Student Senate, was 132 years not enough?

The inaugural issue was four pages and free of charge.

“The Brown and White in its initial number, now greets you,” read the first issue of The Brown and White, published on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 1894. “It will continue to make its appearance every Tuesday and Friday throughout the college years.”

For 132 years and thousands of issues, The Brown and White has published a twice weekly print edition through both world wars and multiple pandemics. 

Now, the future of the print product isn’t as clear as it was in 1894. Our funding has been cut by the Student Senate.

This month, Student Senate voted to reallocate the funds of several sponsored organizations to fund Senate recognized clubs. Among the biggest cuts are The Brown and White, University Productions and the Mustard and Cheese Drama Society. 

It’s disingenuous for the Senate to say they’ve been transparent during this process.

According to the Senate bylaws, the Senate is not to cut a sponsored organization’s allocation by more than 10% from the previous year, and no more than 5% for organizations that received over $10,000. 

However, an added clause clarifies that cuts are up to the Senate’s discretion based on “merited reasons.” The Student Senate exploited this clause for many organizations in a way that’s legal, but unethical. 

According to Cameron Thorson, ‘29, a member of University Productions, the organization filed an appeal, and were then granted $75,000, a $15,000 increase than originally allocated for this year. 

She said even with the updated funds, they won’t be able to provide events like the spring concert and fall comedy show this year. 

The Brown and White did not receive a comment from the Mustard and Cheese Drama Society.

For The Brown and White, the cited reason to cut the budget by 58% was due to “a lack of demand for print.”

Right now, The Brown and White prints 1,200 copies per issue, released every Tuesday and Friday. This is the minimum viable order for the printing company we partner with.

The Senate’s reallocation on Sept. 1 claimed it would allow for 800 copies per issue. 

Printing fewer copies than the current amount would actually cost more per issue due to our printing contract that relies on volume purchasing. 

Last year, The Brown and White requested $29,000 from the Senate. 

This price stems from the cost of newsprint that has consistently risen, as the paper that newspapers are printed on is largely imported from Canada. The international import has also impacted pricing because of tariffs imposed on Canada by the U.S.

Senate President Drew Smith, ‘27, said The Brown and White never mentioned the minimum print order prior to initial allocation. He said it was pertinent information that should’ve been considered in the initial decisions if included.

However, the organizations whose funding was being voted upon on Sept. 1 were not invited to attend the meeting to provide context. 

Only two organizations to have their funding held also had members on the Senate to explain the rationale for their spending. The Brown and White was alerted to the nature of the meeting only hours before, and its editorial team doesn’t participate in senate funding requests.

The only recourse for organizations uninvolved in the Student Senate was to go through the appeals process, which is presented only to the allocation committee, a group of people who have already made up their minds on the decision. 

This is not due process and nor how a government should run. 

Club ambassadors shouldn’t have to plead on their knees at the feet of their peers for funding. 

The Brown and White shouldn’t have to appeal to explain our value as the only campus and Bethlehem-focused newspaper. We should’ve had the opportunity from the beginning. 

So, here’s our case:

Contrary to what some senators said in deliberations, papers “lying around” isn’t an accurate measurement of our readership. 

What’s measurable are the 132 years of Lehigh life available on the library archives and lining Coppee Hall, acting as a time capsule of the school’s history.

What’s measurable is the population of South Side Bethlehem that get their news through our community pages, the only Bethlehem-based publication.

What’s measurable are the small businesses that ask for the copy of The Brown and White they’re featured in as a keepsake of their success. 

What’s measurable is the amount of journalism students who want to be a part of the newspaper –  120 this year and sometimes as many as 150 – waiting for the day their name is in print as a tangible accomplishment of their work. 

The Brown and White isn’t just a club. It’s a learning vehicle, a team and a family for students across colleges. 

Though cuts to our budget will change the way we operate, in no way will we cease or adhere to preferred standards. This story is ongoing, and the legacy of our paper will go forth.

Student Senate, was 132 years not enough to prove our significance?