STUDENT LIFE
THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER OF WASHINGTON UNIVERSIT Y IN ST. LOUIS SINCE 1878 The Bears found victory on the football field over the weekend. Sports has detailed coverage of that and more inside. Page 4.
Forum has three pages today, each of which is jam-packed with columns, cartoons, and controversy. Page 5.
VOLUME 127, NO. 16
Columnist Rachel Brockway gets electronic, discussing cell phones, instant messenger conversation, and love. Page 8.
Motherhood, marriage, and children—these things are on a number of your classmates’ minds. Find out more in Scene. Page 10.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2005
WWW.STUDLIFE.COM
Katz sparks academic freedom debate By Brad Nelson News Editor Revelations that physics professor Jonathan Katz maintains a web page on a University server—on which he argues that homosexuals caused America’s AIDS epidemic—have raised questions on whether Washington University should censor individuals for voicing views that other University members may find morally repugnant. The University’s answer: the doctrine of academic freedom allows Katz and everyone else the right to express the views they wish. “People can say what they think,” said Dennis Martin, an associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences who oversees the college’s computer services. “That’s the
whole point of this in a way. A university is about ideas and their free exchange, so he can say whatever he likes.” To ensure the free exchange of ideas on the University’s computers, Martin points out that the Computer Use Policy has a clause that reads: “While the University encourages respect for the rights and sensibilities of others, it cannot protect individuals against the existence of materials that may be offensive to them.” Eugene Volokh, a law professor at the University of California at Los Angeles who specializes in freedom of speech and technology issues, said universities across the country have a similar policy. “Generally speaking, most universities are happy to give their professors Web space
partment Web server, on an unrestricted features essays on basis and want peotopics ranging from ple to branch out of problems with Univeran area beyond their sity administration to expertise,” he said. the validity of learn“In fact, most univering disabilities. sities let you use your In the essay “In DeWeb site however you fense of Homophoplease.” Jonathan bia,” Katz wrote, “I In an interview, am a homophobe and Katz said that as a Katz professor, he considers him- proud.” He further commented on self a “public intellectual,” whose job it is to comment the AIDS epidemic, saying on topics outside his special- that it was caused by “gross ty. “It’s a part and a privilege homosexual promiscuity.” Since then, students have of a professor’s job to speak called for the censoring of freely,” he said. The controversy over Katz’s opinions. “Katz can have whatever Katz’s Web site started after Student Life Forum Editor opinion he wants, but whethJeff Stepp called Katz’s opin- er or not that opinion should ions “offensive, discrimina- be voiced on Wash. U. Web tory and bigoted” in a Sept. space is certainly something that needs to be looked at,” 26 column. The Web site, which is senior Ryan Collins said in a hosted on the physics de- letter to the editor.
“The problem with the comments in Student Life is that no one bothered to offer a different point of view,” Katz said. “They just said censor this; we don’t like it and that’s a very unhealthy response. If you think something is wrong, then you need to make your case.” Volokh said that while he “doesn’t endorse [Katz’s views],” he doesn’t think that they should be censored either. “Part of public debate is the right to express views that are harshly critical of homosexuals,” he said. “If those views urge discrimination against other groups, there’s nothing prohibitive about that.” This isn’t the first time a college professor has come under fire for expressing views on a school’s Web
space. In 1997, Arthur Butz, an electrical engineering professor at Northwestern University, published a Web site on the University’s server with links to Web sites and essays that support Holocaust “revisionist” theory, the idea that the Holocaust never happened. Butz had made his views public long before. Twentyone years earlier, in 1976, he wrote “The Hoax of the Twentieth Century.” But the University tolerated him because he kept his views out of the classroom. After the Web site was published, many students and Jewish scholars were outraged that Butz was using Northwestern Web space to express his views.
See KATZ, page 3
Students jam for New Orleans hurricane relief By Laura Geggel News Editor Students and locals fi lled the 6600 block of Washington Avenue on Saturday for Riddic-a-fest, a block party fundraiser that raised $2,578 for people affected by Hurricane Katrina. “We’ve been wanting to have a block party for two years, but my roommate [Daniela Torre] got involved with something called NOLA Hurricane Funds and she was thinking of throwing a party at the Vault. And I said, ‘You know what, I’ll throw the block party for you and donate the money to your cause,’” said Cassidy Blackwell, a senior who lives on Waterman Avenue. The party, which lasted from 1-8 p.m, served food and beverages while KWUR’s disc jockeys and three student bands took turns spinning music in the background. “We heard that they were doing a benefit for Hurricane Katrina,” said Taylor Hermes,
a senior involved with KWUR. “We basically just offered to do it because it’s for charity and it gets our name out.” Other student groups, including Students of the South, which is helping Washington University members collect resources for hurricane victims, assisted with the block party. “We’re charging seven dollars at the door. [We’ve invited] all of the neighborhood people and all of the people at this school,” said Blackwell. Money raised by the event will be donated to NOLA Hurricane Fund, the Red Cross and Trio, a New Orleans education program. Senior Daniela Torre, one of the party’s organizers, worked with one of the New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) founders this past summer. “It was started by a bunch of Tulanian EMTs, so the fi rst amount of money went to buying gas and keeping the ambulances running,” said Torre. Since the initial search and rescue process in which the
Tulane Emergency Medical Service helped with the evacuation and treatment of hurricane victims, NOLA has been collecting money for relief backpacks fi lled with, “things for [displaced children], like music, because the people in the Astrodome didn’t have anything,” Torre said. Once people are allowed back into New Orleans, NOLA plans to individually adopt families and schools in need. “A lot of the schools are devastated, so it’s to buy more books and repair the schools, get the air conditioning running again,” Torre added. Another third of the money raised will go to Trio, an organization that provides summer school for underprivileged students in New Orleans. Senior Joshua Ellis, who helped Torre and Blackwell organize the block party, worked with the Trio program over the summer. “Trio’s students are the
PAM BUZZETTA | STUDENT LIFE
See RIDDIC-A-FEST, page 3 Arms Akimbo plays at Riddic-a-fest, a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina victims, which raised $2,578. The fundraiser spanned all of Saturday afternoon and featured student bands and KWUR disc jockeys.
Smith commences a second bid for office
AN OCEAN OF GREEKS IN MOTION ON THE LOOP
By Troy Rumans Contributing Reporter
CAROLYN GOLDSTEIN | STUDENT LIFE
Greeks filled the Delmar Loop as they made their debut appearance in the 19th annual “Loop in Motion” parade on Saturday. The parade concluded a week of “Greeks in Motion,” programming that replaced Greek Week. A committee of Greek community members spent over six months planning the parade in conjunction with U City East.
He’s Jeff Smith, and he’s running for public office. Again. Smith, who currently teaches at Washington University and Saint Louis University, is seeking election to the state senate in the 4th district of Missouri. Since the incumbent senator Pat Dougherty is termlimited by law, the seat will be open to all fresh faces. Smith ran for a seat in the House of Representatives last year, but ultimately lost in a close race with Congressman Russ Carnahan. He recalls his biggest barrier to entry being simple, but daunting: nobody knew his name. “Last time I was completely unknown. When we began, my pollster told me my name identity was three percent. Two percent of that three percent was that someone heard of a Jeff Smith, not this Jeff Smith,” said Smith. Smith hopes that his campaign this year will benefit from acceptance by the established government, while still maintaining the grassroots enthusiasm of last year. “I look forward to running another real grassroots campaign. I’ll have more establishment support than last time because the whole es-
tablishment was against me,” said Smith. “But this time we hope to keep that same grassroots support and more [support] from the establishment.” Student activism also played a major role in Smith’s campaign previous year. He employed over twenty student interns that worked to spread his name to various campuses, as well as the community at large. Smith also attended numerous student functions to inform the younger generation of his platform and plans to do the same this year. Smith believes that his position as a professor gives him rare insight into the lives of a highly elusive, and commonly apathetic, voting group in the student population. After teaching in the political science department, Smith thinks that University students are thirsty for some political responsibility, and anticipates a high degree of involvement from the campus body. “Anyone who gets involved will have an opportunity to work in a variety of areas. We are going to have volunteers helping not just with voter contact, but also helping draft up policy proposals, helping write up press releases. There are myriad
See SMITH, page 3
2 STUDENT LIFE | NEWS
Senior News Editor / Sarah Kliff / news@studlife.com
MONDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2005
STUDENT LIFE One Brookings Drive #1039 #42 Women’s Building St. Louis, MO 63130-4899 News: (314) 935-5995 Advertising: (314) 935-6713 Fax: (314) 935-5938 E-mail: editor@studlife.com www.studlife.com
Briefs NATIONAL
New York Times reporter Judith Miller released from prison
Copyright 2005 Editor in Chief: Margaret Bauer Associate Editor: Liz Neukirch Managing Editor: David Tabor Senior News Editor: Sarah Kliff Senior Forum Editor: Molly Antos Senior Cadenza Editor: Laura Vilines Senior Scene Editor: Sarah Baicker Senior Sports Editor: Justin Davidson Senior Photo Editor: David Brody Senior Graphics Editor: Brian Sotak News Editors: Laura Geggel, Brad Nelson Contributing Editor: Mandy Silver Forum Editors: Zach Goodwin, Daniel Milstein, Jeff Stepp, Brian Schroeder, Matt Shapiro Cadenza Editors: Adam Summerville, Jordan Deam, Robbie Gross Scene Editors: Kristin McGrath, Sarah Klein Sports Editor: Joe Ciolli Photo Editors: David Hartstein, Pam Buzzetta, Oliver Hulland Online Editor: Dan Daranciang Copy Editors: Allie McKay, Nina Perlman, Kelly Donahue, Erin Fults, Rebecca Emshwiller, Hannah Draper, Mallory Wilder Designers: Ellen Lo, Laura McLean, Anna Dinndorf, Andy Gavinski, Jamie Reed, Elizabeth Kaufman, Jonathan Kim
After spending 85 days in prison, New York Times reporter Judith Miller agreed to testify about a confidential source she interviewed regarding the leak about CIA agent Valerie Plame to the press. Although Miller never wrote an article about her conversation with the source, officials have demanded that she reveal his identity. After a recent phone conversation with the man whose identity she was protecting, I. Lewis Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney’s chief of staff, she confirmed that he would allow her to disclose his involvement.
CAMPUS Corporate governance conference attended by representatives from all over nation, world
General Manager: Andrew O’Dell Copyright 2005 Washington University Student Media, Inc. (WUSMI). Student Life is the financially and editorially independent, student-run newspaper serving the Washington University community. First copy of each publication is free; all additional copies are 50 cents. Subscriptions may be purchased for $80.00 by calling (314) 935-6713. Student Life is a publication of WUSMI and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the Washington University administration, faculty or students. All Student Life articles, photos and graphics are the property of WUSMI and may not be reproduced or published without the express written consent of the General Manager. Pictures and graphics printed in Student Life are available for purchase; e-mail editor@ studlife.com for more information. Student Life reserves the right to edit all submissions for style, grammar, length and accuracy. The intent of submissions will not be altered. Student Life reserves the right not to publish all submissions. If you’d like to place an ad, please contact the Advertising Department at (314) 935-6713. If you wish to report an error or request a clarification, e-mail editor@studlife.com.
