy Yang ’16 and Faith A. Jackson ’16

Do you support modifying Harvard's current sexual assault and misconduct policy to include affirmative consent?

Our ticket personally supports affirmative consent, as the current wording of Harvard’s Sexual Harassment Policy is far too vague.  It is imperative to get the student body’s opinion on this issue, so we can confirm and present the student body’s opinion. The sexual assault policy exists to protect students; if a majority of students support affirmative consent (as we believe they do), the school is obligated to reform its policy accordingly.

Do you believe the UC can increase its yearly budget by 50 percent or more by the time you graduate?

Given the unsuccessful 250k campaign, instead of trying to get more funds, we are fighting to better manage what the UC already has. By assigning liaisons to each club who will help with the grant application process, we will make it easier for clubs of all sizes, new and old, to understand and apply for grants.  We will also better publicize existing workshops where club treasurers can learn how to apply for grants.

Do you support allowing the UC to fund alcohol through its general grants?

In 2007, the administration took away the UC’s budget because the UC funded alcohol.  While alcohol grants may be an attractive idea, they are not not worth losing our budget.  We are fighting to create vibrant social life on campus in other ways like through an inclusive social space on campus, where anyone can have a great Friday or Saturday night.

What is a major way in which you will differ from Gus and Sietse’s approach to running the Council?

We appreciate how Gus and Sietse have improved the image of the UC, but students are tired of the administration setting up task forces and organizing townhalls after decisions have already been made (Stillman, the Q Guide, and the sexual assault policy are all examples of failed policies where students were not consulted), and we will fight to get student input included in the decisionmaking process. The university gets comfortable knowing we will only be in office for one year, so we will enter the presidency with defined goals, feasible asks, and a mindset that simply having meetings is not enough.

How often do you think students should have to sign an affirmation of integrity under the College’s new honor code?

We believe students should have to sign an affirmation of integrity each semester, as part of the online registration process.

Would you have supported a referendum question calling on the Council to reform its structures and do away with electing representatives based on houses and yards?

We support including a referendum question like that on the ballot, whether or not we think students should vote in favor of it.  The student body should be able to decide how the UC works, and a referendum like this would provide that opportunity.  Faith supported the referendum’s proposed changes, while Happy did not, but we both feel that it is an important question to bring to the student body.