The Faculty Senate voted Tuesday night in favor of the university’s discontinuation of support for the United Way of Story County because of its funding of the Boy Scouts of America.

The motion, which came from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, wishes to stop support because the United Way supports the Boy Scouts of America, which has what the senate called a discriminatory policy against homosexuals which goes against the university’s nondiscriminatory policy.

The senate motion, which passed 34-27, will be sent to President Gregory Geoffroy for approval.

Carla Fehr, assistant professor of philosophy and religious studies, said while United Way supports many good causes, there is no question that it supports a discriminatory organization.

United Way’s support of the Boy Scouts “directly conflicts with [Iowa State’s] nondiscriminatory policy,” she said.

Fehr also said the support of the United Way is discriminatory against many of the faculty members who are asked to support the organization.

“Imagine a faculty member of color going to their mailbox and being asked to give money to a racist organization,” she said.

Fehr said the United Way’s support of the Boy Scouts puts the other organizations it supports in an uncomfortable position.

“They are not in a position to dictate the organization that gives them money,” she said.

Frankee Oleson, executive director of United Way of Story County, said the Boy Scouts only receive 0.8 percent of the funding given to all services. She also said United Way’s funding guideline is to follow the law and there is nothing illegal about the Boy Scouts.

Robert Lowry, associate professor of political science, said the argument is with the university’s nondiscriminatory policy, not the application of it.

“Are we going to enforce university policy?” he said.

Judy Dolphin, executive directory of the ISU YWCA, said the United Way is important to the YWCA because its funding is critical for the YWCA to accomplish its goals.

Dolphin also added that United Way is a member of ASSET, which monitors the funding of services.

“[ASSET] assures the community that the services provided are what they are paying for,” she said.

Provost Ben Allen said many of the benefits of United Way accrue to the faculty, staff, and students of Iowa State University and this motion could damage the relationship between the community and the university.

“You should be proud to help,” he said.

The senate elected Richard Horton, professor of electrical and computer engineering; B. Michael Doran, associate professor of accounting; Ruth Litchfield, assistant professor of food science and human nutrition and James Hutter, associate professor of political science to serve on the Athletic Council.

The senate also passed a policy pertaining to students who need to reschedule a final exam. According to the policy, any student who has three final exams on the same day must make a rescheduling request to the instructor no later than the last scheduled class before dead week.

The Faculty Senate will next meet April 8, 2003 at 7:30 in the North Hall of the Gateway Center.