The three-day corporate governance conference held at the School of Law this past weekend brought panelists and speakers from institutions across the country and around the world, including Harvard, Yale, the University of Tokyo and The New York Times, among others. Discussions and lectures were held on issues such as the role of a CEO, the board of directors, executive salaries, shareholders, the media and corporate governance and international issues. Such conferences are open to the University community but are also well-attended by practicing attorneys who get credit towards Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Requirements, which are required of attorneys in 40 states and whose requirements vary across states. In Missouri, proof of completion of 15 hours of such activities must be submitted each year.
KRT CAMPUS
Microbiologist Bill Lagoda uses a flashlight to see if avian flu virus is present in these eggs, which were tested at a state lab in Harrisburg, Pa., on Feb. 18, 2004.
Senate approves $4 million in preventative measures against potential avian flu epidemic
LOCAL
The Senate voted to provide the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with $4 million last Thursday to provide anti-flu medicine for people in an attempt to prevent a potential bird-flu epidemic. The flu budget is part of a larger $440 billion defense spending bill which has yet to reach the House. Although the virus has caused the death of just 60 people so far, researchers have found that it easily infects people before mutating in structure within its new host.
Lake Saint Louis considers instituting a ban on fake guns within city limits
Teen captures own death on camcorder in a hunting trip homicide
Today the Lake Saint Louis Board of Aldermen is considering a proposal to limit the use of fake guns throughout the city. The proposed ordinance would disallow the use of imitation or replica firearms, “in a manner that would cause affront or alarm to a reasonable person.” The ordinance, expected to pass at tonight’s meeting, would allow police to charge those who use imitation weapons in any way that cause alarm to other individuals. The current law only bars the pointing of fake guns at others or use of fake guns to commit felonies.
A 17-year-old Wisconsin teenager, Seth Hammes, captured his own death on a camcorder last week when an errant hunter accidentally shot him in the woods. Hammes and two of his friends were bow-hunting near La Crosse, and Hammes decided to bring his camcorder along on the trip. Police reviewed Hammes’ footage and reported that the video camera captured the sound of gunshots and the teen’s screaming. The recording also showed 24-year-old Russell Schroeder, who had been hunting squirrels, promise to help Hammes before leaving and never coming back. Schroeder, who is facing charges of reckless homicide and reckless injury, could receive a prison sentence of up to 85 years if convicted.
Do you read all your news online? Love RSS?
Taking a University College journalism course?
Subscribe to our RSS feed to receive our articles syndicated three times a week.
You’re looking for clips. We’re looking to broaden our base of talented writers. Why not give us a try?
Or sign up for our e-mail edition to receive article links via e-mail every time we come out in print.
For more details, e-mail us at editor@studlife.com
Visit us online at
www.studlife.com
columbia university school of international and public affairs The Earth Institute at Columbia University
Earn your MPA in Environmental Science and Policy The Master of Public Administration Program in Environmental Science and Policy combines Columbia University’s hands-on approach to teaching public policy and administration with pioneering thinking about the environment. This twelve-month program takes place at Columbia University’s New York campuses. For more information, please call 212-854-3142, e-mail lar46@columbia.edu, or visit our Web site.
Application deadline for early decision: November 1 www.columbia.edu/cu/mpaenvironment
Senior News Editor / Sarah Kliff / news@studlife.com
MONDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2005
SMITH v FROM PAGE 1 ways to be involved…we won’t have them sitting in the office and stuffing envelopes,” said Smith. On his platform, Smith has included an item specifically geared at college students—making tuition tax-deductible. He also plans to protect the state historic tax credit, which facilitates urban development, restore cuts made to the Medicaid program, defend a researcher’s right to research and ensure a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions. Another aspect of the political race that Smith plans to abolish are the multitude of thirty second sound bites that plague network television. Smith sees such spots as only worthwhile for creating name recognition, but considers them poor engines for informing voters about his policies. Instead, he will create ten to fifteen minute videos concerning his bid for senate. They should still hold the attention of someone even mildly interested in his campaign. Moreover, Smith is optimistic that the success of this method will debunk the use of sound bite commercials in future elections. Smith’s opponents in this year’s election are state rep-
resentatives Yaphett El-Amin and Amber Boykins. The 4th district, the first in Missouri to send an African American representative to the senate, has a majority African American population. Smith believes, however, that his policies and attitude will attract citizens to his cause, rather than turning it into a simple election that comes down to, as the St. Louis American, a newspaper with a large African American readership, stated, “Black Democrats voting for a black candidate and white Democrats voting for the white candidate.” In the end, Smith thinks his liberal policy stance, grassroots enthusiasm and political support will give him a genuine opening in the election. At the least, Smith is working to encourage activism at the University level, and hopes that it will stay with students after the election. “I want to try to encourage people who have never been involved in politics before to see how they can have an impact on public policy by helping someone they believe in,” urged Smith.
STUDENT LIFE ARCHIVES
Jeff Smith talks to a group of voters at a barbecue last year during his campaign for a seat in the House of Representatives. Smith hopes to employ the same grassroots techniques in his bid for a seat in the Missouri state senate in the upcoming election.
RIDDIC-A-FEST v FROM PAGE 1 people who had to stay [in the Astrodome]. They’re the poorest people of New Orleans, so what the program is doing is get in touch with all of these people and help them build their lives,” Torre said. Torre noted that the cooperation of University City helped organizers pull off a successful fundraiser. “University City got us our block party permit and they got us our barricades. They’ve been a great resource for questions to ask, like how to pull this off. U. City cops [were] here and they’re very supportive of it. It’s really nice to see that U. City isn’t going to bust our party because we’re having a right party,” Torre said.
News of the block gathering spread by word of mouth and postings around campus. Collins Gaudin, who graduated from Tulane last spring, showed up saying, “It was the word on the street—literally, since we live right across the street from the party. Andrea Dube, a senior who transferred from Tulane, appreciated the fundraiser but was critical of the University’s tuition policy for students affected by the hurricane. “Most schools are letting us go for free as long as we have a record of paying Tulane,” she said, “just as a little gift to our school.”
Delivery charges apply. Offer expires December 31, 2005
3 Medium 1-Topping Pizzas $15 Add additional medium 1-topping pizzas for $5 each Delivery charges apply. Offer expires December 31, 2005
By Caroline Wekselbaum Contributing Reporter Judge John G. Roberts became the 17th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court last week, replacing the late Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, who died early last month. In an expected outcome, the Senate voted to confirm Roberts with Democrats almost evenly divided and Republicans voting overwhelmingly in favor of his confirmation. Twenty-two Democrats, 55 Republicans and the lone Independent voted to confirm him. In his remarks during the confirmation ceremony, President George W. Bush expressed full confidence in Roberts. “The Senate has confirmed a man with an astute mind and kind heart…all Americans can be confident that the 17th Chief Justice of the United States will be prudent in exercising judicial power, firm in defending judicial independence, and above all, a faithful guardian of the Constitution,” Bush said. Although many expect Roberts to be a conservative voice on the court, his lack of openness during the Senate confirmation hearings makes his views on particular issues uncertain. “He was the least forthcoming witness I’ve ever seen in a confirmation hearing,” said Washington University Professor of Law Margo Schlanger, who formerly clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “I don’t know why he needed to be so unforthcoming. I think that he probably could have gotten through if he had been a bit more candid.” Schlanger went so far as to speculate that in not answering many of the questions posed to him, Roberts has set a new precedent for future confirmation hearings. Originally, Roberts was nominated to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who announced her retirement
CHUCK KENNEDY | KRT CAMPUS
Judge John Roberts is sworn in by Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, Thursday, Sept. 29 as the 17th Chief Justice of the United States in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Left to right are Judge Roberts, Roberts’ wife Jane, and Justice John Paul Stevens. before Rehnquist died. After the former chief justice’s death, however, Bush nominated Roberts to replace Rehnquist, while O’Connor agreed to remain on the court until her own successor is confirmed. O’Connor is widely considered a key swing vote on the court, while Rehnquist was a steady conservative. Thus, the replacement of Rehnquist is seen by some as a minor change, although the potential replacement of O’Connor with a more conservative judge could tip the court’s balance in a more significant way. “John Roberts is probably going to be a Chief Justice who’s very much like former Chief Justice Rehnquist and that means he’s not the one who’s going to cause the changes. That’s just an even swap,” said Schlanger. “The source of the changes that we’re going to see in the new court is going
Henry S. Bienen, Northwestern’s president, called Butz’s views a “contemptible insult” to those families and victims affected by the Holocaust, but insisted Butz was protected under the principle of academic freedom. “Well that’s obviously nuts,” Katz said of Butz’s
beliefs. “I think people say things that are so absurd that they discredit themselves. There’s abundant physical and eyewitness evidence that the Holocaust happened. But it’s his right to say it. No one is going to take him seriously, unless they’re equally crazy.”
Cut Men h/c $28 Women h/c $45 Color from $55+ STUDENTS 20% off Call Kenny for your Appts. 314-791-2970
& Color Expert
7751 Carondelet • suite 110 • Clayton • 63105
COMPUTING CENTER
Apply to be an Orientation Program Coordinator!
• Help Plan Orientation Programs for 2006! •Get involved in a great leadership position! FREE TRIAL OFFER TO NEW MEMBERS
FREE
- All-Day Pass - 120 Anytime Minutes
www.screenz.com TO EXISTING MEMBERS
$ 95 All Day Pass
9
Offers good at this Screenz location with coupon only through December 31, 2005. Only one coupon per customer. Cannot be repeated.
Introducing our Loop location with 30 blazing fast computing stations. Check it out for yourself at our Screenz Computing Center location in the Loop of St. Louis. Get through your day with lightning fast internet, the latest software and all the print shop services you’ll ever need. Plus one-on-one personal training, and network gaming. Everything you need to keep your digital life firing on all cylinders.
6680 Delmar Blvd (314) 721-9988
to be all based on what the president does with Justice O’Connor’s seat.” Now that the Roberts confirmation is complete, people are turning to Bush’s next nominee to replace O’Connor. No one knows who this appointment will be, although an announcement is expected some time this week. Both Republicans and Democrats understand that the balance of the court is at stake with this next appointment. The court’s stand on politically controversial issues such as abortion, the Americans with Disabilities Act and other civil rights statutes may change depending on the opinion of O’Connor’s replacement. Until the nomination is announced, the limelight belongs to Roberts. At 50, he is the youngest chief justice since John Marshall became chief justice
204 years ago at the age of 45. It is premature to predict how Roberts’ leadership of the court will take shape but speculation has begun on what policies Roberts will pursue. Based on statements he made during his confirmation hearing, some think Roberts may increase the number of cases the court hears in a given session, reversing a 15-year trend of having a strictly limited docket. Roberts was nominated to serve on the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in 2003, on which he served before being nominated by Bush to the Supreme Court. Before that, he worked in both private practice as well as for Republican administrations. Roberts also at one time clerked for his predecessor, Rehnquist.
