The new language requires the tax to be revisited again in 2011 — the next year in ASMSU’s normal tax referendum cycle — after which the tax would be considered every three years.

If students approve the referendum during ASMSU’s spring elections, it will increase the ASMSU tax by $1.25 — it currently is $16.75 — and establish a permanent Readership Program at MSU. The program provides free copies of The New York Times, USA Today and the Detroit Free Press campuswide to students with a valid student ID.

The decision by Lee June, vice president of student services and associate provost, requiring the language change was roundly denounced by assembly members at the meeting. June did not attend Thursday’s meeting.

Victor Draine, a representative for the College of Arts and Letters, said he was angry that content ASMSU already approved was blocked by administrators.

“I’m going to vote for it so it can go before the people that matter — the students,” Draine said. “I think upper administration is disregarding our voice and forgetting that we are the reason they are here.”

Ashley Towner, a representative for the College of Social Science, said although she was not in favor of the Readership Program tax, the issue of administrative power moved the discussion beyond the bill.

“We had to make sure the students have the right to put certain language on the ballot,” Towner said.

Student Assembly amended the bill to reflect their objection to university administration interference in a program created for students by students.

“The administration said it was looking to control costs,” said Gonzalo Martinez, a representative for the College of Natural Science. “It is up to the students if they are going to be charged for a new tax.”

June said in a phone call after the meeting that when he made the decision to send the bill back for revision, he was acting within a framework that allowed him to authorize the approval of any referendum by a student tax collecting group.

“I’m sure I will continue to have discussions with ASMSU,” June said. “But I think their view is a misrepresentation of the already established guidelines.”

Student Assembly Chairperson Kyle Dysarz said given the multitude of concerns from student representatives, he would make sure administration officials were aware of the organization’s objections.

“We just want to make sure this doesn’t set a precedent for things that could diminish student rights,” Dysarz said.