Editor:

Every day, the Associated Students of the University of Utah works for the students that it represents, and in response to The Chronicle editorial “ASUU failed students interests” (Dec. 1), we would like to clarify some of the misconceptions presented.

Health insurance is an issue that affects thousands of students across campus, and the issue of whether or not to require it would never be voted on without countless hours of researching and evaluating. The ASUU senators and assembly representatives spent countless hours learning the issues and coupled that with the many opinions received from their colleges.

Yes, many reported that there were people against the hard waiver, but in just as many instances there were reports of misunderstanding as to what that meant and what consequences would follow. Many also expressed that their colleges had covered both extremes of the issue and some were in complete support of a hard waiver.

In the end, the Senate and Assembly overwhelmingly supported further research of specified options, which is expressed in the wording of the resolution. In fact, the resolution states that, at this point, nothing more than an investigation is supported.

Neither the Assembly nor any other body is powerless. The Assembly received the same information as the Senate, so it is not surprising that their votes were similar. Additionally, the Assembly understood the urgency of this process and did not want to hold up the investigation for any minor reasons.

The ASUU legislative branch has worked extensively to represent the students in this and other issues throughout the year. They voted how they did for the right reasons and have no incentive to do otherwise. Before they voted, senators and assembly representatives were the most informed students on this campus about health insurance. Their decision to further investigate and consider is what the student body wants.

Liz Clark

Junior, History

Senate Chairwoman

Jennifer Rogers

Sophomore, Education

Assembly Vice Chairwoman