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Chapel Hill Today
By the People, for the People
UNC Student Body President Candidates Debate Tuition, Campus Issues
DiPhi endorses Nayan Bala after forum with three certified candidates
Published on Feb. 5, 2026
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The Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies (DiPhi) hosted a debate for the three certified candidates for UNC Student Body President - Devin Duncan, Khizra Ahmad, and Nayan Bala. The candidates discussed issues like potential in-state tuition increases, defending student self-governance, the future of the Dean Dome and Carolina North development, and a referendum on defunding the Carolina Union Activities Board (CUAB). At the end of the forum, DiPhi endorsed Bala as their choice for student body president.
Why it matters
The student body president election at UNC is a closely watched race that has significant implications for the university's policies and direction. The debate provided an opportunity for students to hear directly from the candidates on key issues impacting campus life and student governance.
The details
During the debate, the candidates shared their views on several important topics. On the potential 3% in-state tuition increase, Devin Duncan said he would have voted against it, while Bala said she would have surveyed students first before deciding, and Ahmad also opposed the increase. On defending student self-governance, Bala pledged to publicly call out the administration when they act against student interests, Ahmad proposed a multicultural council to give underrepresented students more of a voice, and Duncan said he would organize more direct student-administrator meetings. The candidates also weighed in on the future of the Dean Dome and the controversial Carolina North development project.
- The Student Body Presidential Candidate Debate was held on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
- Early voting for the general election will be from February 7-9, 2026.
- Election day voting will be held from February 10-11, 2026.
The players
Nayan Bala
A certified candidate for UNC Student Body President who was endorsed by the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies (DiPhi) after the debate.
Devin Duncan
A certified candidate for UNC Student Body President who participated in the debate.
Khizra Ahmad
A certified candidate for UNC Student Body President who participated in the debate.
Adolfo Alvarez
The current UNC Student Body President who voted to increase in-state student tuition by 3% as an ex-officio member of the UNC Board of Trustees.
Chris McClanahan
The DiPhi Joint Senate President who asked the candidates why students should not vote for the other nominees.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