KATZ v FROM PAGE 1
Mon-Thur 10am-1am • Fri-Sat 10am-2am • Sun 11am-11pm
CALL: 367-PAPA (7272)
3
Roberts confirmed as 17th United States Chief Justice
SUPER STUDENT SPECIALS! Introducing Kenny Nguyen
Large 1-Topping Pizza $7.99
STUDENT LIFE | NEWS
•Get to know the class of 2010!
Student groups: News has you covered. We want to hear from you about your upcoming events and other plans. Please submit press releases to news@studlife.com. Things to include: -The date, time, and location of your event -What makes your event unique/important for us to cover -Any relevant background information -Contact information for several people involved in organizing the event. Submit press releases at least one week prior to the event—preferably two weeks in advance—as a Word document.
STUDENT LIFE Your student newspaper
Be a Part of Orientation 2006!! Application Deadline: October 13th Visit www.orientation.wustl.edu to apply
4 STUDENT LIFE | SPORTS
Senior Sports Editor / Justin Davidson / sports@studlife.com
SPORTS
MONDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2005
IN BRIEF: The Washington University football team snapped its two-game losing streak with a 15-10 win over Rhodes College. Over the past two weeks, the women’s soccer team has gone 2-2, most recently losing to rival Emory University 1-0.
Henry, Duesing lead Bears to victory By Andrei Weiss-Berman Contributing Reporter The Washington University football team snapped a twogame losing streak Saturday with a gutsy, 15-10 victory over visiting Rhodes College at Francis Field. The University’s defense was, as always, excellent, and the offense held an 11-minute advantage in time of possession, controlling the tempo from the opening kickoff. With the win, the University improved to 2-3 on the season. After a scoreless fi rst quarter, the Bears opened the second quarter by continuing on what would be a 17-play, 71yard scoring drive. It ended in a one-yard touchdown run by junior Deron Jenkins. Senior kicker Ben Schaub was good with the kick, giving the University an early 7-0 lead. The drive, which chewed up 7:32 on clock, was marked by solid running by Jenkins and junior quarterback Nick Henry, as well as some key
Rhodes penalties. It also featured a 29-yard reception by senior captain Brad Duesing, who fi nished the day with 155 receiving yards and moved into the 20th spot on the Division III all-time receiving yards list with 3,610 in his prolific career. Rhodes College quickly responded, however. After gaining solid field position from a strong kickoff return, the Lynx moved the ball successfully down the field. Nevertheless, a strong stand by the University defense forced Rhodes into settling for a 34-yard field goal. Midway through the second quarter the Bears led 7-3. The score would remain that way until University junior defensive back Drew Wethington came up with the biggest of his three sacks and six tackles-for-a-loss on the day. Wethington eluded the grasp of a hapless Rhodes line and sacked quarterback Chandler Bares in the end zone. The safety gave the Uni-
versity a touchdown lead with nine minutes remaining in the third quarter. The Bears put together another impressive drive later in the quarter. However, a sack of Henry with time winding down brought up an extremely difficult 3rd-and-19 play. With the Bears’ prospects of extending the lead looking bleak, the Bears went with the bread and butter, and it worked perfectly. Henry found Duesing for a 39-yard touchdown strike with just nine seconds remaining in the third. After a failed two-point conversion try, the University entered the fi nal frame with a seemingly decisive 15-3 lead. The Lynx didn’t go away without a fi ght, though. The Rhodes quarterback engineered a successful touchdown drive, taking just 1:36 off the clock. After connecting with Ronal Bozant for a 22yard gain, QB Bares handed off to Ryan Childs who marched it into the end zone, putting the small school from Mem-
phis, Tenn., back in the game. A successful PAT trimmed the Bears lead to 15-10 with about ten minutes remaining in the game. The University was able to hold onto the lead thanks to solid running by Jenkins and the offensive line’s ability to control the line of scrimmage in the fi nal minutes. A late ten-play drive took nearly five minutes off the clock and the Lynx didn’t get the ball back until 29 seconds remained in the fourth. A couple of big gainers by the visitors briefly put a scare into the University faithful, but a strong Bears secondary, led by freshman Tommy Bawden (seven tackles, two for loss), thwarted three consecutive hail Mary attempts to the end zone and the Bears held on for an exciting 15-10 victory. Duesing fi nished with 155 yards receiving. It was the 17th time he’s gone over 100 yards receiving in his career. Henry completed 14 of 25 passes and threw for 195
Women’s soccer can’t find its rhythm By Justin Davidson Senior Sports Editor
er-Finn followed up on her first goal with another one in the 62nd minute with a beautifully executed pass from senior Megan Morley. The two goals moved Fowler-Finn into fourth place on the Bears’ all-time scoring list. Sophomore goalkeeper Nina Sass picked up the win for the Bears, saving eight en route to their fifth shutout of the season. The next victim for the squad came at the feet of Principia College on Wednesday, Sept. 28. Fowler-Finn continued her hot streak
The women’s soccer team came into this fall season with high expectations. Yet they haven’t quite lived up to their promise, despite their 6-4-1 season record. Over the past two weeks of play, the squad has not been able to sustain a long winning streak and live up to their true potential. On Saturday, Sept. 24, the team traveled to La Crosse, Wisc., to take on UW-La Crosse, in what should have been an easy win for the Bears. Despite controlling the ball and owning the advantage in nearly every offensive category, the team couldn’t capture the win in an intense double overtime battle; La Crosse pulled out a 2-1 victory on a EITAN HOCHSTER| STUDENT LIFE penalty kick after 105 minutes of Forward Marin McCarthy races after the ball as hard fought play. midfielder Talia Bucci rushes in to support her. Th roughout the game, the Bears outshot La as she contributed one goal and Crosse in dominating fashion, an assist in the Bears’ 4-0 victory. owning the advantage 43-13. Nev- The offensive production against ertheless, it wasn’t until the 88th Principia looked like the Bears of minute of play the Bears could old, as four different players each net a goal; junior Talia Bucci net- scored a goal in the game. Fowler-Finn got the team rollted a shot from 30 yards out to give the squad the 1-0 lead, but ing only 11 minutes into the game less than a minute later the Ea- after receiving a Bucci pass and gles answered back with a goal of beating the Principia goalkeeper their own to tie it up with 1:15 left for her fourth goal of season, moving her into sole possession in regulation. During the first overtime the of fourth place on the all-time Red-and-Green didn’t allow a WU scoring list with 25 goals. Fowler-Finn’s momentum conshot on goal, but also couldn’t knock one in on their six shot at- tinued when she set up the next goal with a finely executed assist tempts. Following their disappoint- through the Principia defense to ing loss, the Bears went into their give sophomore Kim O’Keefe the next game against Wartburg Col- chance to net her second goal lege determined to show what of the season. The assist moved the team can do. Junior captain Fowler-Finn into a tie for sixth MeghanMarie Fowler-Finn took it place on the all-time points list upon herself to demonstrate the with 58. It was also a big day for sevRed-and-Green’s power, single handedly shutting out Wartburg. eral newcomers to the Bears Fowler-Finn broke the game open squad. Freshman Kristin Hilfor her squad in the 35th min- ligoss increased the lead to 3-0 ute as she scored her first of two in the 39th minute as she scored off a cross from sophomore Abgoals on the day. Scoring a penalty kick, Fowl- bey Hartmann for her first career
JOIN S.
goal. Freshman LeAnne Nguyen scored her first collegiate goal, as well, early in the second half to end the scoring at 4-0. After being named the University Athletic Association (UAA) Defensive Player of the Week before the game, Sass saved three shots while playing the first half. Sophomore Carrie Sear matched Sass’s performance, playing the second half and picking up three saves in the effort. Despite the back-to-back wins, the squad lost its 19th-ranked position in the Division III poll and were then forced to travel to the home of the University’s newly formed arch-nemesis, the No. 24 ranked Emory University Eagles. Much to the chagrin of the promising win streak, the Bears were unable to hold on during the game and prove WU’s athletic dominance over the hated Eagles. Despite being outshot 14-3 in the game and losing the advantage in corner kicks 0-6, the tough Bear defense held strong, only allow-
WOMEN’S SOCCER STANDINGS Carnegie Mellon Emory University U. Chicago Brandeis University Rochester New York University Washington U. Case Western Reserve
W 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0
ing one goal. Heading into halftime, the score was knotted at 0-0 and Emory was only able to manage three shots on goal. But once the second half started and Sear replaced Sass in net, the Bear defense crumbled, giving the Eagles 11 opportunities to score. Only one of those shots got past Sear, as she let up the game’s only goal in the 69th minute of play. Without Sear’s exceptional netminding and seven saves, the game differential would have been greater. But in the end it didn’t matter. The Bears were only able to get off two shots on goal, leading to their loss, and rounding out their season record to 6-4-1. The University looks to rebound from their loss with a week off from competition and a four-game homestand, three against UAA rivals. The next game is slated for Sunday, Oct. 9 at noon against Carnegie Mellon University.
UAA L 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1
T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pct. .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000
W 7 7 5 6 6 5 6 3
OVERALL L T Pct. 0 2 .889 0 2 .889 1 .688 2 2 1 .722 1 1 .813 4 1 .550 4 1 .591 6 2 .364
Student Musical Showcase Friday, October 7th 8pm Graham Chapel
P THE PEACE COR come to an info meeting: SATURDAY, OCT. 4, 6 PM UMRATH HALL, CAREER CTR.
Get your FREE Ticket Now! No tickets will be sold at the door! Visit Room 108 in the Women’s Building to get your ticket before they run out! 1Ticket per student ID E-mail newbears@wustl.edu for info
JASON HUBERT | STUDENT LIFE
Senior Brad Duesing secures the ball with a Rhodes player hot on his heels. Duesing caught eight passes for 155 yards on Saturday. yards. Senior Ben Schaub had 10 tackles to headline another solid effort by the University defense. The Bears return to action next Saturday at Francis
Field. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. against University Athletic Association (UAA) rival University of Chicago. The homecoming game will be the last home football game of the season.
