RELIGION

their budget could be cut. If they’re not using the money, then we’re not gonna keep giving money.” This encourages SA to jump into unnecessary projects without fully researching or communicating them. After all, these steps would take time that SA members do not have.

As such, we have repeatedly seen incidents of SA officers being irresponsible with their money. They bought $2,000 worth of pepper spray without full knowledge that they would be able to distribute it. They also spent $1,600 on a D1 mascot design, according to an Accent article, before communicating this change to the faculty and student body.

This isn’t to say that SA doesn’t deserve funding, but it is sickening to live under a system in which SA is encouraged to spend like there is no tomorrow, while the vast majority of students receive federal minimum wage, and each LifeGroup is only given an annual budget of $50. Southern is an institution that deserves to have a great mascot and not to be bogged down in mediocrity with a mundane mascot like a bear, which would divert funds away from other worthy causes. The duck would be a far more representative mascot at a cheaper cost. It’s time SA starts thinking before spending. Choosing a duck as our official mascot instead of a bear is a good place to start.