Hi — we’re The Independent Florida Alligator. You may have seen our continuous coverage of your time as presidential finalist, but we haven’t formally met yet. Not to say we haven’t tried — phone calls, emails, you name it.
But now that you’re wrapping up your presidential selection process, there’s no better time to chat.
A lot of students, faculty and staff have questions about your presidency, Mr. Sasse. How do you plan to put your politics aside, and how do you plan to represent and protect our community’s minority groups?
As our campus’ eyes and ears, it’s on The Alligator to ask those questions. And no, unlike your forums, they can’t be vetted beforehand.
We’re requesting an interview with you, Mr. Sasse. You can name the place and time, and we’ll be there ready to ask the questions — even the difficult ones. We have no allegiance to campus leadership and will continue to cover your presidency and hold you accountable.
You’ve had no media availability since the beginning of your public candidacy. We hope you see speaking with us as an obligation rather than a nuisance.
Because the reality is: Students deserve to hear from you. Not in a controlled, manicured environment alongside Mori Hosseini. That wasn’t a true interview — what your newfound UF community deserves is a sit-down with their trusted news outlet.
President Kent Fuchs has granted us this courtesy on numerous occasions. But most recently, he agreed to answer any and all questions in an on-camera interview he had no editorial control over.
The interview was more than an hour long, where he navigated questions on academic freedom, COVID-19, Richard Spencer and even your potential presidency. We didn’t enter the interview with the goal of writing a puff piece, but Fuchs and The Alligator both knew how important the interview would be to the UF community.
Today, we’re asking for you to give us the same courtesy.
Help our students, faculty and staff understand where you fall on the important issues.
We know you understand the power of the media. The Alligator has succeeded in sparking conversation across the country about your candidacy thanks to our hardworking student-run staff.
When you came to campus, the country’s eyes were watching as protesters made it clear they felt you weren’t welcome.
If you’re truly committed to climbing the “hill of trust” Student Body President Lauren Lemasters thinks you will, take this important step.
We’ll be waiting.
Regards,
The Alligator
