New Stadium Uncalled For
Writer Cites Low Attendance at Games, Rising Tuition Costs
North Texas Daily, 10/01

Being on the “anti” side of any issue can put one at a disadvantage.

If I were to come out and say I would vote “no” to a tuition increase to pay for a new stadium, I would be accused of being against a new stadium entirely.

But if anyone in this new stadium debate is on the “anti” side, it would be those who carelessly expect the students to fit the bill for this lofty project. They don’t care that many of us have to work. They don’t care if we take out federal loans and scholarships to pay the rising cost of an NT education.

Last year, to the shock and utter disgust of several administrators and student government moguls, I questioned whether it would be ethical to raise tuition $75 per semester to pay for a Rec Center that relatively few students would use and wouldn’t add to the effectiveness of our fine university.

To make it clear: I’m for an improved Fouts Field. Now let’s talk about funding this thing.

I was raised to believe that when you want to buy a toy, you have to save up for it (or wait for Christmas to come along). Now our athletics department is angling for a new toy of its own—one that is just sure to make all the kids in the neighborhood jealous and make this the best Christmas ever.

Ah, but we can’t afford such a pricey renovation! So what’s their first course of action? Pass the buck to the students. In their logic, if we passed the Rec Center tuition hike before, surely we’ll be gullible enough to pass another one, too.

This is where I draw the line! We, the students of NT, will not idly sit by and watch our tuition increase to unaffordable levels.

Do we pride ourselves on diversity? Then why do we raise tuition? Do we want to scare away the historically disadvantaged who have a hard time making ends meet? Are we trying to attract an exceptional student body who are here for higher education and not just to party? Then why are we trying to fake school spirit? Is a new stadium going to trick our football players into winning more games?

I think perhaps a little renovation would be necessary down the line. But let’s wait until we start winning some games. Then, when the crowds start showing up, we can facilitate that growth.

“Necessity is the mother of invention,” said inventor Jonathan Schattke. So why are we inventing a new stadium for a need that doesn’t exist?

Please join me in opposing tuition and fee increases. A renovated Fouts Field would be nice. This means we should start planning for that day, rather than trying to “rush Christmas” and raise tuition.

During the Recreation Center debates, I warned the student body that if they passed the tuition increase, other departments would try to increase fees too. And look what’s happening?

Thankfully, they have to get through us first. We the students must decide whether a raise in our tuition levels is the right thing to do or not.

So, if the issue comes before you, please join me in shouting a resounding, collective “NO” to those who would blow our hard earned money on false hope.