More Repercussions felt from Budget Cuts
As the University is forced to deal with a tighter budget, they are looking for ways to save money. It looks like one of the effects of this is going to be the Office of Student Life attempting to save money by cutting student groups. I recently received an e-mail from a member of the school Parliamentary Debate team (of which I am a member), and if what is happening to them represents a wider trend, then students have to band together so the University does not get the idea it can get away with cutting essential student groups. Here is a shortened version of the letter, written by James Changes, which I received:

The Office of Student Life (OSL) announced its intention on Thursday, April 29th to integrate Berkeley’s separate parliamentary and policy debate teams under the leadership of the policy debate coach, who has openly stated his intension to eliminate the parliamentary (Parli) team and consolidate all funds for the use of the policy team, an action that has already been approved by OSL. This decision by OSL is in direct violation of the Cal Forensics constitution, agreed to by the directors of both debate teams and approved by OSL, which lays out clear procedures for any changes to the structure of relations between the parliamentary and policy debate teams.

OSL’s decision will have a devastating impact on our campus, as parliamentary debate is an activity of significant educational value.

The success of Cal Parli has undoubtedly elevated the prestige of our campus. This year, Cal Parli was once again the top performing team out of over 100 colleges and universities at the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) Championships (the largest debate tournament in American intercollegiate history), winning the prestigious National Tournament Sweepstakes Award by accomplishing an unprecedented feat – advancing seven two-person teams to elimination rounds.

This success draws many bright students to Cal every year with the intent of representing our campus in competitive parliamentary debate.

The Office of Student Life has violated established procedures in taking a drastic action that would eliminate the UC Berkeley Parliamentary Debate team. This unacceptable action, and the precedent it sets, has strong negative implications on the future of all student groups. Cal Parli has been an integral part of the Berkeley campus community, bringing home multiple national titles while providing a forum for Cal students to engage in educational debate. The elimination of Cal Parli is not only improper – it would be a great disservice to all of our students.

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