Three of the University of Denver’s top student government leaders will receive roughly $1,500 annually each after a 15-3 vote last Tuesday. Not all student government members were pleased with the outcome of the vote that also stopped student government funding for student media. Several senators believed funds could be allocated to other student initiatives.

“I was discouraged and confused to see a proposal for our executive scholarship at the expense of greater student initiatives,” said student senator and junior Dillon Doyle. “I think $4,500 could fund fairly large student organizations. I think it could fund quite a few, a handful. I think $4,500 could bring hundreds more students on beginner Alpine Club trips. While I’m not trying to diminish the work the USG Executive Branch seeks to accomplish, I’m here to say that this is wrong and a disservice to our constituents.”

Also part of the discussion Tuesday was the elimination of funding from student fees for the student media outlets. Student media organizations, including the Clarion, will no longer receive funding that has historically ranged from $25,000 to $50,000. Money will now come from special appropriations through a contingency fund operated by Student Life.

“This will insure a free and independent media that is not subject to the views of the university, of the Undergraduate Student Government or of certain elected positions on campus,” said Antoine Perretta, student body president. “It’ll ensure SMB [Student Media Board] has it’s own autonomy to function free from the restraints we may or may not try to put on [campus media].”

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