The representative body of Student Council heard a second day of appeals from 11 Contracted Independent Organizations Tuesday night.
Decisions on appeals from two groups, Agape Christian Fellowship and the Virginia Pep Band, were held over from the first day of appeals April 6.
Agape's appeal sparked debate with its request for travel funds to Big Break, a national conference over Spring Break held in Panama City Beach, Fla. The conference is run by Campus Crusade for Christ, a national religious organization.
Vice President of Organizations Eli Dejarnette said the travel expenses were not fundable under appropriations guidelines set by the Board of Visitors.
"This is not a regular national conference," Dejarnette said. "It is clearly a religious and social event. This is a weeklong event in Panama City."
J.D. Taliaferro, a second-year Law student and member of Agape, argued that the conference was fundable.
"This conference is a noncompetitive trip," he said. "It is not limited to worship. It includes training sessions, leadership development events and recruiting events. This appeal is about being fair to the 75 members who each pay $35 to the Student Activities Fund."
A Council vote to grant Agape no money for travel expenses resulted in a nine to nine tie until Dejarnette cast his vote in favor of not funding the expenses.
"The tied vote demonstrates the difficult issues involved," Taliaferro said. "We're very thankful for the nine representatives who support us and disappointed that the tie-breaking vote did not take into consideration the desires of our very involved students."
Other organizations that did not receive funds from their appeals Tuesday were the Virginia women's ultimate Frisbee club team, 3.7 Magazine, Alternative Spring Break, the Asian Student Union, the Declaration and the Virginia rugby football club.
Organizations whose appropriations decisions were overturned and did receive funds were the Virginia Pep Band, Human Rights Student Project, the Journal of Law and Politics and the Virginia Alpine Ski Team.
Members of the Appropriations Committee said they were satisfied with the appeals process this year.
"This year's process is not as antagonistic as last year," said Leo Yanez, co-chair of the appropriations committee.
Connor Fee, who chairs the appropriations committee with Yanez, said Council is working for the best interests of everyone involved.
"We've tried to make the process more group friendly," he said. "I think Student Council does the best job it can."
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