The EMU & Student Recreational Center expansion referendum is being called into
question on the basis of constitutionality. Students were asked to vote on whether
they “should be allowed to vote directly on funding levels for certain fee-funded
programs.” With an overwhelming outcome of 4,228 in favor and a mere 553
against, the referendum passed.

However, because of the Supreme Court decision in the University of Wisconsin vs.
Southworth case, this funding referendum would be considered unconstitutional.
This case concluded that a public university can charge it’s students activity fees as
long as these funding decisions are not based on a certain group’s perspective, such
as a student body vote. The referendum will be under further discussion this term in
order to decide whether or not it can stand.