On Wednesday, March 26, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Student Association (SA) met to swear in a new senator, pass a resolution of gratitude and to discuss what will happen to the plans for phase two of the Prairie Springs Science Center after the State Building Commission chose not to endorse it.
During the general student body open forum, Lana Hansen, a fellow student at Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT), and Jordyn Plitzner, an organization member, spoke to the SA body. LIT is a Wisconsin-wide, black and brown youth led advocacy organization.
Hansen said LIT has been working on “Dare to Divest,” a campaign that pushes for past Bias Support and Education Team (BSET) reports to be available to view for everyone, in order to hold the university accountable for the prevention of bias related incidents. Hansen explained to SA that one of the effects the lack of transparency has is that students and faculty are made to feel more unsafe.
“As not only La Crosse senators, but simply as members of the community, transparency and hate and bias reports is crucial … things like what happened in the incident, where did this happen and what steps are being taken should be public knowledge,” said Hansen.
Plitzner requested that SA endorse the “Dare to Divest” campaign, as well as have a senator present at chapter and administration meetings.
After the student body open forum, Tamiaya Cornelius was sworn in to the Native American Student Association (NASA) senator seat.
UWL Chief of Staff and Legislative Liaison Stacy Twite and Director of Planning and Construction Scott Schumacher then spoke to SA about the status of phase two of the Prairie Springs Science Center.
Every two years, the Wisconsin state legislature passes a state budget that consists of a capital budget, which deals with public buildings such as campus buildings, and an operating budget, which supports the Universities of Wisconsin, Twite explained.
The Board of Regents had approved a capital budget that ranked phase two of Prairie Springs Science Center as the top priority, then Governor Tony Evers included the project in his budget a few weeks ago, said Twite. Even so, the State Building Commission (SBC) did not endorse the project, which means the decision will be deferred to the Joint Committee on Finance. The budget the committee produces will either be signed or vetoed by Governor Evers.
Twite called upon SA to reach out to their local legislators to share why the construction of phase two is integral to the education of La Crosse students and to the future work force.
Schumacher said if the project is approved, the best case scenario is that it would get signed by Governor Evers in July or August, construction would be permitted by the commission, the demolition of Cowley Hall could begin in February or March of 2026 and construction would be completed by 2028 or 2029.
Wisconsin State Senator for District 32 and member of the SBC Sen. Brad Pfaff spoke to SA next to give further insight and answer questions about the second phase of Prairie Springs Science Center. UWL falls within Sen. Pfaff’s district, and he spoke highly of UWL and of the bipartisanship of the area.
“I come before you because I believe this is an absolutely wonderful university. I think this is a Crown jewel of the universities of Wisconsin system … I will continue to do that work to make sure that this university has a strong advocate for you as students, but also for the university as a whole.”
Senator Piarulli asked what contributed to the SBC voting 4-4 and therefore not endorsing the project. Pfaff explained that the SBC is made up of himself, Governor Evers, Representative Jill Billings and a public member, as well as two Republican Senate members and two Republican State Assembly members.
“It is unfortunate that a building on a four-year campus is part of a larger ideological debate on higher education. But that is what’s happening in this state. There is a larger ideological debate that is taking place regarding universities and higher education,” he said.
Pfaff continued, “I think a state legislative budget should be negotiation among the legislature. I would like to see us get some type of bipartisan state budget that passes.”
SA President Latus asked what students can do to advocate for the completion of the project, to which Sen. Pfaff echoed Twite on the importance of reaching out to representatives such as state legislators and senators.
Once Sen. Pfaff gave his final remarks, SA moved on to officer reports. President Latus brought attention to the Eagle Excellence in Leadership Awards; The nomination period is currently open and will close April 7.
Inclusivity Director Emma Wittman discussed the “Pie a Senator” event, which will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. April 2 in front of Hoeschler Tower. The proceeds of the event will be going towards reaching endowment on the Multicultural Organization Scholarship to ensure the scholarship’s ability to be awarded yearly. She said the scholarship will help bring more students of color to UWL and make campus more diverse.
Senator Piarulli reported that the Joint Committee for Civil Dialogue will be hosting a speech matters viewing party April 10 where topics such as rebuilding trust in higher education, campus speech and the decline of expertise will be discussed.
In unfinished business, the resolution titled, “SA2425-029: Resolution to Thank the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Catering Team” was approved. SA had no new business to discuss.
SA will meet again Wednesday, April 2 to discuss new business.
