The Student Services Finance Committee denied Vets for Vets' eligibility at its meeting Monday evening in the Red Gym. The committee unanimously approved eligibility for Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment, a sexual assault education and activism group.
Members of SSFC raised concerns about Vets for Vets' accessibility to all UW-Madison students. UW-Madison sophomore David Lapidus said he found Vets for Vets' accessibility lacking, and if representatives felt one or more eligibility issues were not met, they were obligated to vote ""no.""
Other members, including Andreall Moore, said while Vets for Vets addresses a specific issue, it is ""a resource to all students,"" including those considering joining the armed forces.
SSFC denied Vets for Vets' eligibility by a vote of four to five, with one abstention.
Regarding the approval of PAVE's eligibility, vice chair and UW-Madison senior Kellie Sanders said, ""overall, the committee felt that PAVE provides a great service to the community.""
Though some other student groups address sexual assault issues, SSFC determined that PAVE provided a unique service to the UW-Madison community.
PAVE's website states that they ""raise awareness about sexual assault and educate students on the issues surrounding sexual violence through our peer education program and our campus-wide events and campaigns.""
Monday's SSFC meeting marked the last meeting to discuss eligibility issues this year. Chair and UW-Madison senior Zach Frey said SSFC would address budget training next in preparation for upcoming budget hearings.
