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VOLUME 113 ISSUE 89
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2019 Published by Campus Communications, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida
Not officially associated with the University of Florida
Santa Fe College adjunct professors protest at Board of Trustees meeting OVER 70 PEOPLE ATTENDED, INCLUDING TWO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
By Lina Ruiz Staff Writer
More than 70 people crowded into a Santa Fe board Tuesday meeting to protest the work conditions, wages and lack of benefits for adjunct professors. The Board of Trustees meeting in boardroom S-322 overflowed with board members and protesters at Santa Fe College. Adjunct faculty and supporters protested on behalf of their rights to form a union at the meeting, which began at 4 p.m.
The board allowed 15 minutes for people to voice their concerns. Five people spoke during this time, including County Commissioner Ken Cornell. Protest organizer and Santa Fe College adjunct professor Glynn Hayes, 51, spoke first on behalf of the faculty. He has taught biology and earth science at the college for 10 years without benefits or a secure contract. “We find it disheartening and concerning that the administration has made efforts to block adjuncts’ democratic right to vote for a professional union,” he said. Hayes said in an interview following the rally he and his peers
filed to have an election to form a union in December. The college hired a law firm to block the election because the adjuncts did not have enough showing of interest. At least one-third of adjunct professors had to provide their signatures to file for the union, which is what they did, Hayes said. Jay Anderson, the college’s communications manager, confirmed Santa Fe hired legal representation when the Service Employees International Union represented the adjunct professors. The contract between the union and the college is bound to a legal process expected to end in the middle of June, Anderson said.
Alachua County Animal Services quarantined due to virus DOG ADOPTIONS ARE ON HOLD By Sarah Pickett Contributing Writer
Alachua County Animal Services is mourning the loss of six dogs after an infectious outbreak. The dogs, infected with canine distemper, were euthanized to minimize the spread of the virus. The shelter’s dog kennels are currently under quarantine and being monitored for infection for at least two weeks, according to an Alachua County press release. Dr. Richard Sammy, a local veterinarian at Suburban Animal Hospital, said the virus results in upper
respiratory infections and pneumonia and can progress to vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Neurological signs, including dementia and unconsciousness, can appear as the infection becomes more severe. Distemper is primarily found in young and unvaccinated dogs, Sammy said. In a shelter environment, a viral infection like distemper tends to go through multiple animals in a short amount of time. Because the disease is a virus, the treatment is adapted to each animal’s needs, Sammy said. Treatment can include antibiotics, fluid support and medications for seizures. “[Distemper] is quite serious,
UF eliminated in SEC Tournament
The Gators are on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament, pg 11
SEE VIRUS, PAGE 3
Sam Thomas / Alligator Staff
Santa Fe President Jackson Sasser speaks to protesters Tuesday. “The two parties themselves, the adjuncts and the college, can’t really say too much one way or another,” he said. “That is the issue that should
be resolved by the middle of June, and then both sides can move forward with what the next steps are.”
SEE SANTA FE, PAGE 3
City Commission to vote on single-use plastic straw ban in June IT WOULD GO INTO EFFECT ON JAN. 1, 2020 By Tien Le Staff Writer
Paper straw, metal straw or even pasta straw? These are just some of the different alternatives Gainesville residents may have to consider after the Gainesville City Commission votes on a single-use plastic straw ban in June. If passed, the ordinance would take effect on Jan. 1, 2020. The City Commission discussed the possible plastic straw ban on May 16. This came less
than a week after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill prohibiting local governments from implementing their own plastic straw bans. The ordinance would include plastic straws and stirrers, but there would be some exemptions, Mayor Lauren Poe said during the May 16 meeting. Despite some concerns about how the ordinance would affect disabled individuals, Poe noted there would be an exemption for those who need plastic straws, such as the elderly and disabled people who rely on straws, during the meeting. This vote on banning plastic
New UF graduate program to launch in fall The program will be held in Orlando and will teach creative architectural design for entertainment spaces, pg 3
SG Senate meeting canceled last minute
Student Body President Michael Murphy requested cancelation, pg4
straws is part of a larger initiative to make Gainesville wastefree by 2040, which includes the outlawing of single-use plastics and foam containers. City Commissioner Adrian Hayes-Santos said he fully supports the ordinance. “I think this community cares about the environment,” HayesSantos said. “I think this community understands that we need to be a leader in looking at ways that we can reduce the amount of waste we’re creating.”
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