A member of the Student Government Association’s Senate expressed concern about a column by an SGA executive published in The Crimson White last month.

The column, written by Mackenzie Brown, discussed Brown’s concerns about the Spirit of Alabama Act. This act would charge students $12.50 per semester. The money would go toward causes such as financially aiding campus organizations, providing meals to students who do not have sufficient funds and adding to student scholarships.

Brown referred to the act as a “student activity fee.” He referenced The University of Minnesota’s fee, which he said was $1,627.55 each semester. Fitzgerald said this was incorrect.

“The actual fee they pay is $430,” Fitzgerald said. “However, Mackenzie alludes to the fact that the money spills directly to their SGA. This is not the case, as only $2.86 goes to the SGA.”

Joelle Stangler, The University of Minnesota’s SGA president, told CW staff that University of Minnesota students pay approximately $430 each per semester. She said the money goes toward student groups, mental health services, legal counseling for students and funding for their recreation center.

Fitzgerald commented on the raising of taxes.

“Mackenzie says that this would give the SGA the right to raise taxes,” he said. “This is not true, as the bill would have to be approved by trustees, the same group that approves all expenses and student fees. They warn of a day where a harmless $12.50 will turn into a corrupt $1,600. That is just fear mongering and wrong.”

Brown said since the original document was submitted as an act, this would, by law, put the Spirit of Alabama Act in effect without the permission of the Board of Trustees.

“Some students oppose the act, because they feel it is a tax that may set precedent to slightly larger fees,” he said. “However, there are very few students that I have talked to that feel very strongly against a new $12.50 fee every semester.”

Brown said that the act comes down to intent versus practice.

“The intent of this act is great,” Brown said. “They raise a number of concerns that should be addressed and can unite this campus. But in practice we should not and do not have the ability to tax students more than they pay in tuition.”

Compiled by Elizabeth Elkin