Student fees need balance

Currently if you are a member of one of the political parties that make up nearly half of the U.S. electorate, you can not reserve University rooms or obtain a tax-free bank account. The same applies if you are a member of a political organization that supports the legalization of marijuana. Democratic, Republican and Libertarian groups are denied a Student Organization Account (SOA). \nThe list goes on to close the coffers to most groups with political and religious ties. But not all. \nThe University excludes so-called political and religiously affiliated IU student groups from applying and obtaining SOAs -- a University-based financial service for student groups. SOAs are the sole determining factor in receiving some IUSA funds through the Commitment to Assist Student Initiatives that are composed of the mandatory $53.61 activity fee all students pay. \n While the accounts are closed to most political and religious groups, some are seen as an exception to the rule. The Residence Halls Association receives the funds even though it supports groups like Campus Crusade for Christ. IUSA itself is a political group that lobbies in Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. for certain political causes -- yet receives these funds without discrimination.\nTry painting this picture as fair to the president of the College Democrats, senior Dan O'Neill, whose group applied for an SOA number and was denied because of political affiliation -- although the SOA guidelines fail to mention political or religious factors as the determinants.\nWhile it may be true that student groups don't need an SOA account to exist and participate on campus, the availability of the SOA number and application for funds should be equal to all, without exclusion.\nAlthough the Grass Roots Initiative Funds, composed of IUSA credit card revenues, stepped in to assist political and religious groups that cannot receive SOA numbers and privileges, the fact remains that when students are required to pay activity fees, they should be available equally among all groups. Additionally, CASI funding adds up to more than $1 million, while GRIF dollars just pile up past $10,000. \nThe Supreme Court ruled in March 2000 that the University of Wisconsin can distribute funds to all student groups, as long as the money is distributed fairly. Students spoke out against the university's policy of granting money to gay student groups, but the highest court upheld U of W's right to divvy dollars to all students who apply. \nIU has student groups that are tailored to various hobbies, affiliations, races, ethnicities, genders and interests, and all should be eligible to compete on an even playing field for these funds. \nAll groups should be able to apply, and the money should be delegated on a fair basis, depending on the membership levels and activities of the group. Whether they are sponsoring a day of prayer or fighting for the legalization of marijuana, all groups should receive equal funding for student activities. The students paid the fee, so all should be equally eligible for the benefits.\nStaff vote: 14 - 0 - 2\nyes - no - abstain