The resolution failed overwhelmingly in committee. Barkley's vice presidential running mate, Adam M. Johnson '02, said that its failure stemmed from the council's desire to avoid the issue.

"They don't want this to come up in council because they want Dean Lewis to do their dirty work for them," Johnson said.

Paul A. Gusmorino '02, chair of SAC, condemned the University's stance on student group funding, but said he felt Lewis' actions might be necessary to insure the council has sufficient funding

"Students are right to feel outrage at this. While the University can spend $4 million to place a crown atop Memorial Hall, their pockets are curiously empty when it comes to students. I think that's shameful," he said.

A slim majority of the council presidential candidates say that a referendum would never pass the student body.

"When given the option to pay a certain fee on their term bill or to have that fee raised, even if it is in their best interests, students are going to choose to pay less," said Averell, who nevertheless opposes a term bill hike.

Averell said the reasoning behind Lewis' actions are complicated.