Bannister and Carpenter Clash in ASWSU Debate Ahead of Elections

Collin Bannister and Grace Carpenter faced off in a heated debate on March 5, 2026, at the CUB auditorium, just days before the elections for the 2026-2027 academic year. The candidates sparred over critical issues such as tuition, campus safety, and the effectiveness of the Associated Students of Washington State University (ASWSU) leadership. Carpenter, the current ASWSU vice-president, is running against Bannister, who serves as president of the Washington Student Association, in the first contested election in three years.

Carpenter’s running mate, Reed Scott, and Bannister’s partner, Emily Bell, joined the debate, addressing student concerns submitted via ASWSU’s Instagram account. Both candidates expressed a commitment to improving student life, agreeing on the need for enhanced disability access and prioritizing campus safety, yet they diverged sharply on several policies.

Tuition and Retention Scholarships

A central theme of Bannister’s campaign is his pledge to combat rising tuition costs. “We want affordability,” he stated, emphasizing the need for accountability from WSU administration regarding funding. In response, Carpenter and Scott advocated for retention scholarships as a means to stabilize tuition rates. “Of course, we’re going to work towards stabilizing [tuition] and work with the Board of Regents,” Scott remarked, highlighting the importance of exploring diverse funding options.

Bannister countered that retention scholarships alone would not address the decline in undergraduate enrollment, insisting that more proactive measures are necessary. The candidates also engaged in a discussion about campus safety, with Bannister proposing the reinstatement of the Cougar Safe Rides program. Carpenter, however, highlighted alternative safety measures such as “angel shots,” a discreet way for individuals to signal bartenders when they feel unsafe. While Bannister acknowledged the potential benefits of angel shots, he criticized the current ASWSU administration for inadequate safety measures. “Leadership currently has goals around campus safety,” he said, “And I don’t know that has happened or improved.”

Carpenter defended the current administration, citing the DMAC Foundation’s Cougs Ride Safe program, which partners with Lyft to provide free late-night rides for WSU students. She argued that the Cougar Safe Rides program was discontinued due to safety concerns and misuse, stating, “We had Cougar Safe Rides taken away because it wasn’t safe for students.”

Debate Highlights and Student Engagement

As the debate progressed, candidates faced direct questions from the audience, addressing a variety of issues from support for smaller campus clubs to individual controversies. Bannister was questioned about his decision to disclose evidence of a colleague’s racist behavior shortly before an ASWSU meeting. He defended his actions as a moral obligation, despite criticisms regarding the timing.

Carpenter pointed out that the ASWSU Senate does not conduct background checks, complicating the issue of accountability. “We do not do background checks, and we don’t have time to go through every person’s social media,” she explained, emphasizing the need for a more thorough vetting process.

Another student queried Bannister about his ability to prevent tuition increases, given the history of rising costs during his tenure. Bannister maintained that he had successfully lobbied against more significant increases, claiming, “It’s not always about the result, it’s about that effort that’s put in.” He cited successful lobbying efforts for increased taxation on large corporations as a positive outcome of his advocacy.

In a notable exchange, Carpenter accused Bannister of overspending student funds during his presidency of the WSA, alleging an audit revealed overspending by $15,000. Bannister dismissed the claims, redirecting criticism toward ASWSU leadership for their lack of engagement with the WSA’s general assembly.

As the debate concluded, Bannister reiterated his frustrations with the current administration, criticizing their compliance with state laws regarding public meetings. “Agendas are not being posted to the public website; that’s a violation of the Open Public Meetings Act,” he asserted.

In her closing remarks, Carpenter emphasized her experience and dedication. “I really ask that when you are voting, you are looking at past experience,” she urged voters. Following the debate, candidates expressed a sense of accomplishment, noting the importance of addressing student concerns. Scott shared his comfort in the debate setting, stating, “I think it was a super positive debate with a lot of respectful conversations.”

Carpenter reflected on her pre-debate nerves, crediting a prayer with a church leader for helping her maintain composure. “Even though the debate did get a little heated, bringing it back to the students is the most important thing,” she said.

As the candidates left the stage, Bannister acknowledged the debate’s intensity but underscored the necessity of discussing pertinent issues affecting the student body. “It’s important to discuss these things publicly because, at the end of the day, we are running for leadership of the student body,” he said, calling for voter engagement in the upcoming election.

Balloting for the ASWSU elections begins on March 10 and concludes on March 11, with ballots sent via email to students.