The Badger Herald

OPINION & EDITORIAL

UWRCF funding just

Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.

Also by Letters to the Editor:

SSFC stipend appropriate (December 11, 2007)
Poor plowing cuts off handicapped access (December 10, 2007)
Cars that actually help the environment (December 10, 2007)
Organic food: Deliciously safe (December 10, 2007)
Diversity deserves attention at UW (December 7, 2007)

by Letters to the Editor

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

I've been reading the recent editorials about the UWRCF receiving segregated fees (which, by the way, is not taxpayer money) and how it is felt that, because this is a public university, a religious group should not receive these funds.

I disagree. I will be honest and admit that I am Catholic and a member of St. Paul's but I still think, objectively, we have a right to some of the segregated fees. As you said, this is a public university. Well, we are a portion of the public. There are other funded, student groups out there with religious, political and philosophical views that not everybody agrees with, or offer services that not everybody partakes in — but I still think ALL of them have the right to receive funds, express their views, and serve the members of the UW community if there is a need or desire for them. I don't see this as a violation of the First Amendment because it is not a case of the State establishing an official religion or showing preference to one over the other — a perusal of the RSO list shows organizations devoted to many cultures and religions, as well as atheism and agnosticism, and all of these organizations would be eligible for student fees (I know the Jewish Cultural Collective gets them, as to other cultural groups). Also, as a side note, money to pay for the Mass and other liturgical services does not come from the segregated fees.

The best and most consistent argument I've heard is that we shouldn't get segregated fees — and nor should anybody else, and all the organizations should simply fend for themselves. While that may be 'fair', I don't think it is a benefit to UW—Madison. Part of what I enjoy about this university is the free exchange of ideas and opportunities to get involved, and I think that is in part due to the many student organizations. I'm not saying the current system is perfect, but I don't think it should be scrapped entirely. Similar to the fact that I pay taxes, some of which go to things I will never use, I'm willing to pay fees even if I don't directly benefit from every organization, because I believe it benefits the community as a whole.

Lisamarie LiGreci Graduate Student Microbiology Doctoral Training Program

Feedback

Show all comments

Hide anonymous comments

Anonymous (May 9, 2007 @ 10:46am):

I understand the principle of the argument in this column, but I've yet to see a UWFC supporter argue the need for over $250,000 a year. Thats greed, plain and simple. No student group needs that amount of seg fees period.

Anonymous (May 9, 2007 @ 1:14pm):

10:46 I completely agree but MCSC, DEP, and WSUM all receive MORE than the UWRCF. We need to make the process easier for groups to find funding else where and to have groups stop relying on the students of Madison to pay their salaries.

Anonymous (May 9, 2007 @ 3:00pm):

"all of these organizations would be eligible for student fees (I know the Jewish Cultural Collective gets them, as to other cultural groups)"

Unlike your group, the JCC doesn't restrict any of its programs to people who share their faith. That's why they should be eligible and UWRCF shouldn't. They don't discriminate against anyone, you do.

Anonymous (May 9, 2007 @ 4:46pm):

The JCC doesn't discriminate? Yeah right, tell that to the Palestinians.

Anonymous (May 9, 2007 @ 6:46pm):

3:00

How does the UWRCF discriminate (aside from having views that may put people off, but that's the case with any group religious or no)? I'm a member and I personally know non Catholics that are in some of our groups, studies, etc. The only thing I can think of is that non Catholics cannot recieve communion at Mass, but they are welcome at Mass, and the seg fees don't pay for Mass anyway.

Anonymous (May 9, 2007 @ 10:11pm):

To 1:14 -

As of next year, DEP will no longer be paid for by segregated fees. They have decided the Diversity Education Program had become too professionalized and will now be paid for through other university funds.

Add a comment

We welcome your thoughts, but please keep your feedback thoughtful, on-topic and respectful. Offensive language, personal attacks, or irrelevant comments may be deleted.