Observer the
AUGUST 23, 2012 VOLUME XXXI, ISSUE 8
www.fordhamobserver.com
Admin Quits Over Sex Abuse Claims
Photo Spotlight
By HARRY HUGGINS Editor-in-Chief
Despite passing a criminal background check in 2011, Br. James A. Ligouri, former associate vice president and executive director of Fordham’s Westchester campus, resigned July 20 after a claim that he sexually abused a child was made public. According to a story posted on the website of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), the alleged victim, known as John Doe, filed on July 19 a claim in bankruptcy court alleging sexual abuse by Liguori. The alleged incidents occured in 1969, when the victim attended the Cardinal Farley Military Academy in Rhinecliff, New York. Liguori is a member of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers, formerly known as the Irish Christian Brothers. Two days later, on July 21, Fordham sent an email to the community expressing their awareness of the allegations against Liguori and his subsequent resignation. The email from Father Joseph M. McShane, S.J., said Liguori passed a criminal background check when he was hired in 2011. Fordham uses A-Check America for background checks on new hires. One recent hire who wished to remain anonymous described the background check process as rigorous, asking for all employers from the last seven years, and even addresses from when she lived out of the country. Fordham’s employment application does ask for applicants to list any convictions, but does not ask for pending lawsuits or bankruptcy claims. According to various sources, Liguori was able to pass his background check because he was never convicted of a crime. A representative from the law see BACKGROUND CHECKS pg. 3
Inside
SARA AZOULAY/THE OBSERVER
As we return back to Fordham College Lincoln Center, the progress of the construction stands out among the scenery. During the summer, the construction continued and the new building took shape. The new dorms and law school building will open in 2014.
Fordham Among Top 50 Schools For Veterans By MEHGAN ABDELMASSIH News Co-Editor
Fordham was the only university in New York City to make it to the top 50 of Military Times’ Best For Vets ranking. Falling under the G.I. Bill cap, having a relaxed residency and costing under $250 per credit are just some of the categories that make up the Best For Vets ranking. The Yellow Ribbon Program provides additional financial assistance to those in need over and above basic veterans benefits. The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill had, at a previous time, allowed veterans to receive financial assistance based on the highest public institution tuition in one’s respected state. The Yellow Ribbon Program was created with the intention to supplement the veterans’ benefits that are available for education. Veterans who have served
a full three-year commitment are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program is optional; not all universities participate. “There is a major dual benefit to being in school as a veteran on the G.I. Bill, financial security and not having to worry about student loans,” said Philip d’Aff lisio, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’15 and former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and Counter Intelligence Agent for the Special Operations Command. “Fordham’s completely open Yellow Ribbon program was a huge deciding point,” d’Aff lisio said. When Congress cut the standard funding for veteran aid to $17,500, many universities reduced their participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Universities and colleges across the nation did not have the available funding to provide student veter-
ans with more aid to make up for the reduction that Congress enacted in 2010. Fordham, however, did not reduce its participation. In some states, such as New York, public institutions’ tuitions are high, which resulted in veterans receiving more aid than others that reside in different states. In 2010, Congress addressed the financial inequities that face student veterans. Instead of basing aid on a state-by-state basis, Congress created a standard level of aid that would stretch across the nation. The maximum amount of aid that a student veteran could apply for amounted to $17,500 by 2010. The $17,500 amount constituted a considerable reduction in some states, one of them being New York. Michael Gillan, Ph.d, associate vice president and co-chair of the Fordham Vets Task Group said, “Fordham has not reduced funding or the number of stu-
dents eligible for funding. The only restriction that Fordham has placed on its participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, of course, is that the student vet needs to be admitted, but once admitted they can count on that support.” Although the Best of Vets ranking demonstrated what separates Fordham’s commitment to veterans in comparison to other institutions, it is the simple word-of-mouth communication that has spread the good word about the veterans program at Fordham. “The reason that we have done well and drawn vets to us is firstly because of the university’s reputation; secondly that we were out there early to make a strong commitment to the education of these young men and women see VETERANS pg.3
LITERARY
FEATURES
SPORTS
ARTS & CULTURE
OPINONS
Hebrew Homeland
Chinese Adventure
Row Rams Row!
Vansaders
Voter I.D.’s
PAGE 8
PAGE 7
A poem about what it means to really be in Israel.
PAGE 17
A student experiences Chinese politics and culture first-hand.
PAGE 14
Fordham rows to gold in the largest regatta in the U.S. PAGE 18
Fordham alumni shows off musical talent.
THE STUDENT VOICE OF FORDHAM COLLEGE AT LINCOLN CENTER
Regulations become stricter for people to vote. Unfair or justified?