Duke University Honor Council is pleased to formally endorse Ibrahim Butt for Young Trustee. After hearing from all four candidates on February 3, Honor Council believes Butt best embodies honor, integrity, and moral courage, the values that define our Duke community.
Inspired by his background as as a low-income, first-generation student, Butt has worked to make Duke more accessible to students of all backgrounds. For instance, he fought against cutting student healthcare funds. Also, he has served as co-President of the Duke Low-Income First-generation Engagement, advocate for the Community Empowerment Fund and executive member of the Center for Race Relations.
Council members were impressed by Butt's authenticity and directness in his responses to our questions. For instance, when asked about how he would handle working primarily with people significantly older than him if elected as Young Trustee, Ibrahim explained that he would voice his perspectives as a student, while remembering that there is much to learn from those who are more experienced.
Moreover, council members appreciated Butt's dedication to student equality. Ibrahim co-facilitates meetings to discuss how male-identifying students can help develop spaces that are inclusive for students of all genders.
Honor Council also recognizes the high moral standards that all the candidates demonstrate. Honor Council commends Maryam Asenuga’s experience advocating for minority groups, Leah Abrams' outreach throughout Durham, and Tim Skapek’s perspective on personal values over platforms.
Vice Chair Internal Gabi Marushack, Pratt '22.
Recused members: Senior Matthew Gayed, junior Amelia Steinbach (Honor Council Chair)
Absent members: First-year Josee Li, first-year Ari Levine, first-year Amber Smith, first-year Allie Bennion, senior Camille Ampey, sophomore Ellen Hirsberg, sophomore Franklin Boampong, senior Harrison Labban, junior Parsa Hoghooghi
Editor's note: Abrams is the opinion editor for The Chronicle. The Opinion section played no role in the Young Trustee endorsement process, as outlined in this year's endorsement policy. If your organization would like to submit an endorsement to The Chronicle, please read the policy.
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Kushal Kudakia, President of Duke Honor Council, is a Trinity junior. his column for Duke Honor Council runs on alternate Fridays.