Emotions ran high several times during Tuesday’s Student Senate meeting as senators debated funding for “The Vagina Monologues.”
Prefacing a heavy piece of legislation on the docket, Chaplain William Finnin voiced his support for “The Vagina Monologues” program and encouraged senators to pass the bill.
“I think it speaks to one of the most problematic issues of this day: violence against women,” he said.
Two hours later, senators began a debate over how much to fund the Women’s Interest Network for two performances of “The Vagina Monologues.”
The divisive opinions arose after the finance committee recommendation was presented, which cut fundraising costs in full, reducing the total costs for the program by $620, or 25 percent of funds requested.
Though debate ran off topic several times, it focused on whether or not senators should allocate student fees to campus organizations if they know that the organization plans to give part of the money to charity through merchandise funded by Student Senate.
Student Body President Liz Healy said the issue was not about giving to charity, but whether or not senators should be able to make the decision as to which charity student fees will financially support.
“I don’t think it’s the responsibility of Student Senate to use student fees for charity. But, I do think it’s our responsibility to fund the program,” Healy said.
The Women’s Interest Network had requested student senators to incur the expenses for chocolates, soaps and T-shirts the group planned to sell at “The Vagina Monologues” in an effort to raise money for a charity called The Family Place.
Senators voted to pass the bill, adding $500 in T-shirt expenses to the finance committee’s recommendation, bringing the final amount to $2,355.
In other business, a resolution to amend the wording of Article IX, Section 2, Subsection 6 of the Student Senate By-Laws passed unanimously. It now reads, “All Senate Fund requests shall be made in the specific names of chartered organizations, non-chartered organizations, departments, or individuals.”
Senate funded $54 to Pi Tau Sigma, after it was discovered the organization already had a large amount of money in its budget to cover the expenses, and $2,651 to Association of Black Students to cover the costs for some ABS members to attend Big 12 Conference
Senate confirmed the six Student Senate candidates, all of whom were given a strong recommendation from Healy. In Healy’s absence next week, Vice President Taylor Russ will induct the following members to Student Senate: Graham Harrison (Cox); Lauren Ostergren (Cox); Michael Goodman (Meadows); James Longhofer (Dedman II); Andres Ruzo (Dedman I); and Lamar Dowling (Organizations Chair). Currently, six seats remain vacant on Student Senate. According to Russ, Senate is in the process of reviewing applications and conducting interviews to fill these positions. Senate is continuing to accept applications at this time.
Healy will be out of town during the next Senate meeting, participating in a selective leadership conference.
