News briefs

A debate about whether the words "increased options" for healthcare should include both western and non-western medical techniques was the only point of contention for members of the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) as they debated a proposed legislative agenda last night.

The GPSS agenda, which represents the interests of more than 10,000 graduate and professional students at the UW, contains four sections, all of which include topic-specific points. The first three -- Funding, Access and Academic Excellence -- addressing everything from diversity to tuition rates and financial aid, passed without a hitch.

When it came to the Health and Welfare section, which addresses child-care options for graduate and professional students, affordable family housing, domestic partnership rights and an increase in options.

The debate among senators regarded the words "increased options." Several concerns were raised about whether the wording references alternative healthcare options or only standard "Western" healthcare options.

GPSS Treasurer Sean Kellogg motioned to add the words "including both western and alternative medicines," directly after "increased options." The motion carried, with 28 votes supporting the measure, 16 non-supporting and five abstaining. The entire agenda was unanimously approved afterward. GPSS Vice President Nick Peyton will lobby for the group in Olympia in January.