Freshman Loenid Simonovich addressed the AUSA Senate last night on behalf of United for Israel, a new group being formed on campus that applied for licensed fundable status, which was denied.

Simonovich said that the purpose of United for Israel would be to give a place on campus to Israeli culture and voices.

“It would bring great speakers, cultural activities and a more diverse campus to recognize and learn more about Israel in peace,” said Simonovich.

However, the Senate voted not to recognize the group as licensed fundable because they seemed to be politically oriented.

Senator Christopher Gomez noted problems with United for Israel’s proposed constitution.

Senator David Hahn voiced concern that if United for Israel was not granted licensed fundable status, then the Arab Student Association should not have licensed fundable status. He moved to withdraw funding to ASA, but no one seconded his motion.

Bassem Hassan, on behalf of ASA, addressed the Senate to thank them for their support, and to say that ASA is not a political organization.

In other action, the Senate allocated another $8,000 from the capital expenditures account for the Pioneer Plan, in order to assure that the project will be finished by next fall.

The Senate had already allocated $52,000 for the plan.

The Senate passed a FIXIT resolution, presented by Senators Brian Bau and Ben Brooks, creating a one-stop shop to address safety issues. A phone number and Web site will be created for students to report problems.

The Belay group, which supports people with disabilities, was voted as licensed fundable. The Lamont School of Music Performance Organization was also granted licensed fundable status.