Maya took the microphone. The emergency textbook fund received additional money this semester, right? Tyler leaned toward his podium. Yes. Then why did seven of the first 10 grants go to students connected to student government or organizations represented on the review committee?
A murmur moved through the room. Lena turned toward Maya. Tyler's smile remained fixed. I'm not sure where you're getting those numbers from the public award list. That doesn't show individual financial circumstances.
I didn't say it did. Tyler shifted his weight. Maya continued, "I'm asking whether committee members disclose personal or organizational connections to applicants before approving funds." Silence. It wasn't a dramatic accusation.
That made it harder to dismiss. Professor Rebecca Collins sat near the aisle with several faculty members. Ma saw her look down. Tyler gave a small laugh. Well, you're pretty opinionated for someone who's been here what, a week?
Nervous laughter scattered through the hall. Maya felt heat rise into her face. Not because the comment was clever, because it worked. The question disappeared. Now she was the subject.
Tyler spread his hands, but I appreciate the enthusiasm. Another ripple of laughter. Maya could have sat down. Instead, she kept the microphone. You didn't answer.
The room changed. Tyler's smile vanished for half a heartbeat, then returned. We follow Riverton policy. Does the policy require disclosure? I'm sure if you want to submit a formal records request, someone can help you with that.
Maya nodded. Then I will. She handed the microphone back. This time, nobody laughed. As she sat, Lena whispered.
That was either brave or a terrible idea. Probably both. Across the room, Professor Collins looked directly at Maya. Then Tyler, then the Witmore plaque. Again, she said nothing.
After the forum, students poured into the hallway beneath the cold white lights. A few passed Maya without looking at her. One woman quietly said, "Good question, then hurried away." Lena and Mia walked toward the stairs. "Did you see Collins?"
Maya nodded. She knew about the Grants about him. Lena stopped. "Maya, report everything. The post, the file, mason, all of it.
Maya stared through the windows at the gray afternoon. If I react to everything they do, they decide where I look. Lena shook her head. There's a difference between reacting and documenting. Mia turned toward her.
For a moment, neither spoke. Then Maya said, "People like Tyler survive because everyone thinks being uncomfortable is worse than being wrong." Lena's expression softened. "Then don't make it easier for him." Before Maya could answer, Evan Reed came around the corner, phone in hand.
Always the phone. He looked at Maya and smiled. Great speech. It was a question. Sounded like a speech.