University of Central Oklahoma
TUESDAY April 21, 1998
The Student Voice Since 1903
Controversial cartoon blamed for Vista theft By Mark A. Schneberger Staffillfriler f you had difficulty finding a copy of the UCO student newspaper, The Vista, last Thursday and Friday you likely weren't looking in the right place. Instead, readers could have found large stacks of the newspaper in garbage cans across campus— likely tossed away by a group of angry students who were protesting the March 16 issue, according to The Vista editors and campus police. No person or persons have yet been named as suspects in the incident, which is being investigated as vandalism by campus police. "We have police investigating the (matter) right now," said Christopher Wooldridge, UCO Department of Public Safety captain. "We are trying hard to find the person responsible." Campus police say those involved in the incident, if found, will likely not be fined. But if they are students, they could face heavy sanctions, up to expulsion from UCO, said Dr. Deanna Land, dean of students. She said tossing away bundles of the student-run paper would probably be considered destruction of property. "This could be a very serious (offense)," she said. The Thursday edition of the newspaper was first reported missing from racks in most campus
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1•••2•••3•••jump. Eight-year-old Heather Evans practices for the long jump before competing in the Special Olympics. The event was held at Hamilton Fieldhouse Friday. (Staff photo by Bryan Terry)
INSIDE
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Senior pitcher Deanna Melson led the Bronchos to their sixth straight win last week. 11
Rock band Semisonic cranks out a new CD with an infectious sound. 15
Assistant Professor of Biology Jim Bidlack assists students in an innovative research project. 16
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buildings at roughly 11 a.m. Thursday by students who said they regularly read The Vista. Students again reported the papers missing on Friday morning. The edition contained an article regarding an Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity stunt gone awry, an editorial about underage drinking and an editorial cartoon entitled "Brotherhood" which featured fraternity members drinking in a car which had apparently run over a pedestrian. The cartoon was considered controversial by many students who claimed to be sorority and fraternity members and supporters of the Greek system—including some who said they represented ATO. The Vista editors said they heard from dozens of students who felt the cartoon was drawn to insult members of the ATO fraternity. Neither ATO President Shane Ingram nor President-elect Jeff Mezeire could be reached for comment about the vandalism incidents. ATO and other fraternity organizations have not been directly linked to the vandalism. No newspapers were found in the dumpsters outside the ATO fraternity house. Large stacks of newspapers, however, were found in garbage cans inside and outside the Liberal Arts Building, University Center, UCO Library, Human
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