Her Campus KU was given the honor of chatting with KU’s very own Student Body President hopeful, Katherine Rainey of the Imagine KU Senate Coalition. Kat is a 21-year old senior reigning from Shawnee, KS, and is majoring in Psychology and Cultural Anthropology. Clearly, Kat is a wonderful female role model on campus, so we wanted to ask her some questions about her stance on just that.
Why did you decide to run for Student Body President?
“I decided to run because I was tired of seeing a Student Senate that recycled the same ideas about where they could take the University, but continuously left out the voice of students. Too much damage, justifiably so, has been done to the trust in and reputation of KU and Senate for us to not actively seek change. Members of my coalition and I have repeatedly had discussions with Senate and administration about how to move KU in the right direction, but we soon realized change wouldn’t come without a change in mindset and a change in those who are in control. We are bringing the power back to the students.”
What does it mean to you to be a woman in line for this position?
“As a woman, I am automatically met with doubt about my effectiveness to handle all the problems that may come. As a black woman, I am questioned even more. However, I think my experiences and identities are what make me most qualified. When I step out of my leadership roles and back into student life, I understand what it’s like to not be heard and to be ignored much like the 85 percent of students that aren’t engaged during elections and even the school year for that matter. I see the importance of making sure all students feel comfortable reaching out to senate and knowing that they will be heard and should problems arise, we are there to advocate for them. I would be the first black woman to serve as Student Body President and the second to ever be on executive staff, the first being Jameelah Jones this spring semester. As a woman, this is important because I’m given a platform to fight negative stereotypes of us. But as a black woman, this is monumental. And I’m honored that so many students have already stood beside me.”
How do you feel about the gender gap conversation on campus? Do you think women are fairly represented?
“As women, it has been a rough year with the sexual assault events that surrounded our campus. In my circles this has sparked major conversations about the role of a woman in the evolution of societal norms and taboo conversations. In my circles women have been dominant and taken on leadership roles while still maintaining poise and a slight passiveness. I think we are still marginalized and stereotyped, and until we assert ourselves as leaders and stop letting others define who we are, what we can do, and who we will become; we will remain in this same unsafe space in society. This is why I’m here. This is why I’m ready to be the Student Body President of KU. “
If you win this election, what will you do to better represent the female voice on campus?
“I first want to bring more voices, stories and experiences into the senate chambers. This year has shown me two things. First, that negative experiences we face are often ignored and justice for those women can be few and far between. This will not continue. The second thing I learned is that we can band together and stand in solidarity with each other to change the status quo. By opening the senate doors and standing firm on my promises, I hope I will continue to draw support from women on campus to make KU a safe space for every student here.”
Who is your greatest role model?
“One of my role models is Mrs. Michelle Obama. Her work ethic and resilience lead her to Princeton and Harvard Law. Her humility and love for her community opened so many doors for minorities. Her brilliance and know how created space for her as an associate dean at the University of Chicago as well as the VP of Community and External Affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals. More than anything she is a beautiful wife and mother who knows her worth, stands by what she believes in (her husband included), and truly wants what’s best for the United States.”
Do you have any advice to young women that wish to have a future in politics?