ACFC shows lack of responsibility for not funding OSPIRG; ASUO should reject decision

There are huge problems in the world — global warming, the rising cost of health care, consumer rip-offs, an economic crisis and more. OSPIRG was started at the University to give students a vehicle with which to solve those problems. By combining the energy of students with the expertise and continuity of a professional staff of advocates and organizers, OSPIRG has been a force behind accomplishments such as our land use system, Lemon Law, Citizens Utility Board, toxic chemical disclosure and cleanup programs, recycling standards, Motor Voter, Clean Car standards, protections from predatory lending and privacy invasion, and Oregon’s recent landmark effort to control skyrocketing health care costs.

We want an OSPIRG chapter at the UO. Unfortunately, on Wednesday night the ACFC voted to provide zero funding for OSPIRG. This was an extreme decision, suggesting that the committee saw no merit in students playing a role in solving huge problems in the world.

Although OSPIRG provided all of the materials and information the committee asked for, ACFC never clearly articulated a reason to not fund OSPIRG, except a vague sense of uncertainty. We think this was irresponsible of the members of the committee who voted against OSPIRG, and we call on the ASUO to reject the committee’s decision and fund OSPIRG, so that we can continue this incredible program.

Amelie Rousseau
ASUO Events Coordinator

Jeremy Blanchard
ASUO Senator

Lidiana S. Morales
Co-Director, Multicultural Center

Katherine Philipson
Students for Global Health Co-Founder

Tessa Barker
Climate Justice League

Emma Newman
Climate Justice League

Jill Torres
Diversity Coordinator for the Women’s Center

Travis Prinslow
Climate Justice League

opinion@dailyemerald.com

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4 comments

OSPIRG's Head

Tue Feb 23 2010 09:27

Peter, that's a load of bull-pocky and you know it.

OSPIRG is nothing more than a money laundering operation, designed to siphon off money from universities to be sent to lawyers at the main office, then dispersed to other places. Most of the time, OSPIRG does not do what it's supposed to. I have yet to see anything major happen at the university since I've been there.

OSPIRG is nothing more than a racket, and deserves to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law under the federal RICO statutes.

Peter

Tue Feb 23 2010 00:29

The issues that OSPIRG works on affect everyone - especially students. That is part of the reason why OSPIRG was created. I believe that students organizing around these issues can make a difference and I also think they should be able to use the most effective ways to fundraise for their efforts.

Anonymous

Mon Feb 22 2010 12:27

I second Crampton. OSPIRG - no one is denying that the goals you have are ambitious and worthy (although I do believe your corporate structure is ultimately corrupt and ineffective). We simply don't believe it is the job of the students of the University of Oregon to pay for it. If you believe so many people want you around, why not get funded through private donations? If you believe $1.66 a day from each student is not much to ask for, why not ask for it?

In short, there will be no significant breakthrough in "global warming" because you were given $100,000 by us. It will, however, put significant pressure on my wallet.

Crampton

Mon Feb 22 2010 02:14

Apparently these authors were not at the same meeting I was. The problems with OSPIRG were clearly articulated, and they have been for years. OSPIRG sends student money off campus to pay non students to lobby for issues that have little relation to the University of Oregon Campus. Additionally, OSPIRG's system is structured in a manner that partial funding would make the organization ineffective atnd a even greater waste of students dollars. I'm sorry, but $30,000, $50,000 or even $100,000 is going to have no effect on ending global warming, hunger or homelessness.

There's a reason no major University in Oregon pays for OSPIRG. The PIRG system is an outdated ineffective model.

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