By Jaden Carney – On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Morningside University Student Body President Greg Clark started the Student Government meeting held in the Olsen Student Center at 7:00 p.m. In his opening remarks, Clark’s theme was commitment. The story discussed, as Clark’s example, was of Hernán Cortés, the Spanish Conquistador, and his desire to conquer the Aztecs.
The reference Clark used stirred up a few members of the Morningside student body due to the nature of the story, with the killings of the Aztecs and the native people. Campus Media reached out to talk with Clark about his comments.
Clark, joined by Pastor Andy Nelson, the Student Government Advisor, was asked if he would like to clarify the opening remarks. Clark mentioned he was trying to reference a particular part of the story, the conquest to conquer the Aztecs, when the burning of the boats happened.
Clark mentions he “wasn’t trying to point to that [killing] aspect of the story,” and said he is open to discussing details with students who found it insensitive.
He also noted that thousands of motivational speakers and conference speakers use the story of the Spanish Conquistador, Hernán Cortés.
Since February is Black History Month, Clark was asked why he did not discuss MLK and his commitment to the Civil Rights Movement, instead. Clark mentioned though he didn’t, he “certainly could have.”
When Pastor Nelson was asked if he would like to comment, he referenced the line on the Student Government minutes, saying “When reflecting on commitment, reflect one that you are committed to.”
As a final comment, Clark did take the opportunity to reflect on how proud he was of what Student Government has done this year and encouraged students to attend the bi-weekly student government meeting in the Olsen Student Center at 7:00 pm. The next student government meeting will be on February 25, 2025.
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