ANN ARBOR – After what’s being called one of the most competitive races in the school’s Central Student Government’s history, 19-year-old Omar Hashwi has emerged as Vice President of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. 

Hashwi

Hashwi ran as an independent along with President-elect Manish Parikh, together beating out candidates from five separate political parties in the race. They will be sworn in on April 23 according to a report in the The Michigan Daily.  

Hashwi, who’s been a representative in the CSG, previously known as the Michigan Student Assembly, for two years, said that he’s not a natural politician but felt compelled to run in order to improve students’ lives on campus and to make a difference in other ways. He spoke about the decision not to run as a member of a political party.

“We decided to run as independents because we wanted people to know who they are voting for and what we will accomplish if elected,” he said. “We believed that when people vote for a certain party, they vote for the party name they see more frequently and not because of the party’s goals or missions. We wanted to change that and make it known that anyone can run to be the next President or Vice President regardless of a party affiliation.” 

Hashwi, a Lebanese American born in Detroit, graduated from Fordson High School in Dearborn and is currently concentrating on Pre-Medicine, majoring in Arab, Armenian, Persian, Turkish, and Islamic Studies (AAPTIS), and earning a Certificate in Entrepreneurship.

He and Parikh had 2,502 votes as part of what was the highest voter turnout in CSG history. 

But the win didn’t come without controversy.

Parikh and Hashwi were officially approved this past weekend in a 3-2 decision by the University Elections Commission after a suit based on allegations that Parkih had abused an e-mail listserv (electronic mailing list application service). 

In addition, an email was circulated in March accusing Hashwi of being anti-Semitic and homophobic that made headlines  in the Daily in an apparent attempt to damage his reputation. 

“Omar is not only publicly anti-Israel, he is also openly homophobic,” wrote LSA sophomore Lauren Leibach according to the Daily. “Beyond the fact that someone like him could be involved in making important decisions on campus, it is scary to think what he could do with his power.”

She identified herself as a member of the American Movement for Israel, part of the Hillel organization on campus, according to the Daily. 

Hashwi offered his response in the newspaper. 

“These claims are really absurd,” he said. “(Anyone) who knows me as a person would easily demolish these claims that I’m homophobic or anti-Semitic.”

Leibach also responded in an apologetic email that ran as part of the Daily’s 

“I am deeply sorry if my (email) resulted in anyone’s hurt feelings or caused any personal harm,” 

The issue of divesting from companies that provide military support to Israel and other companies deemed unethical was brought before student government this past year and has ignited discussions on campus and editorials in the Daily. 

Hashwi said that he will strive to be a true representative of the student body while making all decisions, and that he will also not be afraid to express his own opinions. 

“I believe the university must not invest in socially irresponsible and immoral companies and if the students agree with this logic, then that is what I am committed to advocating for.” 

Hashwi thanked his friends and especially his parents, Randa and Muhammad, for their support, saying he wouldn’t have made it to the prestigious university without their support. 

“Along with helping us campaign, my friends stood up for me when my safety and reputation were in danger,” he told The Arab American News. “My friends were appalled by racist remarks (in the email) and went out of their way to support me. I am very grateful to have my family and friends.” 

Hashwi added that he hopes that Dearborn Arab American youth and other minorities will continue to be active politically. 

“The best piece of advice I would give to young individuals is to never sacrifice your values for a single vote or a thousand votes, be very respectful of others’ opinions but don’t hesitate to strongly and respectably disagree, and lastly, as my mother always says, if you’re wrong, just admit it. To the youth and young adults in Dearborn, think big and stay united,” he said. 

Hashwi also encouraged members of the community, especially Ann Arbor students to email him at hashwi@umich.edu for questions, concerns or comments.