Funding RequestsSMR#15-S03: Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) were granted $300 of their $700 request for the funding of two Tibetan Buddhist nuns to speak at Brandeis.

SMR#16-S03: Triskelion received $1,160 in an emergency funding request for Pride Month.



Resolution

Senate passed with a 15-2-0 vote to communicate to the University Board of Trustees to request a priority on the values of equity, social justice and student service in adjusting the University budget.

The senate reported that they understand the University's decision to make cuts in the budget, but want the University to do so while considering the values of the University and commitments to students.

Specifically, the senate is concerned with proposed cuts that have the possibility of the termination of many low-pay service employees such as custodial and cafeteria workers.

According to the Senate, the cuts question the University's equity and social justice. The senate also has shown concern for the effect on the students' experiences as a result of the low-pay employee's services.

The senate suggested an alternative: They urged the University address the concerns by considering reductions in other areas of the University, such as compensation packages for the top-paid employees of the University.

The senate argues that cutting from the top is better than cutting from the bottom because it is more equitable and does not negatively impact the quality of life for those affected or diminish the quality of student life by reducing services for students.

The senate requested that the Board of Trustees take into account their suggestions while making their budget-cutting decisions.



-- Vered Blonstein