This resolution directs the ASUC to place "The Daily Cal Initiative" fee referendum on the 2026 ASUC General Elections ballot. This proposed "Save Free Student Press fee" of $8.50 per semester and $4.00 per summer would replace the current fee, providing continued financial support for The Daily Californian's independent operations, including print and digital content, student journalism scholarships, and financial independence. The fee, starting in Fall 2027 and lasting five years, includes annual $0.50 increases and allocates one-third ($2.83) to financial aid.
No roll call was taken. Everyone recorded present when the Senate agreed is shown as not objecting.
2 people spoke
mar 4A representative from the Daily Californian urged the ASUC Senate to support placing the Independent Student Press Initiative on the election ballot to renew and increase the student fee supporting the newspaper. The speaker emphasized the paper's financial independence from campus administration, rising operational costs, and its vital role in providing local news and student journalism training.
The speaker shared personal and shared accounts of human rights abuses under the Islamic Republic of Iran, criticizing members of the campus community for mourning Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They asked the ASUC and community to allow Iranian students to speak about their trauma without labels, dismissal, or being told how to feel.
