The AUSA Senate debated at its meeting last week whether organizations which have both cultural and religious components should receive funding that comes from the student activity fee all undergraduates pay with their school tuition bill.

According to the AUSA Constitution, the Senate is not allowed to fund religious organizations but can, however, fund cultural groups.

The debate arose on whether or not to fund groups where the line between religion and culture is blurred. The Muslim Student Association was one of these groups. The MSA was recently granted funding by the Senate and that action came under debate in last week’s meeting.

The Senate ultimately decided to continue to accept groups that may have some religious affiliation as long as the group defined itself as a cultural organization in its constitution.

“The Muslim Student Association should not be defined as a religious organization and denied funding because it clearly states in its constitution that all members are welcome,” said Sen. Regan Byrd.

The Senate also deliberated on funding of individual students to participate in national activities and whether the university received adequate advantages that legitimized such funding.

“I just don’t think we should be funding individuals to go anywhere,” said Sen. Kelsey Yamasaki. “It is for their personal benefit.”

Other senators felt that the achievements of individual students were crucial to building the reputation of DU, particularly in the athletics department.

“These kids are going to national events where everyone is watching them,” said Sen. Joe Pellar. “Having individuals at a national level brings prestige to the university.”

The Senate ultimately decided to continue to hear appeals for individual funds on a case-by-case basis.

In other business, voting this May for AUSA members may be cut down to two days. In previous years, students have had three days to vote. The Senate also further discussed the possibility of having kiosks on campus to encourage more students to vote.