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Textbook resolution passed
Faculty Senate approves resolution to lower the cost of textbooks
By: Yusra Tekbali
Issue date: 2/5/08 Section: News
The Faculty Senate voted to support legislation aimed at lowering the cost of textbooks in their meeting yesterday.
The Arizona Students' Association and the Associated Students of the University of Arizona have fought to lower the cost of textbooks since last semester.
Bills SB 1175 and HB 2230 will require textbook publishers to give more information to college faculty and professors when they purchase textbooks.
A 2007 study by the Student Public Interest Research Groups, "Exposing the Textbooks Industry," found that publishers do not fully inform faculty of textbook prices, despite faculty interest.
The bills were introduced in the Arizona Senate and House last week, as a result of pressure from students and parents.
Last Tuesday, university students held a press conference at Arizona State University to celebrate the bill's introduction and discuss the future cost of textbooks.
"This legislation is a result of the high cost of textbooks on college campuses," said ASUA President Tommy Bruce. "Another aspect includes working with textbook publishers that gives us the opportunity to lower the cost to students."
Some faculty expressed concern over the resolution's wording because the resolution didn't clearly explain the faculty provisions in regards to choosing textbooks, and emphasized the importance of the clause that reads, "Be it further resolved that legislation include a provision stating that the legislation may not be construed in a matter that violates academic freedom."
Faculty Senator Raphael Gruener voted to table the document, citing the need to rework the language.
Wanda Howell, faculty chair and professor of nutritional sciences, stressed the importance of the resolution and said it couldn't be delayed.
"We need to vote on this today," she said. "No part of this bill can be construed as limiting the choice of textbooks by faculty."
Bruce added that wasn't the goal of the resolution, and working with faculty was a key component.
The Arizona Students' Association and the Associated Students of the University of Arizona have fought to lower the cost of textbooks since last semester.
Bills SB 1175 and HB 2230 will require textbook publishers to give more information to college faculty and professors when they purchase textbooks.
A 2007 study by the Student Public Interest Research Groups, "Exposing the Textbooks Industry," found that publishers do not fully inform faculty of textbook prices, despite faculty interest.
The bills were introduced in the Arizona Senate and House last week, as a result of pressure from students and parents.
Last Tuesday, university students held a press conference at Arizona State University to celebrate the bill's introduction and discuss the future cost of textbooks.
"This legislation is a result of the high cost of textbooks on college campuses," said ASUA President Tommy Bruce. "Another aspect includes working with textbook publishers that gives us the opportunity to lower the cost to students."
Some faculty expressed concern over the resolution's wording because the resolution didn't clearly explain the faculty provisions in regards to choosing textbooks, and emphasized the importance of the clause that reads, "Be it further resolved that legislation include a provision stating that the legislation may not be construed in a matter that violates academic freedom."
Faculty Senator Raphael Gruener voted to table the document, citing the need to rework the language.
Wanda Howell, faculty chair and professor of nutritional sciences, stressed the importance of the resolution and said it couldn't be delayed.
"We need to vote on this today," she said. "No part of this bill can be construed as limiting the choice of textbooks by faculty."
Bruce added that wasn't the goal of the resolution, and working with faculty was a key component.
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