Over 200 University of Wisconsin students anticipated the decision about projected budget cuts before the Associated Students of Madison Student Council meeting and waved colorful signs that read “Pass the Package” or “Support Student Organizations,” as they rallied on the steps of Memorial Union to support Shadow Day.
Roman Patzner, the Student Services Finance Committee chair, stated that the total budget of all student organizations is $2.5 million and, according to ASM, cuts need to be made to save UW students money.
Numerous students stated they did not mind the $20 they pay in segregated fees and others even suggested an increase.
Some of the student organizations that were considered for budget cuts included Asian Pacific American Council, the Campus Women’s Center, Wisconsin Student Public Interest Group and SAFEwalk.
As of press time, no decisions had been made regarding budget cuts.
Over 50 concerned individuals approached the podium during the open forum to present their opinions, including undergraduate and graduate students as well as citizens concerned about the effect of this decision on the community.
“Because of student services, I feel I have connections to the community,” said Marcela Garcia, a freshman at UW. “These elements will make me successful at the university …. Don’t cut the tools that make us successful.”
Agreeing with these students, SSFC member Faith Kurtyka thinks the budget cuts are targeted at specific student organizations.
“You don’t see them cutting budgets for GUTS,” said Kurtyka. “These groups are the reasons many students stay in school.”
The opposing side included SSFC member Ryan Nichols, along with several students who spoke at the podium.
“Why do we force all students to pay for things not all of us agree with?” sophomore Michael Hahn said. “Why does this have to be about race, sexual orientation and gender diversity? How about the diversity of opinions, ideas and understanding others? The silent majority didn’t come here to share their ideas, beliefs and speak because they would be laughed at and labeled as racists and bigots.”
Several students, including Hahn, argued that the percentage taken out of segregated fees, often referred to as the “student tax” by university students, for certain student organizations could be reduced, if not eliminated completely.
One controversial issue was the student organization for Shadow Day.
Before the ASM meeting Thursday, supporters for Shadow Day met and rallied, and during the open forum, students often talked of Shadow Day with high regard but disappointment towards the actions taken “when the funding was cut because LGBT students were included,” said junior Lindsey Addison.
“When admissions blocked Shadow Day, I couldn’t tell you how betrayed I was,” said Don Fraynd, a UW graduate student. “We were deceived as to how accepting this school really is.”
Nichols said he believed that “Shadow Day targeted specific schools” instead of making the invitation to everyone; therefore, he stands behind the ban.
“Tonight was a true expression of UW-Madison,” said senior Jessy Tolkan. “Students had an active role in what their education is.”