FALL SPORTS UPDATE FOOTBALL W STANDINGS Case Western Reserve 0 0 Carnegie Mellon Washington U. 0 U. Chicago 0
VOLLEYBALL W STANDINGS Washington U. 1 Emory University 1 New York University 1 Carnegie Mellon 0 Rochester 1 Brandeis University 0 U. Chicago 0 Case Western Reserve 0
MEN’S SOCCER STANDINGS Emory University Rochester Carnegie Mellon U. Chicago Washington U. New York University Case Western Reserve Brandeis University
W 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
UAA L 0 0 0 0
UAA L 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1
UAA L 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0
Pct. .000 .000 .000 .000
OVERALL W L Pct. 3 2 .600 3 2 .600 2 3 .400 0 4 .000
Pct. .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000
OVERALL W L Pct. 13 0 1.000 14 1 .933 13 2 .867 12 6 .667 13 5 .722 5 8 .385 5 10 .333 2 13 .133
T 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Pct. .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000
W 10 8 5 7 5 7 5 6
OVERALL L T Pct. 0 0 1.000 0 0 1.000 1 .786 1 2 0 .778 2 3 .650 2 1 .750 3 2 .600 2 1 .722
Senior Forum Editor / Molly Antos / forum@studlife.com
MONDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2005
FORUM
STUDENT LIFE | FORUM
5
Our daily forum editors: Monday: Jeff Stepp Wednesday: Daniel Milstein Friday: Zach Goodwin jsstepp@wustl.edu daniel.milstein@wustl.edu goodwin@wustl.edu To ensure that we have time to fully evaluate your submissions, guest columns should be e-mailed to the next issue’s editor or forwarded to forum@studlife.com by no later than 5 p.m. two days before publication. Late pieces will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We welcome your submissions, and thank you for your consideration.
STAFF EDITORIAL
Greek groups taking positive steps T
the changes that the campus requested they make last year. Previously, Greek Week was a series of competitions, such as dodgeball and tug of war, between arbitrarily organized teams of different Greek organizations. The prize for winning the competition used to be a party for the winning team; when this prize wasn’t awarded last year, interest in the event significantly decreased. This year, there was still a party at the end,
his past week, Greeks on campus mobilized to take part in the events of Greeks in Motion. Beginning Wednesday and ending Saturday, the revamped Greek Week worked towards helping U. City East, a charity that benefits the Loop area. This programming, a new effort this year, signifies a shift of focus for the better in the Greek community at the University, and also helps to demonstrate that Greeks are working on
for all Greeks; however, with the shift from a primarily social event consisting only of Greek groups to an event organized around a philanthropy, the Greek community has made an admirable shift from something selfcentered to a much more community oriented event. Greeks at the University are often criticized for not doing enough for the community at large. This change in programming is a step in the right direction, showing that the Greek Life Office,
the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council have been seriously evaluating and changing how the Greek system functions at the University. Furthermore, Greek organizations have also been continuing their annual philanthropies, in addition to participating in last week’s programming. With events like Alpha Epsilon Pi’s Rock’N’Care in Bowles Plaza last week, Alpha Phi’s PhiBall tournament and Sigma Chi’s participation in the
BRIAN SOTAK | EDITORIAL CARTOON
Memory Walk at Tower Grove Park, the Greek community has been philanthropically all semester. These efforts and others like them might not impress everyone in the University community, but the Greeks’ hours of planning, preparation and participation in these charity events should not be easily dismissed. Although it might not always get direct recognition, the University’s Greek community, in addition to providing a social outlet for
a number of freshmen, has been making progress over the past year. Whether due to efforts from the administration, from the members of the groups, or a combination of the two, the shift toward a safer, more socially aware Greek community is beneficial, both for Greeks themselves and the community at large. Those responsible deserve recognition and credit for their efforts to revamp the way Greek life functions at the University.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Campus reacts to Katz’s words Dear Editor:
The end isn’t near T
his weekend, along with many of my Washington University colleagues, I took the LSAT. Four hours, two pencils, one eraser—and my only chance at making a life after college. Or was it? To be honest, I don’t really know if I want to go to law school. Certainly not right after graduation. Probably not even at Jeff all. So why Stepp did I take the test? Am I into masochism? Do I like shelling out a hundred bucks just to take a test? No. I took it just in case, because I’m interested in law and being a lawyer might be something I want to do someday. But I’m not banking on the outcome of this test determining the rest of my life. I wouldn’t be doing that even if I wanted to jump immediately into law school. Why? Because I’m 21 years old. I have, hopefully, two or three times as many years
ahead of me as I do behind me. And that’s a lot to wager on one test. Everyone I know in my graduating class is trying to figure out what we’re going to do after college. It’s natural. Some people know exactly what they want, some people have an idea and some people have no idea. And the great thing is that all of those people are fine. I fall into the middle category, but I have friends on either side. We’re all worried for different reasons, but we can all relax for the same reason: this is not our last stand. Sure, graduating will probably mean emancipation from our parents (read: losing our source of money) and entails beginning a life on our own. That’s quite daunting. But amazingly, lots of people graduate from college every year, and to my knowledge they don’t just pile up on the streets. We will all find something, and it doesn’t have to be that last thing. More importantly, we must be careful not to be blinded by these things. There are things more
important in life than tests, graduate school and jobs. None of those are good without the people we have around us. Our friends, our family, our significant others. The end of college can seem to signal the end of these. But it shouldn’t, because it isn’t.
“There are things more important in life than tests, graduate school and jobs.” The people we hold most dear will always be there. Just because we’re graduating doesn’t mean we’re leaving the world. People who care about each other make the effort to stay caring. In some ways, leaving college is like leaving high school— you miss some friends, but you keep those close to you and make many new friends along the way. You may find yourself in a different time zone than your best friend, but that doesn’t mean the
phone, e-mail, IM and airports all stop working. Use this year to make the best of your relationships, with your family, friends and lovers. Help each other with post-college plans. Let them know that they are important to you. Sometimes, after a few years, we take our relationships for granted. You see people every day in your dorm/house/apartment and forget that that won’t always be the case. As such, we need to remind ourselves to work hard on keeping those people close. Trust each other to remember the past, live in the present and enjoy the future. We can’t stop the approach of graduation. But we can control what it means. To me, it means not an end but a continuation—a continuation of my life, my career and, more importantly, my relationships with the people around me. If I know you, if I love you, I won’t lose you. Jeff is a senior in Arts & Sciences and a Forum editor. He can be reached via e-mail at forum@studlife.com.
Jeff Stepp, a Forum editor, recently opined that it is offensive, discriminatory and bigoted to morally condemn promiscuous male homosexual activity. A more recent staff editorial calls for an end to tolerance of homophobia, including, presumably, the subset of homophobia that involves the moral condemnation of promiscuous male homosexual activity. The staff editorial goes on to suggest, “Discrimination is wrong, no matter whom [sic] the victim is.” All of this has come, apparently, in response to an essay by Professor Jonathan Katz posted on his University Web site morally condemning promiscuous male homosexual activity. May I suggest that the moral condemnation of promiscuous male homosexual activity is a valid idea? There is a fair amount of factual evidence that this activity has played a prominent part in visiting a plague upon the planet. The idea, based in fact, that conduct that has caused misery and death to untold innocents is morally condemnable, is entirely valid. And a valid idea is hardly offensive. May I also suggest that an idea that is discriminatory is not intrinsically invalid? Drunk drivers, smokers in public places and serial killers—all are discriminated against in the public weal. To claim that discrimination is wrong in any form is, frankly, not very discriminating. The idea to morally condemn an activity that threatens the public health, safety and welfare is no less valid because it is discriminatory. May I fi nally suggest that “bigoted” is a pointless word to bandy? The New Oxford American Dictionary indicates that one is bigoted who is obstinately convinced of the superiority or correctness of his or her own opinions and prejudiced against those who hold different opinions. Might the same not also be said of Forum editors and staff? How does this indictment advance the debate? Professor Katz proposes a cogent, legitimate, timely, valid idea—an idea that bears public discourse with open minds, not obstinate conviction, an idea that has a place in University Web space
and indeed belongs there if anywhere. -S.W. Baum Arizona State University Class of 1975
A moral position? Dear Editor: I was shaking my head over Professor Jonathan Katz’s views on homosexuality. I had trouble understanding how a scientist could arrive at a view that has so little to do with the facts of the matter. But then I ran into the phrase “homosexual blood-guilt.” Not exactly a scientific term, is it? As I understand it, this phrase comes from loose translations of Leviticus 20: 13. This has nothing to do with rational thinking or rational argument about AIDS and homosexuality. It has nothing to do with holding human beings (heterosexual, homosexual or otherwise) morally responsible for their actions. It has to do with—yes, Professor Katz does have the right word for it—homophobia, which is not a moral position at all. -J. Claude Evans Associate Professor of Philosophy
Another view on stem cells Dear Ms. Rothstein: I read your recent column concerning stem cell research in Missouri. I commend you for taking on such a difficult and controversial subject. Unfortunately, it appears you have been misinformed in several areas regarding Sen. Bartle’s stem cell stance and with the subject of embryonic stem cell research in general. Should you do a future story, I would be glad to present a perspective that contributors to your article did not share. -Todd Scott Chief of Staff for Sen. Matt Bartle
See LETTERS, page 7
YOUR VOICE: LETTERS AND GUEST COLUMNS
OUR VOICE: EDITORIAL BOARD
OUR WEB POLICY
Student Life welcomes letters to the editor and op-ed submissions from readers.
Editorials are written by the forum editors and reflect the consensus of the editorial board. The editorial board operates independently of the newsroom.
Once an article has been published on www.studlife.com, our Web site, it will remain there permanently. We do not remove articles from the site, nor do we remove authors’ names from articles already published on the Web, unless an agreement was reached prior to July 1, 2005.
Letters to the Editor One Brookings Drive #1039 Saint Louis, MO 63130-4899
News: (314) 935-5995 Fax: (314) 935-5938 email: letters@studlife.com
All submissions must include the writer’s name, class, address and phone number for verification. Student Life reserves the right to edit all letters for style, length, libel considerations and grammar. Letters should be no longer than 350 words in length. Readers may also submit longer articles of up to 750 words as guest columns. Student Life reserves the right to print any submission as a letter or guest column.
Editor in Chief: Margaret Bauer Associate Editor: Liz Neukirch Managing Editor: David Tabor Senior News Editor: Sarah Kliff
Senior Forum Editor: Molly Antos Forum Editors: Zach Goodwin, Daniel Milstein, Jeff Stepp, Brian Schroeder, Matt Shapiro
Why do we do this? Because Google and other search engines cache our Web site on a regular basis. Our thought is this: once an article has been published online, it’s too late to take back. It is irrevocably part of the public sphere. As such, removing an article from our site would serve no purpose.
