Edward Snowden for student rector

Edward Snowden is in the running to become student rector at Glasgow University. He was nominated by a group of students, even though he will probably not be able to fulfill all the tasks that come with the job.

Normally, a student rector represents students’ rights and therefore attends meetings of the university’s governing body. He or she also talks to students about their views on a regular basis. In the past, there have been other rectors who were not able to participate fully in the role. Winnie Mandela was Glasgow’s student rector from 1987 to 1990 and Israelian whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu filled the spot between 2005 and 2008.

The group of students who nominated Snowden, operating under the name ‘Edward Snowden for Rector’, decided to do so to show gratitude to the whistleblower.