Rutgers Faculty Want Athletic Subsidies Cut

Proponents say the proposal symbolizes growing resentment over funds spent on athletics that could be used for academics.

Some Rutgers faculty members want the university to cut athletic department subsidies and give students a voice in how their fee money is spent.

The requests were in a resolution that faculty in the school of the Arts and Sciences overwhelmingly approved on Wednesday. The school includes departments like history and economics and has a faculty of 910 professors.

Proponents say it symbolizes growing resentment over funds spent on athletics that could be used for academics.

Records show the athletic department spent about $26.8 million more than it generated in revenue in 2010. That was covered by $8.44 million in student fees and $18.4 million from the school's general fund.

Rutgers officials note they've reduced athletics subsidies by $1 million this year and expect further cuts in the upcoming years.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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