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