6 STUDENT LIFE | FORUM
Senior Forum Editor / Molly Antos / forum@studlife.com
MONDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2005
Daytime drinking and disappointment: chronicling W.I.L.D. and its woes T
he microwave clock made it clear I was cheating. As the time—11:53 a.m.— blinked in regular beats, I dropped six squares of ice into a glass I had frosted just for the occasion. I poured liberally from a vodka bottle I had paid for in quarters, added a touch of tonic and commenced stirring. Standing in front of my television—as a bright-eyed weather woman pronounced the sky cloudy and rain a “statistical possibility”—I took a generous gulp of Dimitroff-inspired bliss. The vodka swirled and the ice clinked, and I made a mental note of a few things. First, despite planning to wait until noon to start
drinking, here I was, at seven till, with a glass in my hand. Point number two came upon catching Zach my reflecGoodwin tion in the living room mirror. I saw an unshowered man of roughly 22 years, sporting only boxers, clutching a comically oversized, thoroughly frozen mug. I shuddered, briefly, and then remembered that this was, in fact, okay. I could be content with the picture of sloth that stood before me because of the all important point number three—it
was September 23rd, it was W.I.L.D. and alcoholism and indolence were officially sanctioned. After finding the shower and some pants, I gathered with friends to celebrate in a manner less indicative of a drinking problem. By three o’clock, spirits were high, sobriety was low and the apartment was abuzz with a general giddiness. Although no formal polls were administered, I can report that most in attendance felt that life was good and, basically, worth living. Upon arriving at the concert, however, those unofficial poll numbers quickly went south. There was a healthy turnout, the weather stayed pleasant and it’s hard
to complain about free food. But there was that music. From what I remember of it, there was a lot of bass, some hard to place thumping and lots of shouting in rhythm. One gentlemen in particular kept asking what were apparently rhetorical questions—“what?”—and then answering them very abruptly. This was a pattern—lots of bass, lots of “what?”—that was repeated with an admirable diligence and stamina. All in all, it’s not that it was bad, so much as just genuinely boring. The charm and candor the performers exhibited, however, was hard to ignore. In between songs, a few of the gentlemen on stage stopped to address the women of
campus directly. Striking a diplomatic tone, and showing only the utmost respect, they asked the girls if they were interested in expressing their appreciation and affection by removing some clothing. They noted the advantages of freeing oneself from burdensome t-shirts and undergarments and invited all the girls to take part in the merriment. After each request, they would slowly and expectantly scan the crowd, obviously excited to see the bounty of breasts unfold. This offer was reextended every three or four songs. Now, despite my complaints, I want to emphasize that I am a fan of W.I.L.D. In fact, I am what one might
call an enthusiast. Daytime drinking is a sport that is seldom seen as socially acceptable and I am a firm believer in capitalizing on the opportunities that arise. W.I.L.D. also seems to sincerely bring the campus together in a way that few other events do. So, let’s be clear: W.I.L.D. is a good thing. But can’t we all agree that Lil’ Jon’s show was kind of lame? Let’s protect the sanctity of W.I.L.D. by bringing some one worth seeing. Yee-ah! Zach is a senior in Arts & Sciences. He can be reached via e-mail at forum@studlife.com.
Enough parenting by the Greek Life Office L
ast Wednesday, as part of the Greeks in Motion programming, the Greek Life Office (GLO) oversaw the annual Grand Chapter, a meeting for all Greek students at the University. This year, however, there was a new twist. All students who didn’t attend the program would be fined $20, and students who e-mailed Matt in an exShapiro cuse that was not accepted would be fined “only” $10, which, the e-mail took care to point out, would be donated to U. City East, the philanthropy benefiting from last week’s efforts. Does this then mean that the University then pocketed the money of the students who had to pay $20 for their unexcused absences? Seeing the way they’re treating the tuition from visiting students from Tulane, who knows where the money will end up. A program should be pretty important if over 1,000 students are required to attend it, very important if anyone who doesn’t show up will be fined. So, what was so important that the GLO mandated we attend? The program first began with a mini-pep rally for Greeks in Motion, and then there was a speaker, a strange cross between a Greek stand-up comedian and a slightly perturbed parent. His words consisted of a few jokes, harping on
general stereotypes about fraternities and sororities, and a good deal more encouragement/scolding, in which he implored us to do more with our Greek organizations, at one point saying, “I expect more from you.” His scoldings were especially confusing, because he also kept praising how much charity and philanthropy work Greek organizations do, more than ever before, and how strong our particular Greek community at Wash. U. is. If that’s true, why such harsh criticism from an outside source? And if it isn’t, well, he shouldn’t be blowing smoke up our collective Greek behind. While some of his points may have been valid, such
“Both fraternities and sororities have their own governing organizations; the GLO should simply be an office overseeing these bodies, rather than an active, constant presence.” as focusing on risk management and building our community both on and off campus, there was certainly nothing about this speaker, a professional Greek who tours the country giving a similar version of this speech to other Greek communities, that was compel-
ling enough to have mandatory attendance. This was the second straight year that a “lifetime Greek” has come to speak at Grand Chapter, which is interesting, because on Wednesday we also heard about all the successful businessmen and politicians who were Greeks during college; if this is true, why not bring one of them in? The Greek community could probably benefit much more from a speaker who can talk about how their experiences as a Greek affected or helped them as they worked toward success. Their thoughts would be significantly more valuable (although maybe still not worth $20) than someone who has stayed within the Greek community for his entire career. Another benefit could be that the Greek community might actually learn something from the speaker and be inspired by him or her, rather than coming away feeling slightly amused and mildly insulted. There is a certain amount of condescension in forcing us to come to an event where we’re criticized for things we haven’t even done; at least twice in his presentation, the speaker said something along the lines of, “Now, I know this isn’t really a problem on this campus, BUT…” and then went into the next part of his speech. Rather than wasting our time, a commodity precious to all Wash. U. students, an interesting and relevant speaker could do much more for us. Removing the unnecessary fine just for missing the meeting would also take away much of the resent-
TEMU BROWN | STUDENT LIFE
ment Greeks felt towards the event this year, thereby making it more likely to be successful. In general, it would be really enjoyable if the Greek Life Office would stop acting like parents of all the members of Greek life on campus. Just under a year ago, they took away all drinking privileges; now, we
have to go to the meetings they say we do, or they take away some of our allowance. This punitive and unnecessary parenting is not needed by the Greek community. Both fraternities and sororities have their own governing organizations; the GLO should simply be an office overseeing these bodies, rather than an active, con-
stant presence. Hopefully, future programming by the GLO will be more beneficial and useful to the Greeks on campus, rather than unimportant and irritating. Matt is a senior in Arts & Sciences and a Forum editor. He can be reached via e-mail at forum@studlife.com.
Jonathan Katz, professional bigot? By Jeff Smith Op-ed Submission
I
feel compelled to respond to the arguments proffered in Professor Katz’s “In Defense of Homophobia,” which he recently reiterated in his Sept. 28 letter to the editor. In that letter, Katz states that Jeff Stepp’s original editorial espouses a dislike for Katz’s essay, but doesn’t state any specific grounds for disagreement. Apparently, Katz is so sure of himself that he can neither imagine contrary viewpoints nor recognize the logical fallacies that pepper his essay. Perhaps we should start a list of the many things wrong with Katz’s essay. First, Katz begins his argument by defining homophobia as “a moral judgment that homosexual behavior [most of the arguments in this essay refer specifically to male homosexual behavior]
is wrong.” From the outset, I have to wonder why Katz includes this qualification in his definition. Katz cites religious prohibitions of homosexual behavior to support his argument, but those same religious authorities do not discriminate on the basis of gender as Katz does in his essay. All same-sex partnerships are condemned in the eyes of the church whether they are between lesbians or gay men. Yet, one wonders why gay males are the focus of Professor Katz’s attack. Perhaps, like most homophobes, gay male sexuality repulses Katz, but he doesn’t mind the occasional bout of hot girl-on-girl action. If Katz is going to espouse such hateful rhetoric, perhaps he should at least explain the apparent inconsistencies in his bigotry. Another problem arises in Katz’s implicit treatment of gay sex acts as forms of be-
havior specific to a particular sexual orientation. Katz doesn’t specify the acts that he has in mind, but surely he understands that there is nothing about fellatio or anal intercourse that identifies it necessarily as homosexual behavior. Plenty of heterosexual couples engage in these behaviors, often without the use of condoms. From a health perspective, unprotected fellatio or anal sex entails roughly the same risks for transmission of HIV regardless of whether the couple engaged in these activities is heterosexual or homosexual. Professor Katz might counter that homosexual behaviors are merely members of a larger class of sexual acts that he deems morally wrong. Fine, but if that is the case, why entitle your essay “In Defense of Homophobia”? Why not “A Moral Critique of Sodomy”? Or “In Defense of Vanilla Sex”?
Or “In Praise of the Missionary Position”? Most troubling is Katz’s claim that the human body was not designed to engage in homosexual acts, and that consequently, “engaging in such behavior is like riding a motorcycle on an icy road without a helmet.” In making this argument, Katz has disingenuously shifted the terrain from a causal argument to one involving analogy. In essence, Katz draws a comparison between the aforementioned forms of behavior. But this simply begs a larger question about his reasoning: are they really the same? One important difference between the two involves the issue of foreknowledge and moral culpability. Put simply, the problem is this: can one be held morally accountable for negative consequences if one is unable to foresee the likelihood that a deleterious
outcome will occur? Almost every moral system in the world requires such knowledge of potential harm for a person to be held morally or criminally culpable for his actions. In Katz’s account of a motorcyclist on an icy road, I presume that he is thinking of someone endowed with rational agency and fully aware of the potential risks of his actions. In this instance, the person’s action is morally repugnant because he engages in a risky, thrill-seeking act knowing that he endangers the lives of himself and others. But for his analogy to work, Katz must believe that the AIDS epidemic was caused by gay men knowingly engaging in risky, unprotected sex in order to knowingly infect one another and knowingly taint the nation’s blood supply. Does Katz really believe that this was how the
AIDS epidemic was caused? A careful reading of his essay suggests that he doesn’t. Katz characterizes gay men as self-indulgently hedonistic; he doesn’t indicate a belief that they are suicidal. That’s just for starters. Katz’s “defense” of homophobia is nothing but a skein of strained analogies, impossible causal links and unproven axioms. In the end, Katz offers only the same old prejudices disguised by a patina of science and rationality. Katz’s “principled” defense of homophobia ultimately isn’t very principled at all. Frankly, Dr. Katz, I liked you better as a cartoon character. Jeff is an associate professor of performing arts. He can be reached via e-mail at jpsmith@wustl.edu.
Senior Forum Editor / Molly Antos / forum@studlife.com
MONDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2005
STUDENT LIFE | FORUM
7
Quit playing the AIDS blame game By Mark C. Hines Op-ed Submission I am compelled to comment on the rhetoric and logic used in Professor Jonathan Katz’s article, “In Defense of Homophobia,” and in his letters to the editor on Sept. 28 and 30. In his article, part of Katz’s justification for homophobia is to place the entirety of blame for the AIDS epidemic in the United States on the male homosexual community. In recent letters to the editor, he went on to say, “I look forward to learning why [Jeff Stepp] absolves homosexuality of blood-guilt for the deaths of the victims of AIDS” and asks for a reason why his arguments are incorrect.
