Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 15:48:50 -0500 From: Jeremy Rosen To: kmayeux@sg.ufl.edu Cc: indepm@freenet.ufl.edu Subject: freedom of speech / student fees Hi. My name is Jeremy Rosen, and I have been a member of the student government at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for four years. I am shocked that a student government President, or for that matter a student Senate, would be so unmindful of the United States Constitution when creating and approving a budget. As you should know, standard case law on student fees, until recently, has held that no organization can be denied funding based on the actions that it takes (ie protesting .etc.) unless these activities are religious or politically PARTISAN in nature. It is important to stress the word "partisan." Standard non-partisan political activities are allowed, just not activities that support one party over another. Recently, though, the Court has ruled that religious organizations may now be funded, and the majority opinion seems to imply that politically partisan groups may not be far behind. I would never dream of protesting the right of a legitimate student government to make decisions on what groups to fund, even if I did not support any of the groups chosen to receive money. However, I urge you not to support ANY blanket restrictions on ALL groups. Whatever your political slant is, prohibiting all groups from taking any particular action is probably unconstitutional, and is definitely a blow to student rights in general. Taking such a position lends legitimacy to the claims of the University that they should control student fees. And one way or another, it will probably prevent a group that you support from reaching its' maximum effectiveness on campus. I would greatly appreciate a response to this letter. If I do not see one, I will be inclined to contact other UF students that I know, as well as the Florida Students Association. Once again, please abandon this ridiculous attempt to try and control the actions of campus student organizations. Thanks. Jeremy (jnrosen@students.wisc.edu) "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."---Margaret Mead 431 W. Doty St., Apartment 1 ASM or ASM SSFC Office Madison, WI. 53703 511 Memorial Union--800 Langdon St. (608) 259-1536 Madison, WI. 53706 (608) 265-4ASM OR (608) 263-3950 (608) 265-5637 (FAX)