A violation of DePauw Student Government’s Election rules changed the outcome of the electoral race for the Board of Trustees. Candidate Jake Reed ‘24 was charged with campaigning after Sunday, April 14, which resulted in a 5% vote deduction for Reed and ultimately boosting Cayla Williams ‘24’s platform. 

DePauw Student Government (DSG) holds their elections in April of each year, where students decide who will represent their voices to the university. The Board of Trustees is an especially important position, in which a representative from the graduating senior class is chosen to make important decisions for the future of the university. This position holds more importance than ever; with the School of Business launched and the reception of the $200 million donation, there’s immense value in the voices of recent graduates and their ideas about the direction of the university.

The Board of Trustees election had two incidents of potential election rule violations according to DSG. The first regarded Reed, who posted on his campaign’s Instagram account after the campaigning window ended. Meredith Sierpina ‘24, another candidate, also made a post following the window. Both cases were brought to the Election Board. According to Election Chair Jim McMurray ‘26, self promotion on social media for campaigns was banned beginning on April 15. However, posts that are impartial and encourage general voting are within the lines of these rules.

Reed’s Instagram post that was called into question included promotional text saying “Jake Reed for Trustee” and "The Best Choice to represent YOU on the DePauw Board of Trustees,” along with a picture of himself. The post, which was online for five hours according to McMurray, was unanimously agreed to have been in violation of election rules, voted 5-0. The board then unanimously voted to subtract five percent of Reed’s final vote count. This resulted in a loss of 12 of his 239 votes, leaving Reed at 227 after the deduction. 

Another potential violation was found in Sierpina’s campaign. Sierpina’s post contained a graduation picture and a call for the student body to vote, but not for herself. The caption did not contain any reference to her campaign either. After review, the Election Board determined Sierpina’s post was not in violation of election rules, and no punishment was levied. Ultimately, Sierpina finished with 188 votes. 

Williams’s 233 votes secured first place, joining other recent graduates as a trustee member.