The debate can be reframed to focus on a different perspective on the emergence of the AIDS epidemic that refrains from playing the blame game. It becomes easy to blame others for problems in society because we can easily claim no association with “them.” Viewing situations in this way does little to stop the spread of an epidemic, especially when most of the world’s cases are not transmitted through male-on-male sex. In fact, UNAIDS estimates that of the approximately 39.4 million people living with AIDS, just under half are women. Communicable Disease and Prevention Control estimated in 1996 that 70 percent of HIV infections globally were transmitted
through heterosexual sex, while only up to 10 percent of cases were transmitted through homosexual or bisexual activity. AIDS did not develop isolated in the United States; it is a global epidemic that has been affected by the processes of globalization. One cannot dispute the fact that the first cases in the United States were documented among gay men who lived in San Francisco and New York. However, Katz wrongly blames the deaths of “over 500,000 people” on the entire male homosexual community. When the epidemic first exploded onto the scene, the United States was slow to respond. In fact, President Ronald Reagan never even publicly
LETTERS v FROM PAGE 5
“The debate can be reframed to focus on a different perspective on the emergence of the AIDS epidemic that refrains from playing the blame game.” addressed AIDS until late in 1985, despite the first case being diagnosed in 1981. It is precisely the stigmatization of groups that Katz is calling for and the
subsequent failure to publicly respond to the situation that is largely to blame for the AIDS epidemic in the United States. It is the same homophobia that Katz defends which prevented action from taking place. Perhaps if gay men had been able to benefit from research to know exactly how the disease was transmitted and then educated on prevention possibilities, the situation would have been different. It was not until the government finally recognized that AIDS was also prevalent in heterosexuals that any urgency existed. Similar ways of thinking have continued to cause problems. The United States routinely fails to promote broadly administered sex
education programs to teach youth (one of the highest demographics at risk today) about condoms and HIV prevention. Early prevention would not have eradicated AIDS, but it certainly would have lessened the impact as well as produced drugs such as protease inhibitors more quickly. Stigmatization of HIV and people living with the virus will only continue to hamper our efforts to curtail the epidemic. Mark is a senior in Arts & Sciences. He can be reached via e-mail at mchines@artsci. wustl.edu.
KRT CAMPUS | EDITORIAL CARTOON
bic professors?” I would respond, “Just as much as Wash. U. tolerates homophiliac ones.”
Homophobia: a misnomer
-Matthew J. Harris School of Law student
Dear Editor: A “phobia” is, according to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, “an exaggerated, usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation”. Refusal to acknowledge homosexuality as a morally valid “alternative lifestyle” choice is not such a fear, and those who refuse to do so ought not be labelled “homophobic.” The term is properly applied only to those who have an irrational fear of homosexuals. Surely there is room in the public discourse for those who do not believe in the moral acceptability of homosexuality. The selfcontradictory nature of the pervasive axiom of university politics, which holds that “everything is acceptable except those who do not accept everything,” should be readily apparent to all. One cannot demand moral acceptance of homosexuality while condemning those who do not accept it. The Bible condemns homosexuality (as well as fornication and adultery) in both the Old and New Testaments. For many, this is reason enough to reject homosexuality (as well as fornication and adultery). Antipathy to homosexuality is nothing more than discrimination based on behavior, which is routinely practiced in the U.S. and which even the left-most liberals could not rationally declare to be a public harm. Please understand that this does not justify acts of violence against homosexuals—only the right to refuse to accept the moral equivalence of heterosexual and homosexual relationships. To the question “Should Wash. U. tolerate homopho-
University’s Web policy only protects experts Dear Editor: There is an explicit response to the claim that the truism “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it” applies to the Katz controversy. It is found within Washington University’s Policy on Academic Freedom: “It is a faculty member’s position, based on MASTERY OF HIS/HER SUBJECT [emphasis added] and his/her own scholarship, which entitles the faculty member to freedom in the presentation of his/her subject.” Katz has not mastered the subject on which he is speaking; therefore, essays on the University Web site that stray from physics or science are not protected by academic freedom. As for Voltaire, we should defend Katz’s free speech when it is spoken in the private domain. -Steven S. Hoffmann Class of 2007
A biased learning environment Dear Editor: Like many students at Washington University, I find it disgusting that Professor Jonathan Katz uses Washington University internet to spread his un-
substantiated hate speech. I don’t know whether I should be more disgusted by his message or by the fact that a Wash. U. professor uses such poor reasoning skils to construct his arguments. The professor condemns homosexuality as the cause of the AIDS epidemic. Professor, since AIDS disproportionaly affects minorities and the poor, should we conclude that it is immoral to belong to these populations also? While I support his right to free speech, I see major flaws in the integrity of anyone who would so publicly condemn the GLBT population, especially a professor. How could a GLBT student feel comfortable with some-
one who so publicly decries their lifestyle? How could they be sure that the grades they receive are even fair when they know about their professor’s biases against their sexuality? -Rose Kowalski Class of 2004
Student Union: a forum needed Dear Editor: The recent staff editorial regarding Professor Katz’s controversial Web site was a disappointing response to an issue that demands
KRT CAMPUS | EDITORIAL CARTOON
serious attention. Clearly, a “quicker response” is necessary, but the suggested course of action was vague. In the spirit of the intellectual dialogue, I propose that Student Union invite Professor Katz to speak on behalf of his beliefs. A forum should be established to hear more about the content of Professor Katz’s Web site, one held not with reactionary disdain but with genuine concern for the issue at hand. If Professor Katz decides not to attend, Student Union should still host a forum regarding this controversy. Inevitably, Student Union should be responsible for formalizing and voicing the general sentiment of students in regards to Professor Katz’s usage of University space for his “less than tolerant” beliefs. All should be invited and have the opportunity to better understand the relationship between academic freedom and political correctness. -Ian Schatzberg Class of 2007
Fair trade... cannabis? Dear Editor: Jessica Long is right on the mark with her Sept. 28 article advocating fair trade coffee. But the governments of the world’s richest nations do more than just subsidize coffee farmers in their effort to make the rich richer and the poor poorer. They also make irrational laws and use them to form profitable multi-billion dollar organizations. By doing so, they also create tremendous profits for the thugs and low-lifes who operate the black markets that the government so kindly provides for them. Yes, that’s right, both the government and the terrorists are winning! So then, who is losing? The losers are honest, good
people who don’t want ignorance, violence, coercion and “sleeping with the fishes” to be part of their business vocabulary. This is a sad state of affairs, but a step in the right direction has been made with “fair trade cannabis.” The industrial form of cannabis sativa is called “hemp,” and it has little to nothing to do with those silly “cannabis heads” who use the bud section of this plant for controversial recreational and medicinal purposes. Hemp is stronger, more versatile, far less soiltaxing and has better vitality than just about any other plant, including cotton, its main competitor. In addition to unparalleled performance in quality textile production, hemp is an efficient source for paper pulp and fuel. Nutritionally it is only rivaled by soy, but even soy’s greater amount of protein is of lesser use to humans. Hemp, by all accounts, is God’s gift to organic materials production. And no, I’m not some crazy hippy with ulterior motives who’s making things up because I want my drug fix to be legal just like everyone else’s is. There is a reason why our government is blind and why growing hemp is illegal, and it’s not a respectable one. But please, don’t trust me, go and do the research for yourself. Political corruption may be a fact of life, but you don’t have to sit back and submit to it. Keep a keen eye out for fair trade cannabis. Buy smart when you buy green! -Matthew Ullrich Class of 2006
8 STUDENT LIFE | SCENE
Senior Scene Editor / Sarah Baicker / scene@studlife.com
MONDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2005
Sex, Lies & Lucky Charms: 21st century communication
I finally got Internet working in my apartment this week. As soon as I signed on to AIM, senior Eric Triebe greeted me by saying, “Welcome back to the 21st century!” Since I see Triebe at least twice a week, I found this greeting interesting. Apparently, online existence is quite different from real life existence. Twenty-first century inventions have become so embedded in our daily routines that it seems as though any relationship suffers without. Can you imagine not talking on a cell phone, not text messaging and not ever conversing online with your loved one? With the hustle and bustle of college life, and life in general for that matter, 21st century communication inventions are an integral part of forming and sustaining relation-
Rachel Brockway ships. A long, long time ago, humans were forced to interact solely face to face. They had to look at each other and communicate through grunts in order to express their feelings and desires. One grunt: “Yes.” Two grunts: “I want sex.” Nowadays there are numerous ways to ask for sex and a plethora of ways to start a relationship. Take my relationship, for example. One night this past summer I received
a drunken text message from Mr. Mairose himself saying something along the lines of “Hey beautiful, we should get together sometime.” My first reaction was the thought, “Why is this guy text messaging me?” Second reaction, “Well, he is cute...” And so it happened. I accepted the fact that he did not have the nerve to actually drunk-dial me, and our relationship has been amazing ever since. But I must thank text messaging technology; without it I may never have started dating Kyle. Another, better-known happy ending occurred via the World Wide Web. Yes, the marriage of Kip and La-Fawn-duh in “Napoleon Dynamite” was made possible because of the Internet. Love poems and pictures (though not a full body shot) were sent and
love quickly blossomed. Internet and cell phones give people the courage to put themselves out there. This is because it is much easier to be rejected online than face-to-face. No one doubts that 21st century inventions are useful, and a number of long-lasting relationships have evolved from online friendships. It should be mentioned, though, that technology can get one into a lot of trouble. A good friend of mine, a junior who would like to be called “Dirk Diggler,” said, “Due to the advent of the cell phone, partners are able to keep tabs on one another by means of checking their call logs. It also provides a more private avenue to converse with a third party, making the covert call from the bedroom obsolete.” I’m sure many have experienced the “Oh, shit,
I didn’t mean it that way” moment while talking online. I have certainly had conversations online that were obviously facetious in my opinion, only to find that the other person took it as genuine. Experts say that only 7 percent of communication is the actual words used. Therefore, in the practices of text messaging and IMing, 93 percent of communication is diminished—a perfect catalyst for misunderstandings. Don’t let them fool you. Text messaging, calling and IMing can be very tricky things. There is a whole science to communication, including when to communicate, how to communicate and how to play “the game.” Without body language and tone of voice, it becomes increasingly harder to tell how someone truly feels. A friend of mine from
HOUSE OF INDIA
home was stressing about a text message she received from a guy she liked. She frantically considered many options: “Should I text back? Would that look too desperate? Should I wait until tomorrow? Should I call him instead of texting him to show him that I’m interested? Should I ignore him? This is so difficult!” Basically, I am telling you that 21st century communication can be awful, but it can also empower people to do things they normally would not have the gumption to do, which, in some cases, can be wonderful. So maybe communication through grunts and communication through wires are simply means to an end. That end should be looking at someone face to face, and not needing to say anything at all.
