University of Kansas new Multicultural Student Government given power to operate

Kansas University student senators have given the newly formed KU Multicultural Student Government its first powers despite some opposition to the action, from senators who say things may be moving too fast.

The senate met Wednesday night, and voted to give the Multicultural Student Government control over spending the $90,000 Multicultural Education Fund. Student-body senators also agreed to give the new government 12 spots on the Senate’s campus fee review subcommittee bringing the total number of seats on that committee to 24.

Earlier this month, after the Multicultural Student Government became an official student organization, those forming the government said the fund money would be used for operating expenses, for advertising and to pay its leaders.

Establishment of the new fund and allocation of the money from, it still needs approval from KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. In the mean time, elections for the new government haven’t been held yet, nor has the new government formed its rules and regulations.

The Lawrence Journal World reported on Thursday that some Student senate leaders wanted to wait until the new government body was more firmly established before giving it any controls.

“We’re putting the cart before the horse on this issue,” Student Senate Chief of Staff Adam Moon, told the Journal World. “Right now the body that we are intending to (give) authority and power to has not been given authority to govern by the body it will represent. ... Once that vote occurs, then I’m all for the next Senate deciding what to do.”

This story was originally published March 31, 2016 at 4:01 PM with the headline "University of Kansas new Multicultural Student Government given power to operate."