Panthermonium, the victim of budget cuts

Mariantonia Mejia | Staff Writer

For the second year in a row, the Homecoming Council canceled Panthermonium, the (previously) annual fall homecoming concert. 

While the official reason concerns their funds and budget, which the Student Government Association controls, being reduced significantly, SGA President Alexander Sutton stated in PantherNOW’s article that the administration plans on phasing out concerts at FIU entirely. 

While there is some merit to this decision, as rising costs are sure to put a dent in the school’s budget, it’s absurd that getting rid of one of the forms for students to let off steam and build community is first on administration’s list. 

As college students, we’ve dealt with attacks on our education, from House Bill 999, which restricts diversity education, to the new anti-affirmative action Supreme Court ruling. To add, our faculty is under attack with Senate Bill 256 which threatens to weaken unions. 

In the wake of these educational disasters, the FIU administration, rather than speak up about these issues in a tangible way, focuses on gutting funding that could’ve immensely improved student life.

The argument could be made that administration is ensuring that we have appropriate funding for all necessities, which concerts are not. That being said, if FIU was able to spend $90 million and charge $4,600 a semester to live in Tamiami Hall, which reportedly is no better (but much more expensive) than any other dorms, it’s baffling that they cannot afford Panthermonium.

FIU must properly fund organizations that benefit student life if they want happy students. Not just the Homecoming Council, but us at PantherNOW as well, who experienced a $50,000 cut and the source of all your information is operating at a deficit.

Our university has always been regarded as a phenomenal school with opportunities for learning and social growth. What has always made FIU great is the positive environment that it creates to foster success and community amongst its students. 

Though it may seem silly, events like the Panthermonium are a way for students to feel appreciated by their university and continue building the community that creates the “school pride” attitude universities so desperately want to foster. Not only this but creating a space where students can still enjoy university activities without the pressure of a connection to a class or club can help to improve a student’s mental health, which, in turn, correlates to academic success. 

Fun, joy and entertainment are necessities for living, just as much as anything else. Providing these things for students when they cost an arm and a leg is a necessary kindness, as most of our lives revolve around the college we attend.

Though money is essential in keeping FIU alive, the administration must ask itself if their penny-pinching tactics aren’t detrimental to the students they want to keep happy. 

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.