House of India Price Range: $9-18 8501 Delmar, STL 63124 (314) 567-6850
STEPPING OUT By Jake Levitas and Chris Kudelka Scene Reporters Many a Wash. U. student has made the trip from our humble campus to Lambert International Airport as a part of his or her journey home, but surprisingly few know of a true treasure lying in their very paths, an untold tale of remarkable Indian cuisine and culture located at Delmar and I-170: House of India. It should never go unexperienced by any restaurateur, amateur or professional. This small, yet considerably amazing, restaurant offers authentic Indian dishes in a welcoming atmosphere filled with sitar groove and tech-support attitude. On Saturday evenings, there might be a wait because House of India is a popular hotspot for those wanting a taste of the real deal. It is well worth the time, however, because soon the stimuli of India will overwhelm all thoughts and desires. Whether you’re in the mood for a hint of flavor or a full-on explosion of sensory euphoria, there’s something for everyone and nothing for the nomad. But don’t count your pennies before they’re stitched in time because these wonderful dishes will make the contents of your wallet go, “like a fat kid loves cake,” so the saying goes. Despite House of India’s
idiosyncrasies, it has its quirks, too: the waiters greet and seat you quickly and in an orderly fashion; the chairs stand upright; and, interestingly enough, they accept many forms of monetary note. While seated in our superstandard conditions, our subcontinental waiter quickly grew fond of our womenfolk, offering them brews and potions gratis. We unfolded our menus to witness a smorgasbord of Indian cuisine jumping out at us; two full pages of pure delight. By far the most difficult part of the meal comes first-deciding what to eat among zounds of menu items practically screaming, “Choose me! Choose me!” Whether with your friends or with the weird guy sitting one table over, sharing dishes is highly recommended to get a full sampling of what the restaurant has to offer. After the arduous comida selection process, we waxed philosophical over the contrasts between the tangy red and the piquant green sauces for our lentil cracker appetizers (papad), eventually deeming the rouge quite superior. Our service was swift and graceful, like a jaguar. Our food arrived to a round of inner applause from our hearts and inner
warning cries from our digestive systems. Fully ignoring the latter, we eagerly commenced the process of devouring a table completely covered in food. Being in a big group gave us the advantage of ordering many dishes: Chicken Korma Kashmiri, Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Naan, Chicken Curry, Chana Masala, Dal Makhni and Chicken Ginger Kababs—all highly recommended. Each dish was both distinct and incredibly delicious, and it is nearly impossible to choose a “best” dish. Besides, everyone’s a winner when you’re eating amazing Indian food. Many choices are available for carnivores, herbivores and omnivores alike, and the variety of Indian breads should certainly not be ignored. Each dish comes piled high with a plate of basmati rice cooked just the way mom would make it if mom was from Delhi and really good at cooking. Dinner was more like an epic journey than a meal—a flavorful adventure through incredible tastes we never could have imagined. By the time we finished, we were all so full we could barely move—the true mark of quality. From everything we ordered there were absolutely no leftovers and we
OLIVER HULLAND I STUDENT LIFE
Jake and Chris pose with their favorite waiter at the House of India, which is located near Delmar and I-170. literally licked our plates clean. For your money, it is hard to beat the quality of the food at House of India. Not only does it outdo the vast majority of In-
dian restaurants in St. Louis, but it matches up extremely well against other types of restaurants in the same price range. As a departure from the normal
Italian or Thai cuisine, spice things up a bit by taking a walk on the subcontinental side—just make sure your stomach is well prepared.
Spirituality on campus By Mike Duncan Scene Reporter
Were you raised in a religious home? No, I was raised in a secular/humanist home. My family definitely had taught me a lot of values like the importance of charity, social justice, hard work, and treating people right. [However] my mom was, for a time, a single mother and felt judged every time she went to a church. It was not a safe place for her, so she stopped going and never really took me. So, I never had much religion in the home. When did you become spiritual and what was that experience like? In high school I started out as an atheist and was very much opposed to religion because the Christians that I ran into were not very sympathetic. They viewed the plight of the poor as “they’re lazy,” or that “it’s God’s will,” or “they’re sinful.” That rubbed me the wrong way and I associated
religion with that. But later on I had some Muslim friends and they gave me a Qur’an. When I started reading it, it was a very powerful experience because it seemed like the next word or sentence was anticipating my thoughts. It was almost like the Qur’an was reading me. And in there I found a deep concern for all different types of social problems like poverty or people without social conscience feeling that because they had money or power these were reasons to be arrogant and to forget about their spiritual connection with God. Reading the Qur’an made me feel for the first time that in many ways these statements about the people who were not connecting with God actually applied to me. Why are you Muslim? Muslim means one who submits to God. I am Muslim because I submit to the will of God. As I was reading the Qur’an I thought, “This is Revelation, this is not from humans.” It was from experience that I thought
[the Qur’an] is from God, so Muhammad must be the Messenger of God, which means there must be a God. I am still a Muslim because I still believe that the Qur’an is a revelation. I believe in God and try to improve my relationship with God. What happens when you don’t submit to the will of God in your life? There is an internal conflict. Things that are normally easy suddenly become difficult. The problem occurs when your mind and heart know you should do something but part of your lower self rejects that knowledge. Sometimes, it gets the upper hand. What does God think about you? Well, I don’t know, I mean I can’t presume. I hope God thinks, “Well, here is a person that is trying–not succeeding all the time and making lots of mistakes–but I can tell he is trying to be a better person.”
How would you define jihad?
When do you feel closest to God?
I would define jihad as the struggle to enact justice. It starts with enacting justice within yourself by striving to be a better Muslim, friend, neighbor and human being. That is one level. The other level is treating other people fairly and with forgiveness. That is hard because we want to be vengeful and are hesitant to waive the rights we have over others. On the final level, it is important to establish justice in society. The struggle for justice in society is a struggle to make it possible for you as an individual to establish justice within yourself and in your interpersonal relations with others. People tend to focus on the political struggles and I think that is a shame. They miss out on why these societal struggles are even occurring. They don’t realize the inner struggle that has preceded the political struggle. I think to focus on that alone is a tragedy.
I feel closest to God certainly when I pray because I recite the Qur’an and it is a mix of power and beauty. I feel close to God when I do spiritual acts, but I’m not advanced enough to remain in an elevated spiritual state all the time. When I am in day-to-day mode, that closeness occurs when I see people being kind to one another or when I try to do a small act of kindness. When I see people respect others simply because they are a fellow human being, I remember God. If I am interested in becoming Muslim, what would you tell me? Read the Qur’an and talk to Muslims about questions you have. After that, you will come to the conclusion either that this Revelation is from God or it is not. If you think it is, then you are a Muslim. If you think it is not, then you’re not. There aren’t any rituals, but a profession of the faith. It is the belief in your heart, very personal and simple.
Ian Bushner -Senior -Arabic Major -Muslim
MONDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2005
STUDENT LIFE | CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIEDS FREE Classifieds
Classified ads are free to students, faculty and staff in most instances. To place your FREE 25-word ad, simply email us from your WU email account.
Classifications Help Wanted For Rent Roommates Sublet Real Estate For Sale Automotive
Wanted Services Tickets Travel Spring Break Lost & Found Personals
BARTENDING! $300/DAY POTENTIAL. No experience is necessary. Training is provided. Call 800-965-6520 ext. 176. GET PAID TO drive a brand new car! Now paying drivers $800-$3200 a month. Pick up your free car key today. www.freecarkey.com MAD SCIENCE INSTRUCTORS: Enhusiastic instructors needed to teach parttime (after school, one to five days per week), fun, handson science programs in elementary schools. Must have own transportation. Salary is $25.00 - $27.50 per one hour class. Please call 314991-8000. PART-TIME RECEPTIONIST: SEEKING receptionist for the hours of 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. $8/hour plus excellent employee discount. Convenient to campus in downtown Clayton. Call 314862-4492. PART-TIME RESPONSIBLE nanny with car needed for older children before and after school. Some overnights are possible. May bring laundry. Call Becky at 314-7265840 or cell 314-779-7972. PART-TIME WORK $12 BASE/ APPT, flexible schedule, customer sales/service, scholarship opportunities, Please call 314-997-7873 for more information.
Line Ad Rates
Placing Your Ad
Deadlines
Rates listed below are for businesses or individuals not affiliated with WU.
http://www.studlife.com
In order to be published, all ads must be placed and paid for by:
1-5 issues: 50¢ per word, per issue 6-9 issues: 40¢ per word, per issue 10+ issues: 30¢ per word, per issue
For the fastest and easiest service, place and pay for your ad online! Click on the “Classifiedsâ€? link on our website to get started! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Email: classifieds@studlife.com Don’t forget to include a contact number so we can confirm pricing & payment! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Terms & Conditions
Phone: 314.935.6713
2 pm Thurs. 2 pm Mon. 2 pm Tues.
Payment All classified ads must be prepaid prior to first insertion by credit card, cash or personal check. Checks should be made payable to
Prefer to speak with someone? Call us to place your ad by credit card! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
There is a 15-word minimum charge on all classified ads. The first three words (max. one line) are bold and capitalized. All ads will appear on studlife.com at no additional charge. Please check your ad carefully on the first day of publication and notify Student Life of any errors. We will only be responsible for the first day’s incorrect insertion.
Mon. edition: Wed. edition: Fri. edition:
WU Student Media, Inc.
Fax: 314.935.5938 Don’t forget to include a contact number so we can confirm pricing & payment!
Forget your umbrella? Pick up a free rental umbrella at any of the following locations on campus. After you’re done, simply return it to any other location. This program is sponsored by Student Life...because we’ve got you covered! Participating campus partners: Student Health Services • The Career Center University College • Athletic Complex Mallinckrodt Info Desk • Residential Life NTS-Restech • Event Services • Bear’s Den Village Dining Area • Center Court Mallinckrodt Food Court
To ďŹ nd out the results of our recent “Photoshop the Bunnyâ€? Photoshop contest and view students’ entries, visit our Web site at www.studlife.com.
8FÂľWF HPU ZPV
DPWFSFE
See this space in the future for more fun Photoshop contests and prize drawings!
WEB SITE PROGRAMMER needed. Assist designer building simple sites. Flexible schedule. Please call 314-913-9771 for more information.
Student groups: NEWLY RENOVATED 1-BEDROOM condominium for rent. Located at 4355 Maryland Avenue in the Central West End. CALL US TODAY TO SEE THE APARTMENT! Please contact 314-304-6248.
TWO MEN (AGES 24, 27) looking for third to share a beautiful new (about 4 years old), big (about 2,200 sqare feet) house with clean, responsible roommate. Located on the 4400 block of Pershing. $550/month. includes all utilities including high speed internet. Two large family rooms on the main floor will give you plenty of space for your own furniture. Please contact by phone Craig at (314) 435-4495 for more information.
AUTOS 2003 NEW BEETLE. AUTOMATIC, 13,XXX miles. Excellent condition. Call for detailed picture or more information. Please contact 314-495-9149.
