Taniyah McCormick 

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper visited the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) on Wednesday, Sept. 2 to speak with students about the upcoming midterm elections, education, and the importance of young people voting. The event began at 10:35 a.m. and ended at 11:00 a.m. During his visit, Cooper discussed the issues that are affecting North Carolina residents, including the rising cost of necessities, public education, and voter participation.  

Cooper’s campaign slogan for this upcoming election is “Make Stuff Cost Less,” reflecting his focus on the cost of living. According to Cooper, current events that are happening in this political climate are contributing to basic necessities becoming too expensive for many people. Cooper is running against Republican Micheal Whatley. Cooper also addressed the false advertising presented by his opponent. He denied all claims about letting harsh criminals out of jail while he was Governor. Cooper stated that he has left all harsh criminals in prison and never changed the law. Cooper also discussed the false claims made in his opponents advertising. He described the race as a close one and emphasizes putting people before politics.  

A major focus of Cooper’s visit was encouraging UNCG students to vote. With Oct. 9 being the last day to register to vote, he urged students to participate in the upcoming election and encourage others to do the same. Students were also informed about the voting location changes on campus. Voting sites at UNCG and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T) have been cut, with voting now taking place on the Union Square Campus here in Greensboro, a shared location between UNCG and North Carolina A&T. 

Cooper’s connection to public education goes beyond his work in government. His mother was a public-school teacher, which has influenced his views on the importance of educators and public schools. When asked what North Carolina can do to attract and retain more teachers, especially in public schools, Cooper pointed out the continued investment in education and educators. If he wins the Senate seat, he plans to stop the elimination of the Department of Education. He also emphasized the need for North Carolina to invest more in education and the people who are working within it, “…It’s important to fund education and the educators because they’re the keys to the foundation of life,” Cooper said.  

For future educators attending UNCG, Cooper’s comments highlighted the challenges that are impacting the teaching profession and the importance of continued investment in public education. He also pointed out the need for North Carolina to prioritize funding education and the people who work in the field. Cooper also addressed the broader political climate, saying that what is happening in Washington, D.C. does not put the needs of people first.  

Cooper’s message to students remained focused on civic participation. With the election approaching, he encouraged students to register to vote, motivate their peers to become involved in the political process, and use their voices by participating in elections. He emphasized that young people have the power to influence the issues that affect their communities and their future. Roy Cooper closed with a message rooted in his family and his hopes for the future generation. He said his parents left him a great country and expressed his desire to leave future generations with the same or better. With voter registration deadlines approaching and a competitive midterm election ahead, Roy Cooper’s visit placed an emphasis on the role and importance that college students play in shaping North Carolina’s future.