Earlier this month, the Student Senate heard a request for $29,000 to bring Afro-Latin band Ozomatli to the University campus. Trevor Atkins, a journalism student concerned about freshmen who feel isolated at the University, explained to senators that the concert would attract first-year students as well as the University community, providing a forum to publicize resources for students who need support.
The Senate did not immediately approve his request because many senators rightly said more discussion was necessary prior to shelling out almost $30,000 of student money for a single event. Senators at the initial hearing also recognized that should Ozomatli ask for more money after the Senate allocated an amount to the UO Cultural Forum’s account, senators might feel obligated to spend more to ensure the band’s involvement.
While the Senate waited for a more appropriate time to address the Ozomatli concert, Atkins was busy collecting $10,000 in donations from student programs. Upon learning of Atkins’ fundraising efforts and viewing a more comprehensive financial outline of the concert during a Senate meeting last week, senators approved $20,000 to bring Ozomatli to campus next fall.
Although $20,000 is less than Atkins’ original request, it is still a huge sum of money. We remain unsure about the benefits that one concert can provide. Were the Senate to invest in a longer-running program or concert series, that $20,000 could go toward a multitude of events rather than to a single occasion that many students may be unable to attend.
Thus we agree with newly elected ASUO President Jared Axelrod, who recently vetoed the allocation to allow the Senate to hash out additional details, such as whether the event will conflict with others. He also proposed charging students and community members a nominal admission fee; even $10 a person would defray the costs.
Although we value Atkin’s dedication, we urge the Senate not to approve such a large amount of money for a single event. It could be better spent on a variety of events or programs.