We’ve got you covered. We want to hear from you about your upcoming events and other plans. Please submit press releases to news@studlife.com. Things to include: -The date, time, and location of your event -What makes your event unique/important for us to cover -Any relevant background information -Contact information for several people
SPRING BREAK 2006 WITH Student Travel Service to Jamaica, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Florida. Are you connected? Sell Trips, earn cash, and Travel Free! Call for group discounts. More information or to make reservations call 800-648-4849. www.ststravel.com
9
involved in organizing the event. Submit press releases at least one week prior to the event—preferably two weeks in advance—as a Word document.
10 STUDENT LIFE | SCENE
Senior Scene Editor / Sarah Baicker / scene@studlife.com
MONDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2005
SCENE
Are college women preparing for a career in motherhood?
By Erin Fults Scene Reporter A recent New York Times study revealed a surprising trend among young women attending prestigious schools such as Princeton and Yale. In this study, a decent percentage of these women reported their plans to work for a few years and then become stay-at-home moms. While being a stay-at-home mom is one of the many life paths a woman can choose, many people associate this lifestyle with past generations when women were expected to devote their life to child-rearing. Some might also find it particularly surprising that these women are investing extensive time and money into an education and degree that will take a backseat to other life plans.
“When I was applying to Washington University, my parents were a bit concerned about my future plans,” said sophomore Whitney Lesch. “This is a school that costs so much and they wanted to make sure I would use my degree and maximize the resources put into my college education.” Janneli Miller, visiting professor of anthropology, believes that these young women and others are striving to gain more respect for their choice to be a stay-at-home mom. “These women will be more respected for a degree from a prestigious school,” observed Miller. “Having a strong education and then staying at home makes it a choice, and not a default position.” Attending an esteemed university, working for a few years and then leaving work to raise a family might be a solu-
tion to the conflicting goals of having a family and career while still maintaining a level of respect. “It is a response to severe societal pressure to have both a family and a career where we are still somewhat stuck with traditional gender roles,” added Miller. “Or, these schools could just be a way to get smarter, richer husbands so they won’t have to work.” Linda Nicholson, a professor in women’s studies and history, believed that too many questions raised in the study were left unanswered and that young women with such preset plans are prematurely planning their lives. “A lot of Wash. U. undergraduate students haven’t even considered their majors, let alone their plans for childrearing,” said Nicholson. “People need a broader perspective on life and need to take more
into account. You have a long life, so think about the whole of your life. Child-rearing is only a part of life.” Nevertheless, for many, child-rearing is a significant part of life and something that women should consider when planning a career. “Society still hasn’t shifted enough to make it easy for women in the work world,” observed Nicholson. “There is still much in the job world that doesn’t always accommodate women in a way they can combine a career with child-rearing.” University women are also thinking about their family and career plans, and a large influence on these goals is invested in their own maternal upbringing. Senior Ellen Smirnoff was raised by her mother, who balanced child care with her full-time career as a doctor.
“She worked a lot, and I always kind of resented that to some degree,” recalled Smirnoff. “She drove me on one field trip in elementary school because it worked in her schedule. I don’t want my kids to experience that and I plan on sacrificing some of my schedule for them.” While some young women may be able to plan on being a stay-at-home mom, much depends on their personal and financial situations. “It’s nice if you have the means to stay at home, but I figure I’ll at least be working part-time when I have a family,” said Smirnoff. “You can’t win them all, but I know I will try to find the balance for my career goals and my kids.” Students who were raised by a stay-at-home mom know the sacrifices their moms made and appreciate the differences such support can
make in a child’s life. “I strongly believe that being a stay-at-home mom takes a lot of work, and it should be treated with more respect,” said Lesch. “So I can see why some girls would take different approaches to gain that respect.” Despite traditional gender roles, many were quick to point out that husbands also need to take part in childrearing and ease the societal burden on the woman. “Look for partners who don’t assume child-rearing is the woman’s responsibility,” urged Nicholson. “Shared responsibility makes a good relationship.” In the end, decisions regarding career and family are individual choices to be made when the time arrives. “Ultimately, it’s a personal choice,” said Lesch. “And I’ll know what is right for me.”
Majoring in Candyland:
An afternoon at the Wash. U. Nursery School By Ivanna Yang Scene Reporter Amid the hectic lives of Wash. U. students, it’s hard to remember that there are some on campus for whom naptime, finger-paints and playing dress-up are a part of everyday life. No, they’re not in the B-School— they’re the children who spend their days at the Washington University Nursery School. Founded in 1947 to serve the Wash. U. community, today the nursery school opens its doors to the greater St. Louis
area. “About 70 percent of the children have parents who are staff, faculty or graduate students at Wash. U.,” said Nursery School Director Andrea Atkinson. “An application must be filled and first priority goes to siblings, then to the children affiliated with the university.” Once inside the Nursery School, it’s apparent that one has entered into a world of bright colors, handmade shapes and cartoon posters—a place where Dora the Explorer and Elmo reign supreme, where cleanup is still a group effort and where competition means an intense game of Candyland. Sophomore Helaine Schiller works at the Nursery School as a teacher’s assistant and enjoys the opportunity to engage in downtime with her charges. “I’ve been working here for two years,” said Schiller. “Mostly I make the snacks, play with the kids and clean up the areas.” Schiller also sees her job as a way of breaking the, “Wash. U. bubble.” “At college, most of the people you see are people of your same age, and it’s nice to just be with the kids and
be silly.” The Wash. U. Nursery School is divided into morning and afternoon classes, which are further divided into classes for different age levels. In the afternoon, “Backpack Bears” class, which consists of four and five-year-olds, the room was clearly organized with a child’s interests in mind. Different “stations” are set up with blocks, toys, board games and journals, where the kids could draw or write. Director Andrea Atkinson believes that this kind of structure gives young children a sense of stability. “There is a daily schedule and the children know what to expect and this gives them a sense of control,” Atkinson said. “Everything is available, and the children are free to make their own choices.” There are also weekly drama, movement and art classes for which teachers are brought in to work with the kids. The only three rules are effective in their simplicity: keep yourself, others and the room safe. These rules seem to be working. Observant and responsive, the soon-
OLIVER HULLAND | STUDENT LIFE
The University’s Nursery School is located on the north side of campus near Millbrook. to-be kindergarteners have a sense of sharing and cooperation that would make a good example for all Wash. U. students. Whether it was suggesting a song for the group sing-a-long or doing one’s share in clean-up, orderliness and efficiency were the results. So the next time an exam or paper
A diploma and a ring
By Amanda Ogus Scene Reporter As a senior studying Comparitive Literature and French at Washington University, Laura Binder has many commitments. But in addition to her concerns over classes, books and extra-curricular activities, Binder has something a little different on her mind. Engaged to her boyfriend in California, Binder has her wedding in the summer to plan and the different pressures of being an engaged college student to think about. While not all couples have to deal with the distance that Binder faces, every college relationship has its own unique complications. But according to Barbara Baumgartner, Assistant Director of Women and Gender Studies at Wash. U., a marriage in college may be less of a mental time commitment than other college relationships. “Many people in college are involved in relationships, and in some respects, marriage might be less distracting,” Baumgartner said. “You’re living together in a socially approved and socially sanctioned way, and you don’t have the distraction of living in different places and trying to spend a lot of time together.” Senior Jocelyn Gall agrees with Baumgartner. Engaged to another St. Louis college student, Gall plans to be married after they graduate in
the spring. She welcomes the commitment that marriage will bring. “It’ll simplify my life in knowing that we will be together for our whole lives,” Gall said. “And just knowing that I have security in that, and someone to turn to.” Baumgartner, however, does warn younger prospective newlyweds of the statistics which can discourage earlier marriages. “You are more statistically likely to get divorced if you marry at 21 than if you marry at 28,” Baumgartner said. “If you marry during college years, statistically, you are more likely to be involved in a marriage that ends.” Many couples have been following the advice of these statistics. According to the department of Family and Consumer Sciences at North Carolina State, average marriage age is on an upward trend resulting in an age about five years older than in the 1960’s. The median first marriage age for women and men is about 25 and 27 years old, respectively. These ages have remained relatively constant over the past 10 years. For the recently engaged at Wash U, many throw the statistics aside for other compelling reasons. “It’s not about a number, it’s about experience,” Gall said. “The idea is that when you are older you theoretically have more experience, but who is to
judge whose experiences are more valid just because you’ve lived longer?” Binder agreed with Gall. “I feel like I was born 30,” Binder said. “I think that biological age doesn’t have a lot to do with where you’re at in terms of emotional development.” Due to these concerns about age, many of the younger fiancées at Wash. U. have been the victim of criticism by their peers. “In general, there’s a real stigma attached to [younger marriages],” Binder said. “I’ve had people say really nasty things, and in general, even if people don’t say really mean things, they think it’s so strange.” Senior Megan Eder understands this sort of criticism. Eder recently became engaged to her boyfriend of four years and has witnessed different reactions after sharing her news. But for the most part, these reactions have been positive. “I really felt that social stigma before I got engaged, especially at a school like this, where people are very career-driven,” Eder said. “I was really nervous about telling everyone and I wasn’t sure about how they were going to react. But, I’ve been pretty impressed with people.” Baumgartner also sees the pressure to wait to get married until after graduating. “I think that there is pres-
sure, especially for someone at a great institution like Wash. U., to not get married and to wait until they’ve achieved their educational goals, which often extend beyond their undergraduate years,” noted Baumgartner. Binder believes that to some extent, this assessment is true. “I think that for me, one part is already moving on,” Binder said. “I wouldn’t say that being in college puts a stress on the relationship, but I feel torn. On the one hand, I’m in college, and there’s this image of what you’re supposed to be doing while you are in college, but to a certain extent, I feel like I’m ready for something beyond that.” Life beyond college does present other challenges. Baumgartner’s main concern for those that marry young is that the members of the pair cannot see how their lives will change. “Relationships go through all kinds of changes based on the circumstances,” Baumgartner said. “Their lives are going to look so very different in two years, let alone in five or ten years, and whether or not they both envision the changes in their lives in similar ways, is pretty challenging to try to figure out those kinds of things. I don’t think it’s so much levels of maturity as much as life circumstances. You don’t always know where life is going to throw you. It’s
overhead, take a minute to remember what it was like to first enter a learning environment and the excitement that came along with it. “The second kids come out of the car, they are excited for school,” Atkinson said. “The thing that makes the job fun is the children.”
AMANDA OGUS | STUDENT LIFE
hard enough when you are dealing with yourself, let alone with another person.” Many of the fiancées believe that if the timing is now, why not grab on to what you have? “We had been through a lot of things together and we knew we wanted to spend our lives together,” Gall said. “It seemed like the natural step.” Eder agreed with Gall. “We knew it was there in the future, so we figured, why not start our lives together
after college?” said Eder. “I feel like we’re ready, so why wait?” Binder does not take other people’s concerns about her upcoming marriage very seriously. “People criticize my decision because they think that I’m sacrificing something and not doing things I’m supposed to be doing at this age. I saw the decision as being very simple, and I consider myself very lucky.”