Pass:

NIU made history this year by voting its first female speaker onto the SA board. Gender inequality is an issue that is still argued by women. Many women’s rights activists find that there is discrimination towards women seeking positions of power. Christine Wang becoming elected into the position of speaker opens the door for more women to feel confident when attempting to obtain a leadership position, whether it’s on the SA or a role within another club or group. Through Wang’s determination and strength of will, she successfully won her peers votes and obtained her goal. Wang has set the precedent for the women of Northern Illinois University.  

Fail:

Maybe it’s just me but when it comes to the “gender-neutral” bathroom controversy, I feel like this “problem” was solved years ago. Head into a gas station and find the bathroom, usually in most gas stations there is only one restroom. Since there is only one restroom it is considered a “family” restroom. The family restroom is available to all patrons, whether male, female, or other. A dad can use the restroom with his daughter or a mother with her son. I believe the whole idea of a gender-neutral bathroom is ridiculous. A men’s bathroom for example has urinals and toilets, which makes them available for use by both sexes. Name the bathroom “Public Use” so all parties can use it and everyone’s happy. Spending money to remodel bathrooms instead of switching the sign appears to be a waste of money, resources, and time to me.