A Resolution to Defend Student Organizations Against Discriminatory Funding Models

Summary

The Student Body Treasurer’s Office proposed a new “Student Organization Engagement Points System” that would have replaced the current first-come, first-served funding model with a tier-based system built on attendance metrics and structural benchmarks. Under the new model, organizations would have been required to front between 20% and 80% of event costs — a burden that would disproportionately fall on smaller, minority-led, first-generation, and niche organizations that lack alumni networks and member volume.

This resolution formally opposed the points system, called for its immediate suspension, and demanded that any changes to student funding models be presented before the Student Senate for public deliberation and approval before implementation. The resolution was blocked from reaching the Senate floor.

Full Text

117th Student Senate of the University of South Carolina

Sponsored by Senator Whisenant

WHEREAS, the current funding process operates on a fair, first-come, first-served basis, allowing organizations to receive up to 100% reimbursement for eligible event expenses; and

WHEREAS, the Student Body Treasurer’s Office has proposed the Student Organization Engagement Points System, which links funding eligibility to a tier-based model built on attendance metrics and structural benchmarks that disproportionately favor larger, wealthier, and already established student organizations, and institutes a new system of partial funding only; and

WHEREAS, this system relies heavily on an organization’s ability to generate attendance, ignoring the significant logistical and financial challenges faced by smaller, minority-led, first-generation, or niche organizations; and

WHEREAS, under the points system, organizations must front between 20% to 80% of event costs, a financial burden that can exclude low-income students and force members to personally subsidize public campus events; and

WHEREAS, the points system was introduced without meaningful deliberation or approval by the Student Senate, the body constitutionally entrusted with legislative authority over all student funding policies; and

WHEREAS, concerns have been raised regarding conflicts of interest, inequitable design, and potential misuse of the system;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the 117th Student Senate:

THAT, this legislative body firmly opposes the adoption of the proposed points-based funding model;

THAT, the Student Senate urges the Student Body Treasurer’s Office to immediately suspend the implementation of the Student Organization Engagement Points System;

THAT, the Senate calls for a transparent, student-centered review process;

THAT, any proposed changes to student funding models must be presented before the Student Senate for public deliberation and legislative approval prior to implementation.

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