Student Government Association presidential candidates Graham McMillan and Cody Westphal addressed diversity and transparency and explained their platforms at the SGA debate Wednesday.

McMillan mentioned SGA’s five values: passion, collaboration, progression, servant leadership and effectiveness.

“I think TCU needs a leader that will take those values and put them to work,” he said.

Westphal addressed improving diversity at TCU during his opening statement.

“We can put our money where our mouth is and make diversity a funding priority,” Westphal said.

McMillan agreed that diversity is important to address but countered Westphal, saying that SGA is already working on the issue.

“We’ve already started seeking a solution,” McMillan said.

McMillan said SGA should push to have the university use North Texas Lead, a group that works to improve diversity by connecting applicants with employers working to improve diversity.

However, TCU is already a lead partner employer with the North Texas Lead, according to their website.

Westphal suggested several initiatives to improve diversity, including hosting a diversity summit.

“We can do a diversity summit and have a day where we have intense conversations about diversity,” he said.

Managing editor of TCU 360 and debate moderator Taylor Prater also asked the candidates how they would work on increasing transparency in SGA.

Both candidates discussed improving March on Campus, an initiative where SGA members reach out to organizations during the month of March.

“I think there were a lot of mistakes that happened with that,” McMillan said.

Westphal said he agreed that March on Campus could be improved.

“My goal with March on Campus would be to make more of a relationship between house members and the organization,” Westphal said.