CCC Elections

By Colin Jung and Safira Schiowitz

Following the conclusion of Community Conduct Committee (CCC) elections, which ended at 6 p.m. EST on Feb. 16, Student Council (StuCo) announced lowers Ophelia Bentley, Daniel Han, Drew Smith, Andrew Horrigan, Jack O’Brien, Henry Liu, Lexi Pelzer and Asha Bryant as the CCC nominees. Nominees will progress into the interview stage of the selection process, where four members will be chosen for the CCC.

Bentley’s goal is to promote empathy and equity within the CCC. “Empathy is one of my guiding principles and is one of the most important things in the CCC,” Bentley said. “I understand the CCC has a history of [being] discriminatory towards students of color and students on financial aid.”

Similarly, Liu’s main goal is to “make the CCC more equitable towards POC and general minorities while showing empathy and taking cultural factors and mental health into consideration on a case by case basis.”

Horrigan’s campaign advocates for restorative justice rather than stringent punishments. “We must shift the interests of the CCC to how we can help those in the community rather than how we can hurt them,” Horrigan said.

“Searching for ways restorative work can help heal the harm caused by infractions is important to me,” Bryant said. 

Horrigan added, “I also want to make Exeter safer by making sure that the academy stays true to their promises of becoming a safe space for people of all race, religion, sexualities and genders as well as making sure matters like sexual assault, if they are to arise, are properly dealt with and not swept under a rug to make sure justice is done.”

Most candidates utilized social media, particularly Instagram, to campaign. However, some candidates disagreed with the usual campaign methods of posting campaign posters on social media. “The constant spamming of posters is a trend we should stop at Exeter,” Horrigan said. “I also think myself and other candidates should refrain from pressuring other students into reposting their posters. It’s simply toxic. If one wishes to post the poster of someone who they agree with let them do it on their own volition.”

Han agreed. “I don’t believe that plastering posters with your ‘platform’ everywhere should be or is a viable way to demonstrate your character,” Han said. “Campaigning is done way before any election is announced… Students remember the kindness you showed in everyday interactions, or the ways you may have been supportive around the table in class.”

Regarding aspects of the Committee that the candidates intended to change if they were elected into the position, Horrigan wanted to “change the stigma of the CCC.” 

“For many, it sounds like the deans and administration are the judge, jury and executioner in most matters. But I ask, how will a punishment help someone who is struggling with addiction, mental health or whatever it may be?” Horrigan expressed.

Each CCC candidate had a unique reason for running and background. Others, like Bentley, have experience with debate and public speaking. Still others have had either personal experiences with the CCC process, or have been privy to their friends’ cases.

Han falls into the latter category. “I’ve seen myself grow so much through these processes and I’m very proud of how far I have come,” he said. Han added that the Committee members provided him with “the tools for introspection and growth,” and that he wants to repay the organization for what it did for him.

All nominees felt happy and grateful to their supporters after learning they were to move to the next step in the CCC member selection process. “I’m a bit blown away as there were so many incredible candidates and I am incredibly thankful that the student body chose to elect me,” Bentley said. 

“I feel confident as I know that the committee will make the best choice for the school and I believe I have some real attributes to bring to the CCC,” she continued.

Bryant shared similar thoughts. “I acknowledge the level of trust Exonians are putting in me by allowing me to move onto the interview stage,” she said. “It would be amazing if I was able to have a more active role in bettering the overall well-being, safety, and happiness of our amazing Exonian community.”