Is SJP ASUC Sponsored?
Thanks to Andy J for this catch.

One of the most important issues in former Senator Lafata’s suit against CalSERVE over its participation in last week’s SJP rally is Mr. Lafata’s claim that SJP is an “ASUC sponsored” organization.

Quote from the Charge Sheet:

“Such protest was carried on by an organization [SJP] that receives both the funding and the resources of the ASUC at the moment of sponsorship and allocation of funds. When members of the defense became a central part of this political activity, the activity became an extension of their campaign.”

Further on in the Charge Sheet:

“CalSERVE, acting in their capacity as members of said party, merged their campaign with the political activity of an agent of the ASUC.”

Mr. Lafata charges that such activity is in violation of 4.13.2.7, which prohibits the use of ASUC funds, resources, authority, and facilities for campaign activities.

The case then is based on SJP’s use of ASUC sponsorship and resources and how CalSERVE, when it joined the rally, used the same sponsorship and resources to further their own campaign.

However there is no proof, at least on the ASUC’s website, that SJP is an ASUC sponsored or funded organization. It is however an OSL sponsored group, but that is a major distinction as Paul’s suit only deals with ASUC sponsorship and funds.

SJP is not listed in last year’s and this year’s ASUC budget. My understanding is that all groups which receive ASUC sponsorship appear in each years budget regardless of whether or not they receive any funding from the ASUC.

Some Analysis: If the budget document lists all the money the ASUC has spent each year, SJP’s absence from that list means that it received no ASUC funding. If that holds up it would be a blow to Mr. Lafata’s case. If SJP’s absence from the budget also means that it is not an ASUC sponsored group, then Lafata’s case could fall apart.

Several Important Questions Remain Unanswered:
1. If SJP did not receive any ASUC money for the rally, did the rally organizers themselves receive any money?
2. Was the rally itself ASUC sponsored?
3. Is SJP ASUC sponsored? Proof needs to be established that it is for Mr. Lafata's suit to have validity, but none is to be found on the ASUC's website.

Relevant Links:
I’m not sure how up to date this list is.
1. List of ASUC sponsored groups.

2. This Year’s Latest Budget Proposal.

3. Last year’s ASUC Budget.

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