Public discourse in Virginia has recently centered on proposed reforms for the state’s college boards and discussions surrounding legislation for Medical Aid in Dying (MAID). Advocates for change are calling for a re-evaluation of how these boards are appointed and how end-of-life options are legislated.
Reforming College Board Appointments
Concerns have emerged about the current system for appointing members to the boards of visitors at Virginia’s public colleges and universities. Robert N. Holt, a resident of Franklin, has put forth several proposals aimed at enhancing the structure and functionality of these boards.
Holt suggests that every board should consist of nine members, irrespective of the institution’s size. He proposes that appointments be made for staggered three-year terms, with one member appointed each year by the governor, one by the House of Delegates based on local recommendations, and another by the existing board. This approach, he argues, would foster greater diversity of thought and diminish the political influence that currently permeates the appointment process.
In addition, Holt recommends a name change for these governing bodies from “boards of visitors” to “boards of trustees.” He asserts that the current terminology does not accurately reflect the authority these members hold in managing higher education institutions.
Advocating for Medical Aid in Dying
Alongside discussions about educational governance, the Virginia legislative session has also seen renewed calls for the legalization of Medical Aid in Dying. Judy St. George, a licensed family nurse practitioner from Chesapeake, has advocated for House Bill 886, which seeks to allow terminally ill patients the option to end their lives with medical assistance when their suffering becomes unbearable.
St. George highlights that MAID would not replace existing hospice or palliative care options but would provide individuals with greater control over their final days. The proposed legislation includes multiple safeguards to prevent abuse or coercion, ensuring that participation remains entirely voluntary.
As of now, Virginia has the opportunity to join the ranks of 12 other states and Washington, D.C., in legalizing this compassionate choice. St. George urges lawmakers to consider the individual rights of citizens in making end-of-life decisions that align with their personal beliefs.
The discussions surrounding the future of both educational governance and end-of-life options reflect broader questions about the values and priorities of Virginia’s populace. As advocates like Holt and St. George push for reform, the implications of these proposals may shape the state’s legislative landscape for years to come.
In a time marked by significant political polarization, former President Barack Obama’s words resonate: “Elections have consequences.” As the state grapples with these pressing issues, the respect for democratic outcomes and the constructive debate surrounding them will be vital for the health of Virginia’s political environment.