Opposing views concerning funding for the Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference leads to discussions about the club’s recurring financial requests.
PBL requested about $11,000 from the Associated Students of Cerritos College senate, so that six students and one adviser would be able to attend the 2018 conference in Baltimore, Md.
Minority Leader Samuel Jimenez believes the club is asking too much for only sending a small amount of students.
“Why only six students? Why not more? Is it going to benefit them or is it going to benefit the school or is it going to benefit the student body in the long run?” questioned Jimenez, “They’re asking $10,000 for six students, and I’m like, ‘really? That’s just outrageous.’”
Jimenez also stated the senate has not met the six students who will attend conference and have not received any pictures or awards that have proved what they’ve won, making him question how they would benefit Cerritos College.
Jerry Ramos, professor of business administration and co-adviser of PBL, expressed appreciation for Jimenez’s diligence, however, felt his words were ill-advised.
“I believe the comments were offensive… because it made us sound money hungry and greedy and self-serving. That’s not the purpose and aim… neither that nor the mission of Phi Beta Lambda here on campus,” Ramos stated.
“I wish the senator would have elaborated a little bit more, but in what he did state, again, it was offensive. I’m proud of being advisor, proud that I’ve seen so much growth in these students in making the time to be collaborative in team settings,” he finished.
Ramos claimed that the club is visible, active and people should make the effort to get to know them.
Jimenez said he is here to serve the student body of the school and if he feels like PBL is taking advantage, he is going to try and go against it.
He is also aware of senators who are in PBL and has made his concerns known about bias during voting.
If there was a motion he could make to not have those senators vote for the bill, he would.
Ramos said he understands and will leave it up to student leaders whether members should be allowed to vote or not, although he worries the students will not be able to serve their community as well.
“It’s really a make or break. If we don’t get funding, I think we’re done, we’re not going,” Ramos emphasized, “How can you even put a price tag on one person’s achievements? Let’s just say one of [the students] achieves their goal because they were inspired, that’s good enough for me.”
He hopes they are granted funding to see greater good and inspire the young leaders of tomorrow.
ASCC will decide whether or not PBL will receive funding May 9.
“Good luck to them. If they win, they win. If they lose, then they can try again next semester,” said Jimenez.
