Student activity fees, just like tuition and other collective charges, support a marketplace of ideas and activities. Students use student governments, referenda and student funding boards to democratically decide which activities and organizations deserve financial support. Many student organizations that receive funding express their viewpoints through pamphlets, letter writing drives, communication with policymakers, speaking engagements, conferences and so forth. We firmly believe that these kinds of educational activities are essential to fulfilling the university's mission. Moreover, in an era of low voter participation and civic involvement, it is especially important that students learn to be active members of their community.
Higher education is about more that just tests, textbooks, and classes.
American universities are better institutions because of the wide array of activities available to students through activity fees. In short, the greater the selection and availability of activities, the better prepared the college graduate. Students must continue to have the right to fund and control their own activities.