SA spokesperson resigns in protest

Student Association Vice President of Public Affairs Tabisa Walwema resigned from her position Friday morning, saying she could no longer represent SA President Vishal Aswani, according to her letter of resignation obtained by The Hatchet.

Walwema said she could not tolerate Aswani’s fear of campus media and being scolded for trying to do her job – which is to publicize the SA’s achievements and events.

“Yesterday was when I realized that I couldn’t work for you anymore,” Walwema, a sophomore, wrote in her letter of resignation. “Our online conversation was filled with paranoia and distrust – two conditions that I refuse to work under. When it comes to media relations you have to accept that we do need them.”

Walwema said she was tired of agreeing with Aswani on issues she did not believe in.

“I have made the mistake of saying yes to you too many times,” Walwema wrote. “I was afraid that if I did not agree with you I would be part of the distrusted crowd in the Executive Cabinet, but I am sick of playing these political games. I thought that applying for this position would help me better serve the GW Community by highlighting the achievements of the other Vice Presidents, instead I feel that students will be better off if I serve in another organization or capacity.”

Walwema is the third cabinet member to resign this year, and said she hopes her resignation will spark change within the SA.

She wrote, “I hope that this resignation has made you realize that you need to change the relationship between the media and the Student Association.”