Reinberg focuses on LGBT community, powerful student voices

Among the first priorities of candidate Nick Reinberg is an issue that’s been brought up to the trustees numerous times, reviving the Beyond Coal campaign. Yet, it’s never been from a student trustee’s vantage point.

Trustees have heard from the Beyond Coal organization during the public comment session of meetings, yet the issue often goes by the wayside after the time to speak out is up for the organization.

Within board committees, Reinberg’s voice could be powerful — something trustees can’t easily ignore as they have done in the past, at least publicly.

This is just one part of his five-point plan, which also includes addressing college affordability. Reinberg was a member of the Illinois Student Senate subcommittee on Student Debt Awareness, which has been largely successful, relative to other initiatives of the student senate. Yet as a member, his voice was quiet during the Student Debt Awareness Week, just as it has been during his tenure with the Illinois Student Senate.

However, Reinberg has many ideas we agree with, such as adding gender confirmation surgery to the student health insurance plan.

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We can learn much from our sister campus in Chicago, he has said, and we should strive to become one of the most LGBT-friendly campuses in the country.

His focus on major issues facing the LGBT community — something that is hotly debated here and at other universities — is arguably the biggest asset for his campaign at the moment. 

Reinberg — who also participates in a club sport and is involved in the Greek community — said, during the student trustee debate, he’ll vote in line with the student body’s opinions. If he were to step into the student trustee role, nothing says representation more than leaving his personal opinion behind.