A student has filed an election complaint claiming that Associated Student Government President Ryan Rani ’26 approached members of a service group while they were tabling outside Benson Memorial Center on Tuesday and allegedly offered to make a donation in exchange for their votes in today’s election. Rani denied the accusation and said that the idea of trying to buy votes made little practical sense. “I would never do something like that. And even if I did for some reason, that doesn’t make sense to risk getting disqualified,” Rani said. Noting there’s “6000-something students that can vote; I think there were like 2 or 3 people tabling.” He acknowledged making a $5 donation to the group, but said it was simply part of his regular pattern of supporting campus groups. “I always donate or buy food from them whenever I see them tabling,” Rani explained. “I'll always try to help and donate to any group I see. A lot of my best friends are co-chairs, presidents of these clubs.” According to the complaint, Rani approached their table with what appeared to be dual intentions: allegedly to donate to their organization while simultaneously seeking their electoral support.
 ASG Chief Justice Bailey Black ’25 confirmed that candidates are not allowed to solicit votes in exchange for donations. The student government’s Constitution and Bylaws forbids candidates from “Creating undue influence by offering rewards or incentives in exchange for their vote.” Black clarified that while he doesn't serve on the Election Committee reviewing this case, the policy could apply depending on the committee's evaluation of evidence.
 “This specific provision was added this year, so no it has never come up,” said Black, indicating the committee's ruling will establish the first precedent on this matter
. Election Committee Chair and current ASG Vice President Erta Hoxha ’25 said that she and the committee are unable to comment on the matter at this time. However, she did confirm that the committee has formally received the complaint. 📝+📷: Dylan Ryu

Two tickets are competing in Santa Clara University's Associated Student Government election: 
Claire Krebs '26 her running mate Sophia Standard '26, and incumbent Ryan Rani '26 seeks re-election with running mate Taara Khan '27. During the debate last night, Rani highlighted accomplishments including a new digital reimbursement system. "We've successfully implemented a fully-digitized reimbursement process, significantly cutting down processing and ensuring students no longer wait," Rani said. The system allows students to submit reimbursements online and apply for digital credit cards. Current tensions between ASG and the Multicultural Center emerged as a topic during the debate. Olivia Alleyne '26 questioned why Rani's previous leadership in MCC hadn't improved the current strained relations. Following Alleyne's inquiry, Matthew Van Dyke '26 commented to Rani that “When All Comm happens, and we bring a CSO in, they all have a problem with ASG.” Rani acknowledged the tension, "You hear these things from people that you trust and people that you respect," referring to negative comments from the MCC towards him and ASG. Rani expressed optimism about working with incoming MCC leadership next year if re-elected. Khan proposed addressing these tensions directly: "I feel as though ASG and MCC haven't had a sit-down conversation to talk about the elephant in the room." Kenneth Park ’25, the associate director of the Multicultural Center, responded to these comments after the debate: “The MCC is always open to conversation.” Greek Life was another central debate topic. “I think that it's not ASG's place, quite frankly, to say Greek Life needs to reaffiliate or that Greek Life needs to be unaffiliated,” said Krebs. “I think what ASG can do, though, is a better job of helping the University to recognize that: Yes, we’re unaffiliated, but these are still students, and they should have a right to access resources on campus.” Rani has started the “Greek Forum” this year. The forum has allowed ASG to meet directly with leadership from off-campus fraternities and sororities to hear their experiences at the University.  Voting is today: 8 a.m. to midnight

Following the Pope’s passing, we spoke with students and faculty across campus to hear their reactions and reflections.

Advertisement

Francis’ death on Monday marks the end of his 12-year tenure notable for progressive reforms to one of the world’s oldest religious institutions. The Society of Jesus released a statement following the pontiff’s death. Fr. Brian Paulson, S. J., the president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, released a statement following the pontiff’s death: “I believe Pope Francis will always be remembered for how he brought marginalized individuals and communities to the heart of the church,” Paulson wrote. Francis developed a reputation throughout his tenure as pope as an advocate for various social issues. His second papal encyclical, titled “Laudato si’,” implored Catholics worldwide to heed the dangers of climate change and take collective action to avoid potential climate catastrophe. More recently, Francis weighed in on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, calling for an investigation into Israel’s actions in Gaza and raising awareness of humanitarian crises in the region. Francis also expressed a number of theologically progressive views on LGBTQ+ rights, perhaps most notably permitting the blessing of same-sex couples within the Catholic Church. 📝 Nick Pecora 📸 AP News/Gregorio Borgia