While the Student Association is taking a glance at its constitution, it should also take a peek at its funding regulations.

The funding regulations came into question Sunday when the SA senate refused to give Sigma Tau Delta—an English honor society—money.

The senate used good logic when denying money to groups not open to all NIU students. After all, we’re paying the way.

But the senate used bad logic when defining those groups. There’s not a group on campus—officially anyway—that restricts its membership.

What exactly is the difference between tossing a few bucks to the English guys and tossing some to a couple of fraternities or sororities?

There is none. That’s why the senate’s move was wrong.

In order to join a fraternity or sorority, you must meet certain criteria. In order to join the English honor society, you must meet certain criteria.

The only difference is in the criteria—and maybe the initiation process. Nothing more.

And the SA had a chance to save itself. Sen. Kelly McDonald brought up that exact point. But no, the SA decided to ignore her suggestion and refuse money to the honor society.

That’s why it needs to look at its rules. They are inconsistent.

If the SA is going to make these decisions on a merit basis and one at a time, that’s fine. But it must let everyone know that. And it must provide exhaustive reasoning for its decision.

Anything less is wrong.