Opinion

Where did it go?

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Also by Badger Herald Editorial Board:

• The Invisible Man Award: Wyndham Manning (May 7, 2009)
• The People's Choice Award: Jacqueline Hitchon et. al (May 7, 2009)
• The Lifetime Achievement Award: ASM (May 7, 2009)
• Honest representation (May 5, 2009)
• Junger for ASM Chair (May 5, 2009)

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One of the most glaring deficiencies in ASM’s current seg fee distribution process is the complete lack of accountability. Groups receive hundreds, sometimes thousands—and next year, even millions—of dollars on the basis of vague promises without any question as to whether those promises are kept.

Consider this past weekend’s hip-hop conference. A variety of groups, including WUD, Hip Hop Generation and WSUM received at least $19,900 combined in event grants and emergency SSFC allocations. The money was for a good cause—the hip-hop conference as a concept is one we enthusiastically endorse; diverse entertainment options and appreciation for alternative cultures are sorely lacking ingredients in Madison’s search for diversity.

Unfortunately, this year’s event failed to live up to that promise or to the precedent set by the first two conferences. Organizers failed to bring the administration or the Afro American Studies department on board; advertising was nearly nonexistent; scheduling problems abounded; events were cancelled; some artists failed to show. Yet no account will be required of the student dollars spent on the event.

Truth be told, we hate to use the hip-hop conference as an example—at least the service it provides to students is readily apparent, and the actual conference, despite its problems, was still an enjoyable and educational one.

But the fact remains that many student groups could be throwing thousands of dollars into Lake Mendota and ASM would not have a clue—or care. If students are going to be taxed at unprecedented amounts, the least we can expect is to be told in detail how our money is being spent and have ASM demand it be spent properly.